Sawai Man Singh School Hosts Pioneering Youth Parliament Event.

Parliament by Pupils: Highlights from Jaipur's Youth Parliament Simulation

Teaching students about politics through role-playing is crucial because it inculcates an experiential understanding of democratic process and governance. As we know, teaching a topic practically often yields deeper understanding and more lasting insights. In this direction, the Rajasthan branch of the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association organized a “Youth Parliament Programme” in the Rajasthan Assembly on 27 July 2024. In this simulated session, 181 students from 41 schools across the state participated and played the roles of various public representatives such as chief minister, speaker, ministers, and opposition leaders.

Sawai Man Singh School in Jaipur hosted a mock legislative session where students, acting as Members of the Legislative Assembly (MLAs), debated various issues. These included school bus security, regulation of private school fees, government school enrollment, and social concerns like revitalizing water bodies such as the Ramgarh Dam, as well as addressing food adulteration and drug abuse. During the Question Hour, students addressed issues by their peers, including coaching institute facilities, teachers’ qualifications, students' mental stress, and suicide cases. Chief Minister Siddharth promised new legislation for regulating coaching institutes, Opposition Leader Bhumika Saini offered counterarguments, while Vaibhavi Goyal presided as the speaker. Assembly Speaker Vasudev Devnani underscored to the students the importance of understanding parliamentary processes and legislative procedures. He highlighted that India, as the world's largest and most prosperous democracy, relies on its youth to sustain and enhance this democratic system in the future.

Opposition Leader Tikaram Jully warned students about the dangers of fake news and encouraged them to use social media responsibly to stay informed. MLA Sandeep Sharma, Secretary of the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association's Rajasthan branch, highlighted that the Yuva Sansad programs provide crucial insights into democratic norms, respect for diverse opinions, and the workings of the legislative process.

Editor’s Note:

The 'Youth Parliament' at Sawai Man Singh School demonstrates the transformative power of educational initiatives in fostering leadership and civic responsibility among young people. Through their involvement in a simulated legislative session, these students have gained a deeper understanding of governance complexities and displayed commendable commitment to addressing real-world issues. This event highlights the importance of engaging young people in meaningful discussions about societal issues to nurture the next generation of informed and engaged leaders. Reflecting on the success of this initiative, we are reminded of the crucial role such programs play in developing future policymakers and changemakers.

Skoobuzz appreciates the groundbreaking step taken by the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association to empower young minds to tackle complex societal challenges.