Yi Parliament 2025 gives voice to young minds, future leaders

The Young Indians (Yi) Parliament 2025 echoed with the vibrant voices of future leaders as over 86 young minds gathered here recently to debate, deliberate, and dream of a better tomorrow, according to the organisers.

The two-day event, organised by Yi Mysuru and Confederation of Indian Industry (CII), provided a platform for students to experience the essence of democracy, exchange ideas, and understand the intricacies of parliamentary procedures, the organisers said.

From the very first session, students were immersed in an authentic parliamentary simulation. Divided into five political parties, the participants designed party logos, drafted manifestos, and elected leaders, transforming strangers into teammates with shared visions. Deputy leaders presented their ideologies, and soon, a mini-nation took shape with student Prime Ministers, Opposition leaders, and Cabinet Ministers, a press release said.

The agenda included 90-second climate speeches, Question Hour, Zero Hour, a no-confidence motion, and intense bill drafting sessions, making the experience as real as it gets, the organisers said.

According to the release, Pranith Gowda from Nypunya School of Excellence said, “I always had a dream of being part of politics, but I had no courage to chase it. This Yi Parliament changed that. It wasn’t a basic version where you just sit and read a script. It was intense with real constituencies, real arguments, even a no-confidence motion and strict parliamentary discipline.”

The second day began on a solemn note with an obituary reference taken to offer tributes to veteran journalist K.B. Ganapathy, who passed away recently. Students also engaged in Zero Hour discussions, addressing issues like the Pahalgam attack.

In a highlight of the event, MP for Mysuru, Yaduveer Krishnadatta Chamaraja Wodeyar, inspired participants with his address, emphasising that listening is the key to being a Parliamentarian, and thinking from the perspective of the Opposition results in churning out better solutions. “Understanding parliamentary processes empowers the younger generation,” he added.

He also spoke on infrastructure developments, railway improvements, and the relocation of Mysuru’s sewage treatment plant, demonstrating how real-time governance connects to citizen concerns.

The event concluded with 20 awards recognising outstanding participants. A total of 45 students, including those from government schools, were shortlisted for the regional round to be held in Trivandrum in late August, with finalists moving on to attend a special Student Parliamentary Session in New Delhi, where Prime Minister Narendra Modi has been invited to address the gathering, the release added.