The Viksit Bharat Yuva Connect Programme 2025, featuring the District-level Youth Parliament and Debate Competition, was held on August 6th, 2025 at Kohima College, Kohima. The event was organised by the NSS Unit of Kohima College in collaboration with the District Youth Resources Office, Kohima, and the Nehru Yuva Kendra Sangathan (NYKS). It was sponsored by the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, Government of India.
The programme brought together students from St. Joseph’s College, Jakhama, Alder College, and Kohima College for a day of civic engagement, critical thinking, and democratic dialogue.
Deputy Commissioner, Kohima, B. Henok Buchem, NCS, in his address described it as both an honour and a privilege to be part of the event. He spoke about the transformative journey India is undergoing and noted that the vision of making India a developed nation by 2047 can only be achieved if every state, including Nagaland, contributes to that progress. If Nagaland progresses, India progresses, he said, emphasizing that this collective growth depends on consistent innovation, social and intellectual development, and active youth participation.
Addressing the theme of the day, he described the Emergency of 1975 as a dark chapter in India’s democratic history and encouraged students to reflect on the importance of protecting democratic values. Emphasizing the value of soft skills such as analytical thinking, communication, empathy, and leadership, he noted that such qualities begin to take shape through platforms like this. He also invited students interested in civil service to spend a day in his office to gain real-world insights into public administration.
In his welcome address, Principal of Kohima College, Dr. Vitsosie Vupru, warmly welcomed the participants and dignitaries, describing the event as a celebration of ideas and democratic engagement. He emphasized the important role of youth in shaping the future of the nation and encouraged participants to use the platform to express, challenge, and explore new perspectives.
The debate competition was held on the topic “Emergency Period in India,” with students presenting arguments from both the motion and opposition benches. The session was moderated by Assistant Professor in the Department of English, Kohima College, Dr. Limayangla Pongener.
Following the debate, the Youth Parliament session featured a mock parliamentary discussion on the Emergency of 1975, where participants simulated legislative proceedings to demonstrate their grasp of parliamentary protocols and leadership in governance.
In the results, Vuruthong from St. Joseph’s College, Jakhama, secured the first position in the debate competition, while Yukhase Jingru from Kohima College was awarded second place. In the Youth Parliament segment, Kajol Kumari from Alder College emerged as the winner, followed by Alika T. Yeptho, also from Alder College, in second place, and Elvina Khangshou from St. Joseph’s College, Jakhama, in third place.
The panel of judges for both events comprised of Assistant Professor at Japfü Christian College, Medo Chale, Assistant Professor at Kohima College, Dr. Ketoukhrie-ü, and Vikhotuo Sekhose, an Entrepreneur. The programme was chaired by Assistant Professor in the Department of Commerce, Zavikhoto Phinyo. The event concluded with a vote of thanks delivered by Assistant Professor in the Department of Sociology, Kohima College. Khrieneikuo Zumu.
(Molungnenla, IA Kohima)
