National Youth Parliament at MGAHV Wardha Highlights Democratic Values and Parliamentary Practices

The 18th Group-Level National Youth Parliament Competition 2026 was organised by the Ministry of Parliamentary Affairs, Government of India, at Mahatma Gandhi Antarrashtriya Hindi Vishwavidyalaya, Wardha, on Saturday. A total of 55 students from various departments participated in the competition, taking on different parliamentary roles and deliberating on issues related to education, healthcare, unemployment, inflation and farmers' concerns. The competition provided students with an opportunity to understand parliamentary proceedings and showcase their debating and oratory skills.

The competition was held at Kasturba Auditorium under the chairpersonship of Vice-Chancellor Prof. Kumud Sharma. Prof. Prahlad Mane, Coordinator of Group VI of the National Youth Parliament Competition at Shivaji University, Kolhapur, attended as the Chief Guest, while Prof. Ravishankar More, Director of Dr. Ambedkar School of Law, Rashtrasant Tukadoji Maharaj Nagpur University, was the Guest of Honour.

Addressing the participants, Prof. Kumud Sharma said that youth play a significant role in strengthening the foundations of democracy and are the backbone of the nation's development. She emphasised their role in realising the vision of a prosperous and self-reliant India. Appreciating the students' performances, she commended their candid views on various issues and their logical reasoning. She also highlighted the participation of 21 women among the 55 contestants, noting that it reflected the spirit of Nari Shakti Vandan.

Prof. Prahlad Mane and Prof. Ravishankar More appreciated the students' performances and observed that discussions on education, healthcare, sports, unemployment, inflation and farmers' issues demonstrated their awareness, talent and oratory skills. A Bill proposing compulsory voting was also introduced and discussed during the proceedings.

During the 55-minute session, participants deliberated on various issues and government schemes. The proceedings included Zero Hour, oath-taking, condolence motions and discussions on matters of public importance, providing an insight into the functioning of Parliament. Students assumed roles such as the Speaker of the Lok Sabha, the Prime Minister, the Secretary-General of the Lok Sabha, the Leader of the Opposition and other ministers.

Six students were recognised for their performances. Divya Maharanwar, who played the role of the Speaker of the Lok Sabha, secured first place, followed by Priyanshu Kumar in second place. Shia, a student of the Department of Mass Communication who portrayed the Prime Minister, secured third place. Ankita Thul, Aman Maurya and Monika jointly secured fourth place. The students were felicitated with mementoes, gold medals and certificates.

Dr. Balaji Chirde, Associate Professor and Coordinator of the Youth Parliament, delivered the welcome address, while Dr. Meera Nichale, Assistant Professor in the Department of Translation Studies, conducted the programme.

The guests were welcomed with shawls, cotton garlands, mementoes and bouquets. The programme began with the University anthem and concluded with the National Song and the National Anthem. Deans, heads of departments, faculty members, research scholars and students attended the event.

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Saurabh Khekde/Parshuram Kor

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