Kohima : A postgraduate student from Nagaland has earned national recognition after winning the Best Responder Award at the Viksit Bharat Youth Parliament 2026, with his achievement also earning him an invitation to attend the Independence Day celebrations at Delhi’s Red Fort.
Kepozo Kapuh, who is pursuing an MA in Political Science at St. Joseph’s College (Autonomous), Jakhama, represented Nagaland as the Minister of Social Justice and Empowerment during the national Youth Parliament held in New Delhi from June 15 to 17.
Organised by the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports in collaboration with MY Bharat, the event brought together youth leaders from across the country to deliberate on the theme, “Nari Shakti Vandan: Catalysing Inclusivity and Viksit Bharat 2047.” Kapuh won the national Best Responder Award for his performance during the parliamentary debates.
Speaking on women’s reservation, he underscored the need for capacity-building to ensure meaningful participation of women in politics. The event was attended by Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla and Union Minister Mansukh Mandaviya.
Speaking after returning to Nagaland, Kapuh said the honour comes with a greater responsibility to inspire young people and encouraged greater youth participation in politics by balancing experience with fresh ideas.
Adding another feather to his cap, Kapuh has been invited by the President of India to attend the Independence Day celebrations at the Red Fort on August 15, joining a select group of young achievers from across the country recognised for their contribution to public discourse and nation-building.
Kapuh, who has previously represented Nagaland at several state and national youth leadership programmes, is increasingly being seen as one of the state’s emerging young voices in governance and public policy.
