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Minister Tokheho Yepthomi, speaking at the state level parliamentary quiz and youth parliament at ATI, Kohima on October 20. (EM Images)[/caption]
Kohima, Oct. 20 (EMN): A state level parliamentary quiz and youth parliament was held today at ATI, Kohima, on the theme “Youth in strengthening democracy.”
School students from 10 districts participated in the competition, except Mon district which failed to turn up for the event.
In the parliamentary quiz, Peren district, represented by Ineigumlung, Mercy Rengna and T Thinglila, emerged as the winners, while Dimapur secured the second position being represented by Rokosetso Thou, Rolan and K Kaluto Chishi. Mokokchung district, represented by Athekhingla C Sangtam, Jabel Kinimi and Sentiwapang Imchen bagged the third position in quiz.
In the competition for youth parliament, Mezienguno Nakhro of Kohima district stood first, while Sungjemlila Longkumer of Dimapur and Yangthingba of Kiphire bagged the second third place respectively.
The day’s programme was graced by Tokheho Yepthomi, Minister for School Education and Parliamentary Affairs as the chief guest.
In his address, Yepthomi lauded the initiative of the department of parliamentary affairs for conducting the state level competition, while he encouraged the youth to grasp the opportunities that comes their way in order to increase their knowledge.
“A platform such as this is where faith in the ideals of democracy is reinforced. These are events that inculcate the most important part of democracy, which is to be able to voice one’s opinions and to allow others to voice theirs,” Yepthomi remarked and expressed hope that the event will broaden the perspectives of the youth and further for them to inculcate a sense of tolerance and respect for others’ opinions.
“At times we take democracy for granted without appreciating its significance in our daily lives. Let’s make this platform an avenue to understand and appreciate democracy,” the minister added.
Speaking at the function, A Chumremo Odyuo, Secretary to Government of Nagaland, department of Parliamentary Affairs, said the purpose of the programme was to create awareness and to train the young students about their role as citizens in a democracy.
“The composition, powers and functions of the Indian Parliament are generally included in the course of study at the middle, secondary and higher secondary stages of schooling. Knowledge of its procedure helps in developing an insight into the working of parliament and therefore, the sessions of youth parliament have a special importance in developing such an insight in the young students,” Odyuo asserted.
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Stating that students have to be trained to develop competency in terms of influencing their attitude for smooth running of democracy, Odyuo also impressed upon all teachers and citizens that training of our youth in such areas is very important for the smooth functioning of the government.
“We must reorient ourselves and create platform for the students where they can come together and have healthy discussions on various issues challenging our society so that awareness can be created and proper measures be taken to tackle the situations. If this section of the society is enlightened and motivated, we can effectively implement the scope and purpose of the youth parliament which is the dream of the framers of our constitution,” Odyuo urged.
The youth parliament first started in 1966-67, and since then, it has been held every year in the schools of Delhi and in the Kendriya Vidyalayas situated in and around the country’s capital. Now, the programme has been extended to other parts of the country. Here in Nagaland, the department of Parliamentary Affairs in coordination with School Education Department has been organising the youth parliament competition and parliamentary quiz since 2005-2006.
