The State Round of the Viksit Bharat Youth Parliament 2025 was successfully held at the K. Shikhu Conference Hall, Assembly Secretariat, Kohima, on 27th March 2025.
The Special Guest of the event, Deputy Speaker of the Nagaland Legislative Assembly (NLA), S. Toiho Yeptho, addressed the participants, reflecting on his own experiences as a youth. He emphasized that the Viksit Bharat Youth Parliament serves as a powerful platform for the youth to voice their concerns, challenge existing norms, and propose innovative solutions for the progress of the nation. He called the participants the torchbearers of change and urged them to utilize their passion, intellect, and vision to contribute to the nation’s future.
The Viksit Bharat mission is not just a goal, but a call to action, said Yeptho. He stated that it is an endeavor that requires the participation of every citizen, especially the youth, to shape a prosperous and developed India. He further encouraged the youth to respect all cultures and beliefs, and to relentlessly pursue justice, equality, and innovation to address the challenges the country faces today.
Joh Makhabo, Director of the Nehru Yuva Kendra Sangathan (NYKS), also addressed the gathering, highlighting the initiative’s alignment with the Viksit Bharat 2047 framework envisioned by the Government of India. He shared that 643 youths registered for the district-level round, with 150 participants each selected from the Nodal Centres in Mokokchung, Kohima, and Dimapur. These participants competed in a physical presentation competition, and the top 10 from each centre were chosen for the state-level competition.
Makhabo further informed the audience that the top three participants from the state level would represent Nagaland at the National Youth Parliament, to be held from 1st to 3rd April 2025 in Parliament House, New Delhi. He acknowledged the continuous efforts of NYKS in conducting Youth Parliament and declamation programs, many of which have led to national accolades for the state’s youth.
After thorough debates on the two thought-provoking topics, "75 Years of the Indian Constitution: A Journey of Rights, Duties and Progress" and "The 11 Sankalp of Samvidhan Divas: A Pledge to Strengthen India's Constitutional Values," the competition culminated in the announcement of the winners. Chagaliu Pamai from St. Xavier College, Jalukie, emerged as the winner of the state-level competition. Yutsula K. Tikhir from Don Bosco College, Kohima, and Songmo Khiamniungan from Immanuel College, Dimapur, secured second and third places, respectively. The top three were awarded certificates and cash prizes of ₹20,000/-, ₹15,000/- and ₹10,000/-.
The distinguished jury panel for the competition included Deputy Speaker, S. Toiho Yeptho; Advisor for School Education and SCERT, Dr. Kekhrielhoulie Yhome; and MLA, Y. Lima Onen Chang.
The event also featured a brief tour of the Assembly Secretariat, including visits to the Assembly Hall, P. Shilu Library, and the TN Angami Botanical Garden, allowing the youth to connect more deeply with the legislative process.
The event was attended by students from various schools and colleges across Nagaland, making the day a memorable and enriching experience for all participants. The Viksit Bharat Youth Parliament remains a vital initiative in empowering the youth and shaping the future of India.
(Wepre Kronu, APRO)
