Shillong, Oct 5: A two-day Ri-Bhoi District-level Youth Parliament began at Union Christian College on Monday with the theme ‘Empowering Youth for Democratic Leadership and Responsible Citizenship’.
Sponsored by the Meghalaya Legislative Assembly, the programme has brought together students from nine colleges across Ri-Bhoi to experience parliamentary functioning through Mock Parliaments and debates on ‘National Education Policy, 2020’ and ‘Social Media and Youth Mental Health’.
The programme aims to build understanding of democratic principles, parliamentary etiquette, public speaking, critical thinking and respect for differing opinions.
Inaugurating the session, Assembly Speaker Thomas A. Sangma said the country needs young voices, fresh ideas and honest leadership, adding that Parliament and Assembly are platforms where ideas are debated and solutions are found for people’s welfare.
He said laws shaping schools, hospitals, roads and jobs begin as ideas that are debated and amended before becoming laws, and Youth Parliaments give students first-hand experience of how laws are made and decisions are reached through discussion, not conflict.
“The future of any democracy depends on how well its citizens can talk, listen and work together,” he said, adding that good decisions emerge from multiple voices and honest deliberation.
Referring to Meghalaya’s traditional institutions built on discussion and consensus, Sangma said democracy is not foreign but part of the state’s heritage.
Government Deputy Chief Whip Ronnie V. Lyngdoh said democracy cannot be strengthened unless young minds actively participate, while Assembly Secretary Malthus S. Sangma said confidence and self-belief essential for success can be built through platforms like Youth Parliament.
