The district-level Vikshit Bharat Youth Parliament 2026 for Chandel district was held today at the Seminar Hall of South East Manipur College (SEMCO) under the theme “50 Years of Emergency: Lessons for Indian Democracy.”
The programme was jointly organised by the National Service Scheme (NSS), SEMCO, and Mera Yuva Bharat Chandel, witnessing enthusiastic participation from young individuals aged 18–25 representing various institutions across the district.
Sub-Divisional Officer (SDO) of Chandel, Reikimdaar Khaling, graced the occasion as the Chief Guest.
Delivering the keynote address, Dr. Miranda Bembem Mutuwa, Coordinator, IQAC, SEMCO, described the Youth Parliament as a significant platform that empowers young voices to engage in national discourse and contribute to shaping the vision of the nation and the world.
She highlighted that the event serves as an academic exercise in democratic engagement and noted the transformative role of youth in contemporary politics. Emphasising India’s demographic strength, she stated that with nearly 371 million young people aged 18–29 and around 65 percent of the population below 35 years, youth participation in politics and nation-building is both inevitable and indispensable. She encouraged participants to confidently articulate their ideas and aspirations for building a better nation. Dr. Mutuwa also informed that the top five winners would represent Chandel district at the state-level competition.
In her address, Chief Guest Reikimdaar Khaling reflected on the 21-month-long National Emergency declared in 1975 and its implications for Indian democracy. She remarked that democracy functions as an ecosystem involving citizens, the judiciary, the executive, and the legislature. “Healthy democracy is not limited to periodic elections but requires active participation and awareness among citizens for collective welfare,” she said, adding that rights are inherent and their protection is a shared responsibility.
After intense deliberations, the jury announced the top five winners: Roshni Nula (United College) secured first position, followed by Lh Penahring (United College) in second place. SK Jilihring (SEMCO) bagged the third position, Tongsin Phowlnihring (SEMCO) secured fourth, and HL Amit Anal (United College) stood fifth. The five winners will now represent Chandel district at the upcoming state-level Youth Parliament competition.
