In a vibrant celebration of the 42nd Raising Day of the Army Welfare Education Society (AWES), Army Public School Damana hosted a dynamic Youth Parliament, inspiring students to step into the shoes of future lawmakers. The event offered an engaging simulation of India’s Parliamentary procedures and fostered civic awareness, democratic values, and leadership among students from Classes VII to XII.
Held on April 29, the Youth Parliament stood as the centrepiece of a day filled with co-curricular excellence, reflecting the school’s commitment to holistic education. The initiative was inaugurated by Brigadier Vivek Puri, SM, PhD, Commander of the Chenab Brigade and Chairman of APS Damana, who presided as the Chief Guest. He ceremoniously opened the Parliament session, setting the tone for a series of intellectually stimulating debates.
Participants were divided into mock Ministries with designated portfolios, each group tasked with crafting and defending a bill on pressing societal themes such as mental health, educational reforms, climate change, social justice, and societal norms. The youth displayed remarkable poise and insight, echoing the concerns and hopes of a generation on the cusp of leadership.
Neelakashi Sharma (X B) was recognized as the Best Speaker, while Naman Vivek Puri (VIII A) earned accolades as the Best Delegate. Special Mentions were awarded to Aaradhya Verma (VII D) and Arun Sharma (X B) for their outstanding contributions.
In his keynote address, Brig Vivek Puri lauded the initiative and stressed the importance of such platforms in nurturing informed, responsible citizens. He passionately urged the students to imbibe a deep respect for women and a profound love for the motherland, reinforcing the values of dignity and patriotism.
Ms Pushpinder Kaur, Principal of APS Damana, commended the students for their energetic and thoughtful engagement, expressing pride in their ability to mirror the functioning of the Indian Parliament with sincerity and depth.
Event Coordinator Mr Manmohan Singh, PGT Political Science, emphasized that the success of the Youth Parliament reflects a growing eagerness among today’s youth to participate in democratic processes. He highlighted that such programs pave the way for broader civic engagement and leadership development in the future.
The event concluded on a celebratory note with a prize distribution ceremony and light refreshments, leaving behind a powerful message India’s youth are not just leaders of tomorrow, but changemakers of today.(PR)