National Youth Parliament Festival

11-Mar-2022: Lok Sabha Speaker Shri Om Birla addresses Valedictory Function of 3rd edition of National Youth Parliament Festival 2022

Lok Sabha Speaker, Shri Om Birla addressed the valedictory function of the 3rd edition of National Youth Parliament Festival -2022 today in the Central Hall of Parliament, New Delhi today. Minister for Youth Affairs & Sports, Shri Anurag Singh Thakur and Minister of State for Youth Affairs & Sports, Shri Nishith Pramanik also graced the event. Secretary Youth Affairs and Sports, Smt. Sujata Chaturvedi, Secretary General of Rajya Sabha Shri P. C. Mody, Secretary General of Lok Sabha Shri Utpal Kumar Singh and other officials of the Ministry and Parliament were also present on this occasion. The Lok Sabha Speaker and other dignitaries heard the views of the three young national winners of the Festival.

Addressing the participants, Shri Birla said that National Youth Parliament is an innovative programme to equip youth with the understanding of parliamentary procedures and democratic processes. It also encourages the youth to participate in the process of building New India, Shri Birla observed. Hailing the all-pervasive intellectual capacity and energy of the youth in India, Shri Birla hoped that India’s status as ‘Vishwa Guru’ will get further impetus with their growing stature globally.

Mentioning about the rapid changes around the world, Shri Birla urged the youth to adapt to these changes so that they could prepare themselves accordingly and also take the nation forward. Shri Birla emphasized that as the country is moving forward, the youth with their talent and energy should contribute to development, democracy and strengthening of democratic institutions. The sentiment of ‘Nation First’ should guide them in their every effort, stressed Shri Birla. The Speaker also emphasized that the youth should realize their duties towards the nation and work individually as well as collectively in the direction of larger goal of making India self-reliant.

Expressing concern about the decline in dignity and decorum in legislatures, Shri Birla said that legislatures are forum for debates and discussions and not disruption. The Speaker suggested that there should be wider discussions on bills so that hopes and aspirations of all sections of society could be incorporated in the laws and the legislations effectively. Disruptions during Addresses of President and Governor are not conducive to the parliamentary tradition, said Shri Birla. Emphasizing that public representatives should work diligently to enhance dignity and decorum of the Houses, Shri Birla suggested that the youth should play an important role by way of dialogue with their representatives on this issue.

Speaking on the occasion, Minister for Youth Affairs & Sports, Shri Anurag Singh Thakur expressed the confidence that the future of Indian democracy is indeed bright since the youth are active participants in the affairs of the country, our democracy and its systems. The youth are coming forth with innovations for positive changes, which is an encouraging sign for the country’s democratic future.

Shri Anurag Thakur added that this experience is going to be the memorable moment for the participants which they will cherish throughout their life. Sharing few of his personal experiences, Shri Thakur advised the youth not to limit themselves and should bring their words into action. Shri Thakur further talked about sustainable development goals and mentioned that these topics are mostly discussed by intellectual personalities. However, he was impressed that the youth took up this topic for discussion.

Shri Thakur added that Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi started the Clean India Campaign, because of which the face of India has changed globally. The most discussed topic by youth was Nation Building and patriotism, this is what shows, why this youth are chosen for the National Youth Parliament, Union Minister added. Shri Thakur urged the young participants to be good citizens.

Ms. Rageshwari Anjana from Bhopal won the first position, Shri Siddharth Joshi from Dungarpur, Rajasthan got the second position and Ms. Amarpreet Kaur from Bathinda received the third position in National Youth Parliament 2022 national round competition. Shri Om Birla presented awards to the winners of the third edition of National Youth Parliament Festival and conveyed his best wishes to all the participants.

The National Youth Parliament Festival (NYPF) is organised to hear the voice of the youth, who will join various careers in coming years, including public services. NYPF is based on the idea given by the Prime Minister in his Mann Ki Baat Address on 31st December, 2017. Taking inspiration from the idea, the 1st edition of NYPF was organised from 12th January to 27th February, 2019 with the theme “Be the Voice of New India and Find solutions and Contribute to Policy”. A total of 88,000 youth participated in the program.

2nd edition of NYPF was organized from 23rd December, 2020 to 12th January, 2022 with the theme “YUVAAH- Utsah Naye Bharat Ka” through virtual mode which was witnessed by more than 23 lakh youth and stakeholders across the country at District, State and National level.

3rd edition of NYPF was launched on 14th February 2022 at District level through virtual mode. More than 2.44 lakh youth across the country participated in the District Youth Parliaments followed by State Youth Parliaments through virtual mode from 23rd – 27th February, 2022. Eighty-Seven (87) winners (62 Female and 25 Male) from States/ UTs get an opportunity to be present in the Central Hall of Parliament before the Minister of Youth Affairs & Sports and Hon’ble Minister of State of Youth Affairs & Sports and other dignitaries. Twenty-Nine (29) winners of State Youth Parliament (SYP) got an opportunity to speak before the National Jury comprising of Sh. Bhartruhari Mahtab, Member of Parliament Lok Sabha, Dr. Satya Pal Singh, Member of Parliament Lok Sabha, Smt. Anu J Singh, IRS (Retd.) and Sh. Kanchan Gupta, Senior Adviser M/o Information & Broadcasting. The top three National Winners got an opportunity to speak before the Speaker, Lok Sabha during the valedictory function today. Certificates and Awards will be given to 3 final winners at the National level (Cash prizes of INR 2,00,000, INR 150,000, INR 100,000) and Rs. 50,000 for 2 consolation prizes may also be awarded, if any.

10-Mar-2022: Union Minister Shri Anurag Thakur addresses inaugural session of national round of National Youth Parliament Festival 2022 today

Union Minister for Youth Affairs & Sports Shri Anurag Thakur addressed the inaugural session of National round of 3rd edition of National Youth Parliament Festival (NYPF) 2022 today in the central hall of Parliament, New Delhi. Minister of State of Youth Affairs and Sports Shri Nishith Pramanik also graced the event. Secretary Youth Affairs and Sports, Smt. Sujata Chaturvedi, Secretary General of Rajya Sabha Shri P. C. Mody and other officials of the Ministry and Parliament were also present on this occasion. Speaker of Lok Sabha, Shri Om Birla will address the valedictory function of NYPF on 11th March, 2022. The top three National Winners will also get an opportunity to speak before the Lok Sabha Speaker during the valedictory function.

During his address, Shri Anurag Thakur said, “Theme of this year’s National Youth Parliament Festival is ‘be the voice of New India and find solutions and contribute to Policy’. I urge all of you to focus on championing a cause ranging from solid waste management, eliminating hunger, gender equality, affordable and clean energy, clean water & sanitation. As we mark Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav, I also urge you to discuss the progress we have made so far and envisage solutions to transform India when we mark India @ 100 years of independence. What can the youth do in the field of health, sports, media, transportation, infrastructure, foreign affairs that will transform lives for a billion people? What can 1 billion people contribute to the future of humanity and ‘ease of living’?”

Shri Thakur further added that taking forward the ideology of Swami Vivekananda, the National Youth Parliament has played a main role in building leadership qualities among the youth. Youth should use this opportunity to draw inspiration from the ideology of Swami Vivekanand, the Minister urged.

Talking about AatmaNirbhar Bharat Shri Thakur said that while the whole world was struggling during the pandemic, India rose to the occasion and we all worked hand in hand to overcome the situation. With this, we set an example before the world that with right vision and leadership, we can face all adversities. The youth must also imbibe this quality and take the country ahead in a spirit of togetherness to achieve wonders for our nation when we turn 100.

The Minister reiterated that it's the spirit and the participation of the youth through which the foundation of a country is laid, it’s the youth who can take the country and society to a new height, youth are the present of the country as well as they are the bridge between the past and future.

Shri Thakur further added that the Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi has promoted schemes like Skill India, Khelo India and Fit India which have not only imparted skills to crores of youth but is also laying the foundation of a strong India. The Union Minister also lauded the youth who participated in the various rounds of Youth Parliament and gave best wishes to all the finalists of the 3rd edition of National Youth Parliament Festival 2022.

Smt. Sujata Chaturvedi said that the objective of the National Youth Parliament is to provide a platform to youth to voice their thoughts opinions and dreams for the country and also to publicize the various schemes and activities of the government to the youth in an attractive interactive platform and to inculcate the spirit of democracy through civic engagement and dialogue.

3rd edition of NYPF was launched on 14th February 2022 at District level through virtual mode. More than 2.44 lakh youth across the country participated in the District Youth Parliaments followed by State Youth Parliaments through virtual mode from 23rd – 27th February, 2022. Eighty-Seven (87) winners (62 Female and 25 Male) from States/ UTs get an opportunity to be present in the Central Hall of Parliament before the Hon’ble Minister of Youth Affairs & Sports and Hon’ble Minister of State of Youth Affairs & Sports and other dignitaries. Twenty-Nine (29) winners of State Youth Parliament (SYP) get an opportunity to speak before the National Jury comprising of Sh. Bhartruhari Mahtab, Member of Parliament Lok Sabha, Dr. Satya Pal Singh, Member of Parliament Lok Sabha, Smt. Anu J Singh, IRS (Retd.) and Sh. Kanchan Gupta, Senior Adviser M/o Information & Broadcasting today. The top three National Winners will also get an opportunity to speak before the Speaker, Lok Sabha during the valedictory function on 11th March 2022. Certificates and Awards will be given to 3 final winners at the National level (Cash prizes of INR 2,00,000, INR 150,000, INR 100,000) and Rs. 50,000 for 2 consolation prize may also be awarded, if any.

12-Jan-2021: PM addresses Valedictory Function of 2nd National Youth Parliament Festival

The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi addressed the valedictory function of the second National Youth Parliament Festival today via video conferencing. The Event took place in the Central Hall and the Prime Minister also heard the views of the three young national winners of the Festival. Lok Sabha Speaker, Union Education Minister and Union MoS (I/C) for Youth Affairs & Sports were present on the occasion.

Remembering Swami Vivekananda on his birth anniversary, the Prime Minister remarked that even with the passage of time, impact and influence of Swami Vivekananda remains intact in our national life. His views on nationalism and nation-building and his teaching regarding serving the people and serving the world continue to inspire us. The Prime Minister talked about Swami ji’s contribution to the individual and to Institutions. Individuals came in contact of Swami Vivekananda and created institutions and they in turn created new institution-builders. This started a virtuous cycle of individual development to institution-building and vice versa. This is a huge strength of India as the Prime Minister outline the links between the individual entrepreneurship and great companies. He also asked the youth to take advantage of the flexibility and innovative learning format provided by the recent National Education Policy. We are trying to create an ecosystem in the country, absence of which, often compels the youth to look towards foreign shores, the Prime Minister said.

The Prime Minister stressed that it was Swami Vivekananda who recognized confident, clear-hearted, fearless and courageous youth as the foundation of the nation. Shri Modi presented the mantras of Swami Vivekananda for youth. For Physical fitness it is ‘Muscles of Iron and Nerves of Steel’; for personality development, it is 'Believe in Yourself'; for leadership and teamwork Swamiji said ‘'Believe in All'.

The Prime Minister, exhorted youth to contribute selflessly and constructively in politics and said that today, honest people are getting the opportunity to serve, changing the old notion of politics as a site of unscrupulous activities. Today Honesty and performance have become the need of the hour. In this context, the Prime Minister dwelled at length on the politics of dynasty. He said corruption has become a burden on the people whose legacy was corruption. He called upon the youth to root out dynastic system. Dynasty politics gives rise to incapability and dictatorship in a democratic setup as such people work towards saving the politics of family and family in politics. “Today, days of winning election by the crutches of a surname are over still this malaise of dynastic politics is far from over…Political dynasty promotes self and family instead of pushing nation first. This is a major cause of social corruption in India”, the Prime Minister said.

Giving Example of the reconstruction work in the aftermath of Bhuj earthquake, the Prime Minister told the youth that the society that learns to make their own path in calamity, writes its own destiny. Therefore, all of 130 crore Indians are writing their own destiny today. The Prime Minister said that each and every, effort, innovation, honest pledge by today’s youth is laying a strong foundation for our future.

27-Feb-2019: Prime Minister confers the National Youth Parliament Festival 2019 awards to the winners

Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi conferred the National Youth Parliament Festival 2019 awards to the winners at Vigyan Bhawan. The National Level Finals of National Youth Parliament Festival concluded in New Delhi. The winners from the national level competition were Shweta Umre from Maharashtra (1st Position), Anjanakshi M.S from Karnataka(2nd position) and Mamta Kumari from Bihar (3rd position).

Prime Minister also released an App “Khelo India”, developed by Sports Authority of India, under the Ministry of Youth Affairs & Sports. The App can be used, besides other things, to locate the sports facilities in the country, their availability, rules of the games and for checking the fitness level of any person.

Youth Parliament, provides a platform to the youth to express their views. Prime Minister has provided full support for the promotion of Sports in the country.

National Youth Parliament Festival 2019 was jointly organised by National Service Scheme (NSS) and Nehru Yuva Kendra Sangathan (NYKS), under the aegis of Ministry of Youth Affairs & Sports. Youth in the age bracket of 18-25 years were invited to participate in the District, State and National level Youth Parliaments. The National Youth Parliament Festival 2019 was conducted at the District and State levels. The participants for District Youth Parliament, (DYP) were selected through two screening processes i.e. Digital and Walk-in screenings in Nodal Institution in 471 designated districts across the country from 24th to 28th January. The best three speakers selected by a Jury from each District Youth Parliament participated at the State Youth Parliament (SYP). Two best speakers selected from each SYP participated as speakers in the National Youth Parliament (NYP). As many as 28 State Youth Parliaments were held across the country from 5th to 7th February to select 56 final contestants for NYP. More than 50 thousand youth participated through Youth Parliaments at all levels.

12-Jan-2019: National Youth Parliament Festival 2019

Minister of State (I/C) for Youth Affairs and Sports Col Rajyavardhan Rathore (Retd) today launched the National Youth Parliament Festival 2019 here, thereby beginning the celebration of the National Youth Day 2019.

Honourable Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, in his Mann Ki Baat address on 31stDecember 2017, had shared his idea of organizing Youth Parliaments for young people in every district of the country. It is to provide a chance to the youth to brainstorm about new India and to find ways and chalk out plans to realize our resolves before 2022. He reiterated his idea to capture the voice of the youth in his address to the youth during the 22nd National Youth Festival on 12th January 2018.

Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports proposes to take the Youth Festival to each district of the country and celebrate it as the “National Youth Parliament Festival”. Organising District Youth Parliaments and taking the festival to the doorsteps of the youth would provide an opportunity to large number of youth of this country to participate.

National Youth Parliament Festival 2019 is organised on the theme of “Be The Voice of New India” and “Find solutions and contribute to policy”. Youth in the age bracket of 18-25 years are invited to participate in the District Youth Parliaments. This is done in order to hear the voice of youth in this age bracket who are allowed to vote but cannot contest in elections. The National Youth Parliament Festival will also encourage the youth to engage with public issues, understand the common man’s point of view, form their opinion and express these in an articulate manner. Relevant and effective voices on the vision of New India would be captured and documented to make these available to policy makers and implementers to take it forward.

The National Youth Parliament Festival 2019 will be conducted at three levels:

District Youth Parliament (DYP) at the district level. The participants for DYP would be selected through two screening processes i.e. Digital and Walk-in screenings in Nodal Institution in each district.
State Youth Parliament (SYP) at the State Level.
National Youth Parliament (NYP) at the National Level.

A maximum of 50 best speakers from the Digital screening and 50 best speakers from Walk-in process, shortlisted by the Screening Committee in each district, will participate in the District Youth Parliaments. The best three speakers selected by a Jury from each District Youth Parliament will participate at the State Youth Parliament. Similarly, the two best speakers selected from each State Youth Parliament will participate as speakers in the National Youth Parliament. The highest scorer from each District in the District Youth Parliament (DYP) will participate in the National Youth Parliament (NYP) as a delegate.

The process is being initiated with effect from today, the 12th of January 2019 and will continue up to 24th February 2019. The National Service Scheme and Nehru Yuva Kendra Sangathan organizations will remain involved at different levels in its conduct and management. The best three speakers at the National Youth Parliament will be awarded Rs. 2 Lakhs, Rs. 1.50 Lakhs and Rs. 1 Lakh respectively by the Prime Minister.

It is expected that more than 50 thousand youth will participate through Youth Parliaments at all levels and the narrative will be strengthened and made more vibrant by their voices and ideas and suggestions.