Photo Source: Babushahi Bureau
Chandigarh University hosts Viksit Bharat Youth Parliament, future leaders debate ‘50 Years of Emergency: Lessons for Indian Democracy’
Babushahi Bureau
Mohali (Punjab), November 12, 2025: For engaging youth in the democratic process, governance and nation-building, Chandigarh University organised ‘Viksit Bharat Youth Parliament’ (VBYP) to provide youth the opportunity for showcasing their potential as future leaders.
Organised by the Chandigarh University under the Viksit Bharat Yuva Connect Program (VBYCP), a flagship initiative under the Union Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports (MYAS), was graced by Jai Bhagwan, Regional Director, National Service Scheme, Union Ministry of Youth Affairs & Sports, as Chief Guest, Isha Gupta, District Youth Officer, MY Bharat, Mohali and other dignitaries.
The Viksit Bharat Youth Parliament, which was being held at Chandigarh University as part of the Viksit Bharat Yuva Connect Program being held at 728 districts across the country, featured two sessions of debate on “50 Years of Emergency: Lessons for Indian Democracy” by participants selected from various educational institutions in Mohali (SAS Nagar district).
During these debates, participants representing as Members of Parliament and Ministers, engaged in meaningful discussions on the imposition of Emergency and described it as a one of the darkest chapters in India’s democratic history.
On the basis of debates judged by a panel of judges, names of top 10 participants, who qualified for the state championship round of the Viksit Bharat Yuva Connect Program (VBYCP), were announced during the Valedictory Ceremony. These 10 winners include Chinmay Sahu, Harpreet Kaur, Anjali Singh, Sachi Tripathi, Vineet Kumar, Rejinald Moses, Amritamani, Dhanvi Muker, Hardik Chaudhary and Md Azad Alam.
In his inaugural speech, Jai Bhagwan, Regional Director, National Service Scheme, Union Ministry of Youth Affairs & Sports, said, “These Youth Connect programs clearly reflect the Union Government’s resolute commitment to youth-centric approach. This is the reason that youth has been made one of the pillars for achieving Viksit Bharat Vision. The dark days of the Emergency remind us how fragile freedom can become when voices of truth fall silent. Today, as young citizens of a vibrant democracy, your responsibility is not just to enjoy freedom but also protect it through awareness, courage and active participation in nation building.
“The Viksit Bharat Youth Parliament embodies the vision articulated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi Ji in 2017, when he called for the emergence of one lakh young leaders to take the country forward. This initiative fosters dialogue, leadership and civic participation among youth, creating a new generation of informed and engaged citizens,”.
As part of this initiative, Viksit Bharat Yuva Connect Program was also organized at Chandigarh University on 11 November which was attended by NSS volunteers and many other students. In this program, Youth Icon Ramandeep Singh engaged with students and familiarized them with India’s progress and future direction under the transformative leadership of the PM Modi.
He said during the past 11 years, India has seen unprecedented infrastructure development, women empowerment and initiatives like Jan Dhan Yojana, Digital India, Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana and Jal Jeevan Mission which have transformed lives of people in the country. Inspiring youth to actively contribute to the nation’s growth, he said youth has a big role to play in realizing PM Modi’s vision of a Viksit Bharat by 2047.
Before this, Viksit Bharat Padyatra, which was attended by about 200 volunteers, was organised in Kharar to mobilize youth on the ground and instill a deep sense of pride in India’s progress.