Shillong, Oct 05: 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.”
The Youth Parliament is being sponsored by the Meghalaya Legislative Assembly as part of its efforts to encourage young people to understand and experience the functioning of democracy. Students from nine colleges across Ri-Bhoi district are participating in the programme.
The two-day programme features Mock Parliaments and debates on contemporary issues, including “National Education Policy, 2020” and “Social Media and Youth Mental Health: A Tool for Connection and Information or a Threat to Well-being.”
The inaugural session was attended by the Speaker of the Meghalaya Legislative Assembly, Shri Thomas A Sangma; Government Deputy Chief Whip, Shri Ronnie V Lyngdoh; Assembly Secretary, Shri Malthus S Sangma; Principal of Union Christian College, Dr. R.M. Manih; Coordinator, Internal Quality Assurance Cell, Dr. J.P. Marak; and other faculty members.
Addressing the gathering, Hon’ble Speaker Shri Thomas A Sangma said the country needs young voices, fresh ideas and honest leadership. He said Parliament and the Legislative Assembly provide platforms where ideas are discussed, questions are raised and solutions are found for the welfare of the people.
He explained that laws shaping schools, hospitals, roads and employment opportunities begin as ideas that are debated, questioned and amended before being approved and becoming laws.
According to the Speaker, Youth Parliaments give students an opportunity to experience this democratic process first-hand by understanding how laws are made, how debates are conducted and how decisions are reached through discussion rather than conflict.
He said the programme teaches young people to listen carefully, express their views clearly and respect others even when they disagree. These, he said, are not merely parliamentary skills but essential life skills.
“The future of any democracy depends on how well its citizens can talk, listen and work together,” the Speaker said.He emphasised that the spirit of Parliament rests on the understanding that no single person possesses all the wisdom and that good decisions emerge from multiple voices, perspectives and honest deliberation.
Referring to Meghalaya’s traditional institutions, Sangma said they are built on discussion, consensus and respect for the community. He stressed that democracy is not foreign to the people of the state but is part of their heritage and remains in harmony with their faith.
The Speaker further said good governance is not limited to rules, policies or the work of elected representatives and government institutions, but begins with the people. He urged young people to remain grounded in faith, honesty and humility, irrespective of how the world changes.
Government Deputy Chief Whip of Meghalaya, Shri Ronnie V Lyngdoh said Youth Parliament is important for strengthening democracy, stressing that democracy cannot be strengthened unless young minds actively participate in the democratic process.
He said that in developed democracies, citizens participate actively in the political life of their countries. He emphasised that if the country is to develop, citizens must remain engaged in politics, as active participation makes democracy more responsible and accountable to the people.
Meanwhile, Meghalaya Legislative Assembly Secretary Shri Malthus S Sangma said the government’s objective is to ensure that the state’s youth are successful in life. He said confidence and self-belief are essential to achieving this, and such qualities can be developed when young people are provided opportunities to participate in platforms such as the Youth Parliament.
He described the Youth Parliament as a simulated legislative programme that enables young people to experience parliamentary-style debates, decision-making and governance processes first-hand.
Shri Malthus Sangma outlined the key objectives of the Youth Parliament, including building a deeper understanding of democratic principles, constitutional rules and parliamentary etiquette; cultivating public speaking, critical thinking, discipline and leadership qualities; and encouraging informed opinions on national policies, social welfare and community issues.
He added that the platform is also designed to inculcate patience in listening to others and respect for differing opinions, even when participants disagree.
The two-day programme provides participating students with an opportunity to engage with democratic institutions, develop leadership skills and gain practical exposure to parliamentary processes and responsible citizenship.
