Viksit Bharat Yuva Connect Programme held across Nagaland

DIMAPUR/KIPHIRE — The Viksit Bharat Yuva Connect Programme 2025, featuring district-level youth parliaments and debate competitions, was conducted across multiple locations in Nagaland on Wednesday, including Kohima, Mokokchung, and Kiphire.

Kohima: In Kohima, the programme was held at Kohima College, organised by the National Service Scheme (NSS) unit of the college in collaboration with the District Youth Resources Office and the Nehru Yuva Kendra Sangathan (NYKS). It was sponsored by the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports.

According to the DIPR report, 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.

The Deputy Commissioner (DC), Kohima, B Henok Buchem, in his address, 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, emphasising 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.

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Stressing 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, describing the event as a celebration of ideas and democratic engagement, emphasised 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.

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The panel of judges for both events comprised Assistant Professor at Japfü Christian College, Medo Chale; Assistant Professor at Kohima College, Dr. Ketoukhrie-ü; and Vikhotuo Sekhose, an entrepreneur.

Mokokchung: In Mokokchung, the event was held at the Jubilee Memorial College (JMC) Hall, Aongza Ward, Mokokchung. It was organised by Nehru Yuva Kendra, the National Service Scheme, and the Department of Political Science, JMC, in collaboration with the District Youth Resource and Sports Office.

The DC Mokokchung, Ajit Kumar Verma, attended the programme as the special guest, where he urged the students to be true leaders with the determination to fight crises and to lay the foundation for future generations, highlighting the importance of the Indian Constitution, which he considered the apex legal document for the nation.

He also encouraged the students to be curious enough to understand the entire structure of the political system, laws, and the Constitution. He stressed the value of fundamental rights and duties and the importance of diversity in shaping a strong nation.

The competition on Youth Parliament on the theme “Emergency Period in India” was won by Imlibenla, Nikili, and Menangniba with first, second, and third positions, respectively, from the ruling bench, while Riya Dey, Longcha, and Wapangtola from the opposition bench won the first, second, and third positions, respectively.

The debate competition on the theme “Emergency Period in India” was won by Sashikumzuk, Imnatula, and Sentipongla in first, second, and third positions, respectively.

Kiphire: In Kiphire, the event was held at Zisaji Presidency College, spearheaded by three different higher secondary schools in the district, with a focus on empowering youth to contribute to the development of the nation.

Following the debate, participants took part in a tree plantation drive, promoting environmental awareness and sustainability.