Shillong : Students from nine colleges across Ri-Bhoi district are taking part in a two-day Youth Parliament aimed at giving young people practical exposure to democratic institutions, parliamentary debate and responsible citizenship.
The district-level Youth Parliament began at Union Christian College on Monday with the theme “Empowering Youth for Democratic Leadership and Responsible Citizenship.” The programme is sponsored by the Meghalaya Legislative Assembly.
The two-day event features mock parliamentary sessions and debates on contemporary issues, including the National Education Policy, 2020, and social media and youth mental health.
Inaugurating the programme, Meghalaya Legislative Assembly Speaker Thomas A Sangma said young people needed to develop the ability to express their views, listen to others and work together despite differences.
“The future of any democracy depends on how well its citizens can talk, listen and work together,” Sangma said.
He said Youth Parliaments provide students with an opportunity to understand how democratic decision-making works, from debating ideas and raising questions to amending proposals and arriving at decisions.
The Speaker said parliamentary skills were also important life skills, as young people needed to learn to articulate their views clearly while respecting those with differing opinions.
Referring to Meghalaya’s traditional institutions, Sangma said the state had a long tradition of discussion, consensus and community participation.
“Democracy is not foreign to us,” he said, stressing that democratic values are rooted in Meghalaya’s traditional systems and remain compatible with the state’s social and cultural traditions.
He also urged young people to remain grounded in faith, honesty and humility while preparing themselves for leadership roles.
Government Deputy Chief Whip Ronnie V Lyngdoh said greater participation of young people was essential for strengthening democracy.
He said democracy becomes more accountable when citizens actively participate in public and political life, and urged young people to remain engaged with issues affecting society.
Meghalaya Legislative Assembly Secretary Malthus S Sangma said platforms such as the Youth Parliament could help build confidence and self-belief among students.
Describing the programme as a simulated legislative exercise, he said it allows participants to experience parliamentary-style debate, decision-making and governance processes.
The programme also aims to deepen students’ understanding of democratic principles, constitutional provisions and parliamentary etiquette while developing public speaking, critical thinking, discipline and leadership skills.
Participants are also being encouraged to develop informed opinions on national policies, social welfare and community issues, while learning to listen patiently and respect differing viewpoints.
Among those attending the inaugural session were Assembly Speaker Thomas A Sangma, Deputy Chief Whip Ronnie V Lyngdoh, Assembly Secretary Malthus S Sangma, Union Christian College principal Dr R.M. Manih, IQAC coordinator Dr J.P. Marak and faculty members.
The two-day programme is expected to provide participating students with practical exposure to parliamentary processes while encouraging greater understanding of democratic institutions and the responsibilities of citizenship.
