Media Release

Mangaluru, Sep 21: St Agnes PU College, in collaboration with the department of parliamentary affairs and the department of school education (Pre-University), Dakshina Kannada district, government of Karnataka, organised the district-level youth parliament competition on September 20.

The purpose of the event was to aid students to gain an insight into how parliament functions. It also endeavours to provide a platform to youngsters to be abreast of current affairs and problems plaguing the country, form opinions, discuss, and debate. The event saw the participation of dignitaries and students from various colleges and walks of life, making it a significant occasion.

The day commenced with a formal welcome for the dignitaries, who were accorded a guard of honour, setting a ceremonious tone for the event. The inaugural session began with a prayer song by Bhamathee and group, invoking divine blessings and setting a serene atmosphere for the event. The dignitaries gracing the occasion included Jayanna, DDPU, Dakshina Kannada District; Jayananda N Suvarna, president of the DKPU Principals Association; Chandranatha M, president of the Dakshina Kannada Political Science Lecturers Association; Dr Sr Maria Roopa AC, joint secretary of St Agnes Institutions; Sr Norine Dsouza AC, principal of St Agnes PU College; and Sr Janet Sequeira AC, vice-principal of the college.

Chandranath in his keynote address highlighted the due parliamentary process and lauded the participants for their positive attitude. It’s important to have such events, he said, in order to raise public awareness and commended the institution for organizing and hosting the event so well. Jayanna, DDPU, shared his views and called the event a golden opportunity for the youth to hone their skills. Jayananda Suvarna in his address to the gathering, remarked that it is crucial for students to shoulder their duties, responsibilities and rights as thinking citizens of this proud nation.

After the inauguration, participants were provided with training by Chandranatha M, president of the Dakshina Kannada Political Science Lecturers’ Association, to enhance their understanding of parliamentary procedures and protocols. This was followed by the youth parliament competition, where students from different colleges demonstrated their knowledge of governance and democracy through debates and parliamentary simulations. The participants displayed their skills in leadership, critical thinking, and decision-making, impressing the audience with their pertinent discussions on current national and social issues.

The valedictory ceremony began with a spiritual invocation by Preval and group. The event was enhanced by the presence of Jayanna, DDPU who was warmly felicitated on the occasion by D K Political Science Lecturer’s Association. Umesh Karkera, principal of Narayana Guru Pre-University College, Katipalla; Chandranatha M president; and Divya Kumari, secretary of the Dakshina Kannada Political Science Lecturers’ Association was also present. Other members present included the office bearers of DKPUC political science association, media personnel, participants and accompanying staff from various colleges. The presence of various luminaries lent a special touch to the valedictory session which concluded on a joyous note.

The day came to an end with the prize distribution ceremony which recognized the most exceptional performances in the competition. The first place was bagged by Mokshith S Bangera of Scared Heart PU College, Madanthyar. Second place was awarded to Arya Vijay Kumar, Alva’s PU College, Moodabidre and third place was garnered by Uday Naik, Padua PU College, Nanthoor. Additionally, seven ‘best parliamentarians’ were awarded for their expertise in parliamentary procedures Mohammed Hafeez, Sacred Hearts PU College, Madanthyar; Manjunath, Government PU College, Hampanakatte; Gracian Aranha, Padua PU College, Nanthoor; Hasina K, SDM PU College, Ujire; Karthik D C, SDM PU College, Ujire; Abhinav M S, Alava’s PU College, Moodabidre; Anagha M, St Agnes PU College, Mangaluru. The event left an enduring impact on all participants, inspiring them to promote and uphold the principles of democracy and thereby contribute to the future of the nation.

The district level youth parliament competition – 2024 was an unmistakable success, exemplifying the potential of young minds to engage in meaningful discourse and sculpting them into visionary leaders. The programme was planned and executed ably by the convenor, Chandranatha M, president, DK Political Science Lecturer’s Association; co-convenor, Jyothi Pinto, lecturer in political science, St Agnes PU College. The inaugural session was anchored by Preema, lecturer in computer science; Shailaja, lecturer in Kannada welcomed the gathering; Avitha, lecturer in psychology, rendered the vote of thanks. The valedictory ceremony was compered by Shailaja. Shubhvani, lecturer in computer science welcomed the gathering, and Jyothi proposed the vote of thanks.