Kohima College hosts Viksit Bharat Youth Parliament speech competition on 50 years of Emergency lessons.
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DIMAPUR — The Viksit Bharat Youth Parliament 2026 district-level speech competition on the topic “50 years of emergency: lessons for Indian democracy” was organised by the NSS unit of Kohima College, Kohima, in collaboration with My Bharat, Kohima, on Monday.
The event, sponsored by the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, Government of India, saw participation from students, stated an update.
Dr. Riku Khutso, EAC Kohima, attended the event as the special guest. In his address, he framed the Youth Parliament as a crucial process in building leadership for a developed India. He stressed that the national vision of a developed nation (Viksit Bharat) by 2047 hinges on creating a generation of young leaders equipped for the task.
However, Dr. Khutso raised a significant concern regarding the prevailing “performative culture” in Naga society. He cautioned the participants against treating the competition merely as a performative act for social gratification.
“Viksit Bharat is trying to bring up young leaders, to educate and build young leadership, but this performative culture is a big concern,” he stated. He urged the youth to replace this tendency with a culture of critical thinking.
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“For the young generation, critical culture should replace this performative culture. We should be able to filter the good from the bad. Develop a critical mind, understand things around you, and understand how to utilise and filter information,” Dr. Khutso advised.
He highlighted that to contribute meaningfully by 2047, young people must engage in substantive thinking rather than just going through the motions, which he noted often stems from fear and punctures confidence.
Thirteen students from four prominent colleges in Kohima—Alder College, Baptist College, Kohima College, and St. Joseph College—took the stage to present their perspectives on the historic period and its implications for the contemporary political landscape.
At the conclusion of the event, five outstanding speakers were selected to represent the district at the upcoming state level. The winners included Kepozo Kapuh (St. Joseph’s College, Jakhama), Kibangheung I Mbung (St. Joseph’s College, Jakhama), Kethoneinuo Vimero (St. Joseph’s College, Jakhama), Müdovelü Keyho (Don Bosco College, Kohima), and Lenvishe (Kohima College, Kohima).