GDC Pulwama holds district level Viksit Bharat Youth Parliament (VBYP) 2026
The formal proceedings began with an Introduction by the Stage Secretary, Dr. Nadia Shah, Senior Assistant Professor, GDC Pulwama, who outlined the significance of VBYP 2026 and the objectives of the district-level round.
STC NEWS DESK
PULWAMA, FEBRUARY 27 (STC): In a significant step in aligning youth participation with the national vision of Viksit Bharat@2047, the district level Viksit Bharat Youth Parliament (VBYP) 2026 was organized at Government Degree College, Pulwama on February 26. The programme, held under the aegis of the Yuva Connect Programme 2026, marked a significant step in aligning youth participation with the national vision of Viksit Bharat. It aims to empower young citizens to engage meaningfully in democratic discourse and policy dialogue.
Notably, the VBYP 2026 represents the re-envisioned format of the National Youth Parliament Festival, designed to provide an inclusive and immersive platform for youth aged 18–25. The district-level event served as the foundational round, enabling participants to deliberate on contemporary national issues and demonstrate leadership, articulation, and critical thinking skills.
According to the statement of the college, the programme was organized to provide a democratic platform for youth voices at the district level; encourage informed engagement with public issues and policymaking processes; develop leadership, decision-making, and analytical abilities among participants and to cultivate respect for democratic values, rules, and structured deliberation.
Besides, the programme objective is to document youth perspectives on the Vision of Viksit Bharat and channel youth-driven recommendations to higher levels of governance.
The College assembled a jury comprising members from diverse areas of expertise. The jurors, Syed Abdul Bari Andrabi, DDC Chairman, Pulwama), Gh. Nabi Khan, District and Sessions Judge (Retd.), Dr. Nazir Ahmad Simnani, Dean, Academic Affairs Cluster University, Srinagar, Dr. Shahnawaz Mantoo, Assistant Professor, Centre for International Relations, IUST and Imran Khan, Bharat Scouts and Guides, J&K Chapter, diligently discharged their responsibilities, ensuring the programme’s seamless and equitable conduct.
The inaugural session reflected the solemnity and democratic ethos of the event. The programme commenced with the registration of participants at the College Auditorium.
The formal proceedings began with an Introduction by the Stage Secretary, Dr. Nadia Shah, Senior Assistant Professor, GDC Pulwama, who outlined the significance of VBYP 2026 and the objectives of the district-level round. The programme was inaugurated by a traditional Isband ceremony, which was performed by the Chief Guest, Syed Abdul Bari Andrabi, symbolizing enlightenment, knowledge, and the beginning of a purposeful deliberation. The gathering stood in solemn respect for the National Anthem, reinforcing patriotic spirit and constitutional values.
The Principal GDC Pulwama, Dr. Bashir Ahmed Sheikh, delivered the welcome address. He emphasized the transformative role of youth in nation-building and underscored the importance of disciplined democratic engagement. Dignitaries and guests were felicitated as a mark of respect and appreciation for their presence and contribution to the programme.
Pradeep Kumar, Deputy Director, My Bharat Pulwama, Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, in his address emphasized the importance and respect for democratic values, rules, and structured deliberation
The keynote address was delivered by Youth Icon, Ms. Aneesa Iqbal, who inspired participants to harness their potential and channel their aspirations into constructive democratic engagement and social entrepreneurship.
Guest of Honour, Ms. Tanushree, SSP Pulwama, spoke about the responsibility of the youth in maintaining social harmony and upholding constitutional values. Special Dignitary, Shahbaz Ahmad Bodha, Assistant Commissioner (Revenue), Pulwama, highlighted the importance of civic awareness and responsible citizenship in achieving sustainable development goals. The Chief Guest, Syed Abdul Bari Andrabi, addressed the gathering, encouraging youth to actively participate in governance processes and contribute to local and national development initiatives.
An interactive session followed, allowing participants to engage directly with the Youth Icon, Ms. Aneesa Iqbal, raising questions and sharing perspectives.
The second half of the programme focused on structured parliamentary debate and deliberation.
The debate on the given topic : “50 Years of Emergency: Lessons for Indian Democracy”was conducted in two sessions:
First Session: Participants presented their arguments, reflecting on the historical, political, and constitutional implications of the Emergency. Speakers analysed democratic resilience, civil liberties, institutional checks and balances, and citizen accountability.
In the second session, the deliberations continued with counter-arguments, rebuttals, and policy-oriented reflections. The session demonstrated participants’ research depth, analytical skills, and respect for parliamentary decorum.
An engaging Q&A session allowed the speaker and members of the house to seek clarifications and further insights from participants. The participants spoke both in Hindi and English, thus displaying their oratory skills.
The organisers acknowledged the efforts of participants, organizers, and faculty members. Observations regarding the performance standards, selection process and feedback regarding the event were shared. The first ten positions declared by the Jury include Saboora Iqbal of KCEF Law College, Pulwama awarded first position; Ms. Jozea Sajad of KCEF Law College, Pulwama winning second position and Ms. Hinah Farooq of GDC Pulwama securing 3rd position. Other position holders in order of merit (4-10) are Ms. Khushi Ibrahim of KCEF Law College, Pulwama, Ghulam Mujtaba Nabi Mirza of GDC Tral, Ms. Tayaba Shabir, GDC Pulwama, Umar Farooq, GDC Awantipora, Ms. Humaira Shafi of GDC Tral, Shahid Bashir, GDC Awantipora
and Ms. Sukhmeet Kour, GDC Tral.
They were felicitated with certificates and mementos and their names were recommended for the State-Level Viksit Bharat Youth Parliament 2026. Other participants and student delegates were felicitated with Certificates of Participation.
The programme concluded with a formal Vote of Thanks delivered by Waseema Hamid, NSS Officer, GDC Pulwama who expressed gratitude to dignitaries, organizing committees, participants, and support staff for ensuring the smooth conduct of the event.
(Straight Talk Communications)
