CUKashmir hosts Viksit Bharat Youth Parliament–2026
28/02/2026
Ganderbal, February 27 (KIP)-Dean Students Welfare (DSW), National Service Scheme (NSS) and Department of Law, Central University of Kashmir (CUKashmir), in collaboration with MY Bharat, Ministry of Youth Affairs & Sports, Government of India, organized the Viksit Bharat Youth Parliament–2026 at Tulmulla Campus here Friday.
The programme centred on the theme, “50 Years of Emergency: Lessons for Indian Democracy,” witnessed participation from faculty members, research scholars and students.
In his keynote address, Dean, School of Legal Studies, Prof. Farooq Ahmad Mir, highlighted the educational significance of Youth Parliament. He observed that if one seeks lasting change, educating young minds is the most enduring investment. He described Youth Parliament as an essential component of modern education that instils democratic values and nurtures critical thinking.
Prof. Farooq Ahmad Mir reminded students that democracy forms the basic structure of the Indian constitutional framework and must be cherished and protected. He stressed that Youth Parliament serves as a practical training ground where students learn the art of debate, discipline and tolerance. “It is not merely about speaking persuasively but about listening patiently, respecting divergent opinions and engaging constructively,” he added. He particularly highlighted its relevance for law students, for whom debate and constitutional awareness are integral to academic and professional growth.
Registrar, Dr. Nisar Ahmad Mir, underscored the role of youth in steering the country from a narrative of “brain drain” to one of “brain gain,” asserting that skill development and purposeful engagement are central to the achievement of Viksit Bharat @ 2047. Highlighting the importance of participatory platforms, he noted that initiatives such as Youth Parliament not only nurture informed debate and critical thinking but also strengthen democratic culture by instilling respect for dialogue, diversity of opinion, and constitutional values.
Addressing the participants, Dean DSW, Dr. Jehirul Islam described the Youth Parliament as a dynamic platform designed to amplify young voices and shape future leadership. He highlighted that the initiative, which has been organized annually, has evolved into the Viksit Bharat Youth Parliament in alignment with the vision of Viksit Bharat @ 2047. Referring to the national call for nurturing young leaders, he emphasized that India’s youth are not merely beneficiaries of development but its architects. He remarked that such platforms expose students to high-level deliberations, and experiential learning opportunities, thereby strengthening their understanding of governance and democratic functioning.
Thereafter the technical session (Youth Parliament) started, the jury members of which included: Dr. Kothapeta Lakshman, HoD Politics & Governance Deptt, Dr. Krishna Chaitanya, Associate Prof. Deptt of English, Dr. Ramjit Dy Director, R&D, Dr. Salma, Associate Professor, GDC, Ganderbal, Mr. Imran Khan, District Commissioner, Bharat Scouts & Guides, Srinagar. The first prize was bagged by Ms. Tulba Rasool, from the Deptt of English, while the second and third prize was received by Ms Tamanna from Ms Arunima Akral, Deptt of Law, respectively.
The inaugural session was conducted by Dr. Rehana Shawl, Youth Welfare Officer and Dr. Adil Amin Nazki, Youth Welfare Officer, proposed the vote of thanks.
The valedictory session, which was conducted by Dr. Hilal Ahmad Najar, Programme Officer, NSS, included opening remarks by Dr. Shabir Ahmad Ahangar, Coordinator, NSS.