150 students simulate parliament in Mysuru, learn democratic processes firsthand

Around 150 students from Karnataka and Kerala received practical exposure to parliamentary procedures through simulated debates and deliberations as the Southern Regional Round of Young Indians Parliament (YiP) 2026 concluded in Mysuru after a two-day programme.

The event, organised by Young Indians (Yi), Mysuru, under the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII), was held at the Excel Public School auditorium in Koorgalli, with participants representing seven Yi chapters.

Hands-on experience in democratic processes

The programme provided students with exposure to various aspects of parliamentary functioning, including Question Hour, Zero Hour, Private Members' Bills, Treasury and Opposition Bench proceedings, committee discussions, parliamentary debates, political strategy and parliamentary journalism. Participants researched issues, presented arguments, raised questions and defended their positions while engaging in constructive democratic debate.

MLA encourages leadership development

Nanjangud MLA Darshan Dhruvanarayan, who attended the programme on the first day, interacted with the young parliamentarians and encouraged them to contribute actively to the country's development. He urged students to use their formative years to develop leadership skills, awareness and a sense of public responsibility.

Mr. Dhruvanarayan also voiced support for restoring college elections, stating that such platforms would provide students an opportunity to understand leadership, representation and democratic participation at an early stage. He stressed the importance of responsive governance and highlighted the online grievance mechanism through which citizens can bring local issues to the administration.

Awards recognise outstanding participants

The two-day event concluded with a valedictory ceremony, where awards were presented to outstanding performers and participation certificates were distributed to delegates. Savitha Mallappa R., Mathew K.G., Yi national leadership representatives Pradeep Chentil Kumar and Sangeetha, along with Yi executive committee members, chapter representatives, faculty members and other guests, were present.

Yashmith S.G. was named Best Parliamentarian, while Vaishnavi Dinesh won Best Speaker. Shreya Basanagowda Patil received the Parliamentary Leadership Award. Awards in other categories went to Aditi Sreenivas, Saanvi Sunil, Sangam R., Soman Bipaiah, Adinath Viju, Chaitra and Deeam, Sreekesh and Muzaina, Sreemayi S., Manvitha Shivashankar, Aninditha Anand, Naveed Nivas and Chetana Isabel, according to a press release.

Yi Mysuru Chairperson Priyanka Sridhar said YiP was aimed at taking students beyond the textbook understanding of democracy by giving them practical exposure to parliamentary procedures, leadership, debate and responsible disagreement.

Source: The Hindu