Jammu, Aug 14: The Department of Economics, Central University of Jammu, organised “Yuva Samvaad for Viksit Bharat @2047”, a Youth Parliament Session, at the University Auditorium on the eve of Independence Day. The event provided an engaging platform for students to deliberate on issues of national importance and to translate their academic understanding into informed public discourse.
The programme was inaugurated by Dr. Shaveta Kohli, Head, Department of Economics, whose address set the tone for an intellectually stimulating and participatory session. The event brought together enthusiastic student participants who assumed parliamentary roles and engaged in structured debates, policy discussions and critical deliberations.
Dr. Shaveta expresses its sincere gratitude to the Hon’ble Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Sanjeev Jain, for his constant encouragement, support and vision in promoting student-centric academic initiatives at the University. The Department deeply appreciates his support in fostering an environment that encourages students to think critically, participate actively and contribute meaningfully to the vision of Viksit Bharat @2047
The Youth Parliament was centred on three significant themes—Economic Growth, Human Capital, and Inclusive and Sustainable Development. The discussions provided students with an opportunity to examine contemporary economic and developmental challenges from multiple perspectives while developing the skills of argumentation, negotiation, public speaking and evidence-based reasoning.
The parliamentary proceedings unfolded through three intensive rounds. The first round comprised introductory speeches, in which participants presented their positions with confidence and clarity. The second round focused on substantive discussions on the three core themes, where students demonstrated considerable preparation and an impressive understanding of complex policy issues. The final round, comprising Question Hour and an Unmoderated Caucus, generated particularly lively exchanges, with participants raising challenging questions and responding to opposing viewpoints with confidence and composure.
The event provided more than a platform for debate; it became a classroom without walls, where students experienced the functioning of democratic dialogue, the responsibility of representation and the discipline of parliamentary discourse. The initiative encouraged students to move beyond textbook learning and engage critically with the economic and social realities shaping the nation’s future.
The programme was attended by Dr. Ritu Bakshi, Dean Students’ Welfare, and Dr. Abhimanyu Dev Singh Billawaria, Assistant Professor, Department of English, who interacted with the participants and appreciated their enthusiasm, confidence and quality of deliberation. The dignitaries highlighted the importance of youth participation in democratic processes and encouraged students to develop into informed, responsible and socially conscious citizens.
The programme was concluded by Dr. Ritu Bakshi, Dean Students’ Welfare, whose valedictory address appreciated the efforts of the students and the Department of Economics in organising the event. She emphasised that platforms such as these are instrumental in nurturing leadership, critical thinking, communication skills and a sense of civic responsibility among young people.
The event culminated with the announcement of winners, where students were recognised for their outstanding performances. Gourvi received the Best Delegate award, Paranvi was adjudged Best Speaker, Anshika and Sunakshi received Best Policy Research, Himanshi received High Commendation, Mohit was recognised as Best Negotiator, Anwesha for Best Rebuttal, Mridhul for Best Argumentation, Pragya as Best Orator, Mousin and Ridhima for Best Articulation, and Shivalika received an Honourable Mention.
The event reflects the Department of Economics’ continued commitment to experiential learning, democratic engagement and student leadership. By creating opportunities for young minds to question, deliberate and articulate their vision for the country, Yuva Samvaad for Viksit Bharat @2047 sought to inspire students not merely to envision a developed India, but to recognise their own role in shaping it.
The programme concluded on a note of intellectual enthusiasm, civic responsibility and optimism, reaffirming the belief that an informed, confident and engaged youth is central to India’s journey towards Viksit Bharat @2047.
