Nongpoh, October 5: A district-level Youth Parliament is being held at Union Christian College (UCC), Umbir, bringing together young people to engage in parliamentary proceedings, public policy debates and discussions on issues affecting society.
Organised by the Internal Quality Assurance Cell (IQAC) of Union Christian College and funded by the Meghalaya Legislative Assembly, the programme is being conducted under the theme “Empowering Youth for Democratic Leadership and Responsible Citizenship.” The initiative is also part of the college’s ongoing 75th Platinum Jubilee celebrations.
The Speaker of State legislative assembly Thomas A. Sangma attended the inaugural function as chief guest in the presence of Malthus S. Sangma, MCS, Secretary of the Meghalaya Legislative Assembly as the guest of honour.
Other who were presence includes Ronnie V. Lyngdoh, MLA; Dr. R. M. Manih, Principal of Union Christian College; and Dr. C. R. Lyngdoh, Member of the Meghalaya Public Service Commission (MPSC), along with faculty members and students from various colleges across Ri Bhoi district.
A major highlight of the Youth Parliament is a debate on the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, with participants examining whether the policy adequately equips students with the knowledge, skills and competencies needed to secure employment and meet the changing demands of the future workforce.
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The subsequent session focuses on national and local issues, with particular emphasis on the impact of social media on the mental health and well-being of young people. Participants are deliberating on whether social media is primarily “a tool for connection and information or a threat to well-being.”
The programme aims to provide young participants with practical exposure to parliamentary procedures, structured debate, public policy and legislative deliberation. Through simulated parliamentary proceedings and discussions on contemporary issues, the initiative seeks to promote democratic awareness, critical thinking, leadership qualities and a stronger sense of civic responsibility among the youth of Ri Bhoi.
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Addressing the gathering, Thomas A Sangma congratulated Union Christian College Umbir for organising the initiative and highlighted the importance of Youth Parliament as a platform for young people to express their views, engage with pressing public issues and develop the confidence, leadership skills and civic awareness required to become active and informed participants in the democratic process.
Adding further significance to the occasion, a book titled A Journey of NAAC Assessment and Accreditation of Rural College, edited by Ashish Malhotra and Rudolf Manton Manih, was also released during the programme.
