New Delhi, 02 March : Lok Sabha Speaker Shri Om Birla addressed the valedictory ceremony of the National Youth Parliament Festival organized in the Central Hall of Parliament House, today. Information and Broadcasting and Youth Affairs and Sports Minister Shri Anurag Singh Thakur; Minister of State in the Ministry of Home Affairs and Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, Shri Nisith Pramanik and Members of Parliament graced the occasion.
Speaking on the occasion, Shri Birla welcomed all the young participants to the historic Central Hall of the Parliament House. He informed the participants that the Central Hall has been witness to many historical and glorious occasions, including the transfer of power from Britain to India and the making of the Constitution. He mentioned that it was here in the Central Hall that India’s freedom fighters and Constitution makers prepared the supreme law of the nation i.e. the Constitution of India.
Mentioning the contribution of India, the Mother of democracy, at the global level, Shri Birla highlighted that democratic values, principles and institutions have been present in India since ancient times, which have evolved as per the needs of the time. He added that there have been mentions of democratic institutions in India from ancient Vedic period to Mahabharata and Buddhist period. Expressing joy, Shri Birla observed that democracy and democratic values are an integral part of India and its citizens.
Shri Birla opined that constructive criticism on issues of national and public importance has been the hallmark of the Parliament of India. He said that India’s parliamentary heritage and in its democratic governance system, importance has been given to diverse views and interests of every section of society. He added that equal weightage is given to each and every point of view in the Parliament in order to ensure the welfare of the weakest sections of society.
Describing the youth as the foremost symbol of New India, Shri Birla said that due to the achievements and efforts of the youth in various fields, especially its young women, India today is included among the fastest developing young nations in the world. He added that in view of their talent and achievements, the contribution of youth in the nation’s development journey is of utmost importance.
Referring to the global contribution of Indian youth, Shri Birla said that in today’s era, the Indian youth is providing leadership to the entire world. He hoped that during the Amrit Kaal, youth will play a vital role in building a New India and ensuring that the benefits of development reach every section of society and that no one is left behind. Calling upon the youth to work purposively, Shri Birla said that the youth can bring necessary reforms in society while building an inclusive and just society. He expressed hope that Indian youth will never hesitate to contribute towards New India and will cooperate fully towards making India a developed nation by 2047 as per the vision of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi.
Addressing the valedictory function, Shri Anurag Singh Thakur congratulated all the young participants and winners. He described the five vows of Amrit Kaal given by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi as living principles for the youth and exhorted them to incorporate these vows in their lives. In the context of nation’s progress and comprehensive development under the leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, Shri Thakur said that youth have the enviable responsibility to take the nation from Amrit Kaal to Swarnim Kaal.
