On Monday, district minister Rizwan Arshad inaugurated a district‑level youth parliament competition at Jnanasudha College in Manipal, Karnataka, marking the National Democracy Day celebrations.
Addressing a gathering that included officials from the District Panchayat, Social Welfare, School Education, Higher Education, and Law Justice & Human Rights departments, Arshad emphasized that the Indian Constitution shapes everyday life for every citizen. He asserted that constitutional provisions guarantee equal opportunities in education, employment, and other spheres, irrespective of economic or social background.
The event unfolded in the Shanti Ramesh Pai Hall of the college, a venue known locally as the “Ganit Nagar” of Manipal. Participants comprised students from various schools who debated contemporary issues under the guidance of senior leaders such as MLA Yashpal E. Suvarna, who chaired the program, MLA Manjunath Bhandari, District Panchayat chief Prateek Bayal, MCDA President M.A. Gafur, Sri Narayan Guru Development Corporation head Manjunath Poojari, Urban Development Authority president Dinkar Heruru, and District Legal Services Authority secretary Nitin V. Rao. Lawyer’s Association president Ronald Praveen Kumar, Social Welfare deputy director Anita Madhlooru, and Youth Empowerment & Sports assistant director Roshan Kumar Shetty also addressed the audience.
Arshad reminded listeners that the Constitution empowers voters to replace representatives every five years, ensuring accountability. He contrasted pre‑independence monarchic rule and colonial administration with today’s democratic framework where citizens elect their leaders and can withdraw support if officials fail to perform.
Concluding his speech, the minister urged young people to internalize constitutional values, suggesting that today’s participants could become tomorrow’s legislators. He expressed hope that the youth parliament platform will serve as a stepping stone for future political engagement across coastal Karnataka.
Image: Wikipedia — Rizwan Arshad
📰 Source: Vartha Bharati Udupi