Kohima and Chümoukedima hold Viksit Bharat Youth Parliament competitions on 'One nation, one election'
DIMAPUR/KOHIMA — District-level Viksit Bharat Youth Parliament competitions were held in Kohima and Chümoukedima, focusing on democratic participation and national issues such as "One Nation, One Election".
Kohima: MLA Dr. Tseilhoutuo Rhütso addressed students during the Kohima district round organised by My Bharat Kohima at Alder College on Wednesday.
Speaking on the occasion, Rhütso stated that Naga youths today choose leaders depending on the money they have and consume their own future in every election by taking money from leaders.
He cited that youths are happy with just getting money but not happy with the government, advising them to choose leaders who have vision rather than money.
Rhütso pointed out that if youths want a developed Nagaland and a good government with proper facilities, they must elect leaders of vision.
He noted that if a leader spends several crores to get elected, even if they are given a portfolio, they will first think about recovering the losses and preparing for the next election in five years, thereby compromising public services.
He stated that the youth must pursue clean elections and elect leaders without financial inducement, ensuring leaders do not need to recover expenses from the state budget.
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He added that while Viksit Bharat 2047 is a positive programme, it cannot be achieved without citizen participation, noting that rights alone cannot take people forward without duties.
Regarding employment concerns, Rhütso remarked that working outside the state and supporting families contributes to Nagaland’s economy. He encouraged youths to view it positively and look beyond state boundaries to bring development and economic growth.
Pradeep J, District Youth Officer of Kohima, Wokha, and Tseminyu districts under the My Bharat programme, stated that the initiative aims to cultivate constitutional values and democratic participation among youths aged 18 to 25.
A total of nine institutions participated, including Alder College, Kohima Law College, St. Joseph's College Jakhama, Kohima College, Baptist College, Don Bosco College, Model Christian College, Nagaland University, and National Institute of Electronics and Information Technology (NIELIT).
In the competition, Nzanthung Y Ezung, an individual participant, won the Kohima district round. Kethoneinuo Vimero from St. Joseph's College, Jakhama, and Logan Jeke Tamin from Nagaland University secured the second and third positions, respectively. The three will represent the Kohima district at the state-level round.
Chümoukedima: In Chümoukedima, the district-level competition was funded by MY Bharat Chümoukedima at C-Edge College.
Addresses were delivered by T Lemlila Sangtam, Additional Deputy Commissioner of Chümoukedima; Dr. Chubatola Aier, Principal Emeritus; and Kepozo, winner of the Best Responder Award at National-level Viksit Bharat Youth Parliament 2025.
In the competition on the theme "One Nation, One Election", Kiumuhean H of Tetso College emerged as the winner. Kimkhailiu of Patkai Christian College secured the first runner-up position, while Anoli S Awomi of C-Edge College finished second runner-up.
The competition was adjudicated by Dr. Salikyu Sangtam, Associate Professor at Tetso College; Dr. Amongla N Jamir, Associate Professor at Dimapur Government College; and Dr. Wapanginla Ao, Assistant Professor at C-Edge College.