NEW DELHI, April 3: Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya inaugurated the National Round of the two-day Viksit Bharat Youth Parliament Festival 2025 in New Delhi today. Union Minister of State for Youth Affairs & Sports, Smt. Raksha Khadse, was also present at the event. The journey to this grand event began with the District Youth Parliament from March 16 to March 27, 2025. The winners from these district-level events advanced to the State Youth Parliament, held between March 23 and March 31, 2025, in various State Legislative Assemblies. After rigorous selection, 105 State-level winners from across India secured their place at the prestigious National Youth Parliament 2025.
In his inaugural speech, Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya emphasized that this year’s Youth Parliament is aligned with the vision of Viksit Bharat (Developed India). Highlighting the enthusiasm of young minds, he noted that over 75,000 participants submitted one-minute videos to take part in this initiative. The selection process at the district and state levels led to the final participants engaging in discussions at the Parliament—India’s policy-making hub.
Dr. Mandaviya urged the youth to adopt a “Nation First” approach, regardless of their career paths. He stated that the Viksit Bharat Youth Parliament is not just a platform for debate but a space that cultivates leadership and national responsibility. He further highlighted that democracy thrives on constructive conversations rather than arguments, emphasizing the importance of dialogue over discord.
The Union Minister lauded India’s unity in diversity, calling the Parliament a symbol of national integrity. Expressing hope for the future, he envisioned many of the participating youth becoming future Members of Parliament and Ministers. He also underscored the strength of Indian democracy, where any individual, regardless of background, can rise to the highest office in the country. Encouraging the youth, he advised them to focus on taking pledges for a Viksit Bharat instead of worrying about results.
Union Minister of State for Youth Affairs & Sports, Smt. Raksha Khadse, emphasized that the discussions and dialogues during the Viksit Bharat Youth Parliament 2025 would shape India’s future. She stated that this initiative aligns with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of a Viksit Bharat, encouraging young people to contribute actively and lead the nation forward.
In her welcome address, Smt. Meeta Rajivlochan, Secretary, Department of Youth Affairs, stressed that the Viksit Bharat Youth Parliament 2025 is a commitment to democracy. She highlighted that this forum allows young minds to engage in public policy discussions that influence the country’s governance.
The inaugural ceremony was followed by opening remarks by participants, judged by a distinguished panel including Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya and Sushri Shambhavi Chaudhary (Member of Parliament). The core of the Youth Parliament revolved around two Question Hour sessions, each featuring 18 teams—9 representing MPs and 9 representing Ministers.
In Question Hour 1, teams debated the governance, administrative feasibility, political stability, and legal challenges of One Nation, One Election (ONOE). The session was evaluated by a jury including Smt. Raksha Khadse (MoS, Youth Affairs & Sports) and Dr. Bhagwat Kishanrao Karad (MP). Question Hour 2 focused on Viksit Bharat and the role of youth in nation-building. Participants deliberated on empowerment, education, skill development, and sustainability. The jury included Shri Satnam Singh Sandhu (MP), Shri Dhaval Laxmanbhai Patel (MP), and Shri Nitesh Kumar Mishra (Joint Secretary, Ministry of Youth Affairs & Sports).
The first day concluded with an insightful master class on oratory skills by Dr. Sudhanshu Trivedi (Member of Parliament). This session provided participants with valuable insights into public speaking, a crucial skill for leadership and parliamentary debates.
On the second day, the participants will visit the New Parliament Building, witnessing live legislative proceedings. They will engage in a focused discussion on One Nation, One Election, exploring potential implementation models and Centre-State relations. A deliberation session will be led by representatives from the Ministry of Law & Justice, who will initiate a motion in the house for voting. The agenda also includes the National Youth Awards Ceremony (2021-22 & 2022-23), celebrating exceptional contributions to youth leadership, along with the Viksit Bharat Youth Parliament Awards 2025.
The Viksit Bharat Youth Parliament 2025 – Day 1 concluded on an inspiring note, setting the stage for an engaging and impactful second day filled with debates, discussions, and policymaking exercises. The initiative has cemented itself as a critical platform for nurturing India’s future leaders, ensuring that young voices actively shape the nation’s path to development.
