Shillong: Saurabh Kumar from North Eastern Hill University (NEHU) emerged as the top performer at the Viksit Bharat Youth Parliament 2025, securing first prize and marking a significant achievement in Meghalaya’s youth-driven democratic engagement. Representing East Khasi Hills District, Kumar’s compelling presentation showcased the transformative potential of young voices in shaping national discourse.
The state-level event, hosted by the Meghalaya Legislative Assembly in collaboration with Nehru Yuva Kendra Sangathan and the National Service Scheme, brought together 69 students from districts across Meghalaya. Held at the Lariti International Centre for Performing Arts and Culture in Mawkasiang, the event aligned with the Viksit Bharat@2047 vision, a national framework outlined by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
Distinguished dignitaries, including Meghalaya Assembly Speaker Thomas A Sangma, Umsning MLA Dr. Celestine Lyngdoh, and Mawlai MLA Brightstarwell Marbaniang, graced the event. Marbaniang highlighted the evolution of the Indian Constitution through over 100 amendments in 75 years and encouraged participants to recognize their potential as future leaders.
Participants engaged in discussions on two key themes—“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 evaluated speakers across six rigorous criteria, including content relevance, verbal communication, creativity, and time management.
Kalung Angel from Don Bosco College, representing East Jaintia Hills District, secured second place, while Dabitkupar Syiemlieh from Sngap Syiem College, representing South West Khasi Hills District, earned third place. The winners received cash prizes of ₹10,000, ₹5,000, and ₹3,000, respectively, while all participants were awarded certificates of participation.
Dr. Andrew Simons, Commissioner & Secretary of the Meghalaya Legislative Assembly, praised the Youth Parliament as an essential platform for students to engage with critical constitutional matters, including Article 19 and Article 21. Deputy Director F. Rumnong stressed the importance of collaboration between youth organizations and the legislative assembly in fostering a deeper understanding of democratic processes.
The top three winners will advance to the National Level competition in New Delhi, where they will debate the theme “One Nation, One Election: Simplifying Democracy, Amplifying Progress, Ensuring Stability.” Expressing optimism, legislators like Dr. Celestine Lyngdoh and Nujorki Sungoh emphasized the event’s potential to inspire future civil servants from Meghalaya.
Concluding the event, Secretary Malthus S Sangma commended the participants, expressing hope that their insights and leadership will contribute to Meghalaya’s future development.
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