RGNUL Punjab Hosts 17th National Youth Parliament Competition 2025, Fostering Democratic Values Among Youth
Patiala, April 30,
The Rajiv Gandhi National University of Law (RGNUL), Punjab, organized the 17th National Youth Parliament Competition for Universities and Colleges on April 30, 2025, under the auspices of the Ministry of Parliamentary Affairs, Government of India. The event was inaugurated by Dr. Dharamvira Gandhi, Member of Parliament, Dr. Shalini Sharma, Group Coordinator of Youth Parliament at the Ministry of Parliamentary Affairs, and Prof. Monika Ahuja from Punjabi University.
Inaugural Address by Dr. Dharamvira Gandhi
Dr. Dharamvira Gandhi, in his keynote address, underscored the pivotal role of federalism in preserving India’s unity amidst its rich cultural, linguistic, and religious diversity. “The Indian Constitution is unique, designed with federal features tailored to India’s conditions to ensure national unity and integrity,” he said. He emphasized that federalism is the ideal framework for addressing the challenges of a diverse nation, where states and communities have historically set aside regional identities for a unified India. Dr. Gandhi advocated for greater recognition of states within the constitutional framework, reinforcing the principle of Unity in Diversity.
He also passionately championed women’s empowerment, describing it as fundamental to a progressive society. Urging students to engage actively in democratic discourse, he stressed the importance of adhering to procedural formalities in a democracy to uphold justice and institutional integrity. Dr. Gandhi called for a humanitarian approach to resolving conflicts and encouraged students, as future leaders, to uphold constitutional values with conviction.
Vice-Chancellor’s Remarks
Prof. (Dr.) Jai S. Singh, Vice-Chancellor of RGNUL, highlighted the event’s objective of nurturing democratic values and promoting parliamentary engagement among youth. “The National Youth Parliament Competition is a platform to instill civic responsibility, foster unity, and cultivate a culture of vibrant debate and discourse,” he stated, reaffirming RGNUL’s commitment to shaping responsible citizens.
Insights from Dr. Shalini Sharma
Dr. Shalini Sharma emphasized India’s diverse religious, cultural, and linguistic fabric, noting that students are the torchbearers of the nation’s future. “Nurturing young minds as future leaders is critical. Events like these equip students with the skills and values needed to strengthen India’s democratic framework,” she said.
Faculty Coordinator’s Perspective
Dr. Manoj Sharma, Faculty Coordinator, traced the origins of the Youth Parliament initiative, introduced by the Ministry of Parliamentary Affairs to familiarize students with parliamentary democracy. “This platform helps students grasp legislative processes, hone leadership skills, and develop a deep respect for democratic principles,” he remarked. Dr. Sharma stressed that such competitions foster tolerance for opposing views and instill democratic values essential for a pluralistic society.
Remarks by Prof. Monika Ahuja
Prof. (Dr.) Monika Ahuja congratulated RGNUL for hosting the event and urged students to integrate democratic values into their daily lives. “In a diverse and pluralistic nation like India, tolerance and respect for democratic ideals are the cornerstone of our success,” she said.
Competition Highlights
The competition featured simulated parliamentary sessions, where participants demonstrated exceptional oratory, critical thinking, and mastery of legislative procedures. Students debated pressing national issues, including the National Education Policy, the Pahalgam killings, and women’s reservation, showcasing their command over policy, procedure, and perspective. The sessions were marked by spirited discussions and insightful arguments, reflecting the participants’ engagement with contemporary challenges.
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Felicitation Ceremony
The event concluded with a felicitation ceremony, where the top five speakers—Kunal Yadav, Pranav Chadha, Rudraksh Singh Sisodia, Prahlad, Aarsh Sabharwal, and Deepak Jain—were honored for their outstanding performances. Their speeches were praised for their clarity, persuasiveness, and analytical depth. The Ministry of Parliamentary Affairs, Government of India, will award certificates to these students in recognition of their achievements.
Significance of the Event
The 17th National Youth Parliament Competition underscored RGNUL’s commitment to fostering democratic engagement among youth. By providing a platform for students to simulate parliamentary proceedings, the event not only honed their leadership and oratorical skills but also reinforced the importance of constitutional values, tolerance, and civic responsibility in shaping India’s future.
