The district-level Viksit Bharat Youth Parliament (VBYP) 2025, a two-day event themed “One Nation, One Election: Paving the Way for Viksit Bharat,” commenced on March 21 at Eastern Christian College (ECC), Dimapur.
Organized by the Department of Youth Affairs under the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, the event aims to provide a platform for young minds to voice their perspectives on India’s developmental vision for 2047.
The event in Dimapur served as the nodal district, overseeing associated districts of Chümoukedima, Wokha, Peren, and Niuland.
National Service Scheme Program Officer and Nodal Officer of VBYP, Bendangngangshi, explained that VBYP is being conducted across 300 nodal districts in India, with Nagaland hosting the event in Kohima, Dimapur, and Mokokchung.
Young participants aged 18-25 registered online through the My Bharat Portal, submitting video entries on their interpretation of Viksit Bharat. From the 202 submissions received, 127 participants were selected for the district-level parliament.
The competition structure involves two groups: 33 participants from Dimapur on the first day and around 40 participants from other districts on the second day. The top ten winners from the district-level round will progress to the state-level competition, from which three finalists will be chosen to represent Nagaland at the national level.
BJP National Spokesperson and Former Minister of Nagaland, Mmhonlumo Kikon, addressed the youth, emphasizing the importance of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision for a developed India by 2047.
He highlighted key areas of progress, including digital transformation, infrastructure, and semiconductor development. Kikon also addressed the relevance of “One Nation, One Election,” clarifying that it is a proposal under discussion rather than an imposition, and cited examples from nations like the U.S., Sweden, and South Africa, where synchronized elections have led to economic and governance efficiency.
Underscoring the role of debate in democracy, Kikon encouraged youth to engage in informed discussions rather than emotional rhetoric. He stressed the importance of punctuality, discipline, and leadership qualities as foundational elements for shaping future leaders.
He also pointed to significant infrastructural advancements, such as the first semiconductor plant in Assam with an investment of Rs. 26,000 crores in collaboration with Tata, as a major step toward India’s technological self-reliance.
Technical sessions on the theme were held, moderated by assistant professor Dr. L. Hongam Konyak. A distinguished panel of jury members was appointed to evaluate the participants, including Mmhonlumo Kikon, State Director of NYKS Nagaland John Makhabo, Chief Executive Officer of DMC Thungchanbemo Tungoe, Professor Fr. Dr. Sunny Joseph of St. Joseph University, and YouthNet Director Nuneseno Chase. Due to prior commitments, Kikon was substituted on the first day by ECC Governing Body member Ameto Peseyie.
St. Joseph’s College, Jakhama: Simultaneously, VBYP 2025 was held at St. Joseph’s College, Jakhama, covering nodal districts of Kohima, Phek, Zunheboto, and Tseminyu. Out of 150 selected participants, 75 were expected to engage on the first day, with 44 actively taking part.
A major highlight was the speech competition, where young speakers articulated their perspectives on One Nation, One Election, emphasizing its potential to enhance economic growth, digital transformation, sustainable development, and innovation.
The competition underscored the aspirations of India’s youth in building an inclusive and self-reliant nation.
The event concluded with prize distribution, recognizing outstanding performances and encouraging further participation. The second day will feature remaining participants, culminating in the announcement of winners who will progress to the next level.
Fazl Ali College Mokokchung: Fazl Ali College (FAC) Mokokchung recently hosted the Viksit Bharat: Youth Parliament 2025 (District Nodal Round). The two-day event drew participants from various institutions within the district, including ICIT, ITI, JMC and FAC, as well as outstation competitors from Yingli College, Longleng; Sao Chang College, Tuensang; Wangkao Govt. College, Mon; and Zisaji Presidency College, Kiphire.
Distinguished jury panel, comprising of Principal of People’s College, Dr. T. Amongla; Member of MMC, Wapangnaro; assistant election officer Renben Mozhui; and president of AKM, Lanutoshi Aier, evaluated the competitors.
The top 10 performers, who will proceed to the State Level competition in Kohima, were Chuthai C Phom (Yingli College Longleng), Asensor Jamir (Fazl Ali College Mokokchung), Moamongla, (Jubilee Memorial College Mokokchung), Hanchila (Sao Chang College Tuensang), Temjenmerang, (FAC Mokokchung), Y Yongkai Phom (FAC Mokokchung), Shellem N Khiamniungan (Sao Chang College Tuensang), Imlibenla (Jubilee Memorial College Mokokchung), Khunou Lam (Sao Chang College Tuensang) and Opangalanger Longkumer, FAC (Mokokchung).