Under the aegis of the Ministry of Parliamentary Affairs, Government of India, a highly promising competition was conducted at LD Arts College. The name itself reveals its essence—a platform to nurture young minds in democratic values and parliamentary awareness.
The primary objective of the event was to instill democratic values and enhance parliamentary awareness among students. It provided a platform for young minds to explore the workings of bureaucracy and governance in the world’s largest democracy. Through this competition, students honed their debating skills, gained insights into national and international relations, and learned about parliamentary procedures.
The Preparation Begins
A bold and eye-catching notice was displayed on the College Board, announcing the selection process. The very title—‘Youth Parliament Competition’—excited many students, as such an event had never been conducted before in our college. Our professors ensured that the selection process was dynamic and engaging by choosing thought-provoking topics for speeches:
- The New Education Policy
- New Allocation of Budget
- Women Empowerment
Students delivered their best, making the selection process challenging. However, after thorough evaluation, the top 55 candidates were chosen. The first meeting was then conducted, where professors introduced students to the format, process, execution requirements, and confidence-building strategies needed to succeed in the competition.
Formation of Teams
With mutual coordination, the professors divided students into three major teams:
Speaker Team: Included roles such as Speaker, Deputy Speaker, Secretaries, Press Members, and Marshals.
Ruling Party Team: Members were assigned portfolios based on the quality of their speeches and overall presentation.
Opposition Party Team: Portfolios were similarly assigned, ensuring a balanced and competitive parliamentary session.
With ministries allotted, the opposition party began framing questions under the guidance of professors. In the following days, both questions and responses were meticulously crafted.
Rigorous Rehearsals
Rehearsals began in full swing, with students practicing their respective roles while professors refined their performances. The script was crafted with precision, incorporating various aspects of governance—Defence, Finance, Foreign Affairs, Health, Rural Development, Women & Child Development, and Sports. The questions reflected real-world issues at rural, state, national, and international levels to provide an in-depth understanding of the subject matter.
Professors and core team members dedicated extra hours, staying late after college to ensure seamless execution. The rehearsals created an engaging atmosphere, fostering camaraderie among participants. Bhautik Sir once remarked, “You all are MPs, so behave like MPs—not just in speech but in actions.” Taking this to heart, students even addressed each other by their parliamentary roles during lectures, strengthening their bond and commitment to the event.
The Big Day – 27th February 2025
Excitement filled the air—not just among the participants but across the entire college. Anticipation peaked as the esteemed judges arrived:
- Rajat Ray – From Jadavpur University, Kolkata
- Kirit Solanki – Former Member of Parliament, Ahmedabad West
- Hitesh Patel – H.O.D, Political Science Department, Gujarat University
Though there was a mix of nervousness and excitement, the judges’ speeches reassured and motivated the participants. What followed was an impeccably executed parliamentary session within the allotted 55-minute time frame. Our professors, while confident in our abilities, remained watchful to ensure smooth proceedings. Their dedication paid off, as the event unfolded with discipline and professionalism.
Appreciation & Recognition
Post-event, the judges expressed their appreciation, commending the discipline and eloquence of the participants. This discipline was a result of our professors’ rigorous training—ensuring we adhered to actual parliamentary conduct rather than exaggerating our roles. Their strict yet supportive guidance was instrumental in our success.
Among all participants, the judges selected the top six speakers, recognizing them with certificates of excellence. The event concluded with heartfelt words of appreciation from our professors and principal, acknowledging the dedication and hard work put in by students, faculty, and college staff.
Looking Ahead
The event ended with a photo session, followed by lunch and a discussion on future improvements. Our aim for the following year? To win the title of Best Youth Parliament Conduction among all universities in India.
From the bottom of our hearts, we extend our gratitude to our principal and professors of the Political Science Department, who, with their strict yet friendly guidance, brought out the best in us. With their continued support, we believe we can achieve even greater milestones in the future!
Faculties of Political Science Department:
- Bithika Pandya Ma’am
- Kamlesh Dabhi Sir
- Bhautik Patel Sir
- Priyanka Gohil
