Union Minister Mansukh Mandaviya inaugurated the National Round of the Viksit Bharat Youth Parliament Festival 2025 in New Delhi on Wednesday. The two-day event aims to empower young minds and foster leadership through parliamentary discussions.
The festival began with the District Youth Parliament, held from March 16 to 27, followed by the State Youth Parliament, which took place from March 23 to 31 across various state legislative assemblies.
A total of 105 finalists, who excelled at both the district and state levels, are now competing in the national round.
Union Minister of State for Youth Affairs & Sports, Raksha Khadse, was also present at the inauguration.
In his inaugural speech, Mandaviya highlighted the integration of the Youth Parliament with the vision of Viksit Bharat, emphasizing that over 75,000 young individuals submitted one-minute videos to be part of this initiative. After rigorous selection at the district and state levels, the finalists are now debating in the Parliament, where India’s leaders have shaped the nation’s course. He urged the youth to adopt a ‘Nation First’ mindset, emphasizing that democracy thrives on constructive discussions rather than arguments. He praised India’s democratic strength, stating that Parliament symbolizes unity in diversity and offers opportunities for all, where even individuals from humble backgrounds can rise to the highest offices.
The event featured two Question Hour sessions, where participants engaged in meaningful discussions. The first session debated One Nation, One Election (ONOE), covering governance, political stability, and legal challenges. The second session focused on youth empowerment, education, skill development, and sustainability under the vision of Viksit Bharat. Each session featured teams representing MPs and Ministers, with their debates judged by a panel of Members of Parliament and senior government officials.
Additionally, Sudhanshu Trivedi, MP, conducted a master class on oratory skills, providing valuable insights into effective public speaking, a crucial skill for leadership and parliamentary debates.
On the second day, participants will visit the new Parliament building to witness live proceedings and experience the legislative process firsthand. They will engage in a focused discussion on ONOE, examining implementation models and Centre-State implications. A deliberation session led by the Ministry of Law and Justice will introduce a motion for voting. The day will conclude with the National Youth Awards ceremony (2021-22 & 2022-23), recognizing exceptional contributions to youth leadership, followed by the Viksit Bharat Youth Parliament Awards 2025, celebrating the most impactful participants.
