Sri Vijaya Puram, Apr 24: MY Bharat, Sri Vijaya Puram, in association with NSS Wing, Jawaharlal Nehru Rajkeeya Mahavidyalaya (JNRM), successfully organized a Model Yuva Gram Sabha (MYGS) at the Lecture Gallery, JNRM on the occasion of National Panchayati Raj Day, aimed at sensitizing youth on grassroots governance, Gram Sabha functioning and participatory planning under Gram Panchayat Development Plan (GPDP).
The programme was inaugurated with traditional lighting of the lamp, followed by welcome of the Guest of Honour, Dr. Pearl Devdas, Principal, JNRM, through presentation of a ceremonial plant sapling as a symbol of sustainability and growth.
GC Biswas, APS (OSD) & ToT, MYGS, delivered the welcome address and highlighted the objectives of the programme. Mr. Sukha Ranjan Biswas, Joint Director, MY Bharat, delivered the keynote address and emphasized the need for meaningful youth engagement in democratic institutions at the grassroots.
The programme witnessed enthusiastic participation of youth and students from JNRM, ANCOL, Andaman Law College, TGCE and DBRAIT, besides youths representing different youth clubs, who actively participated in the Model Yuva Gram Sabha proceedings and deliberations.
A simulation of Gram Sabha proceedings was conducted with active participation of students and youth role players, during which several development issues relating to education, health, water, electricity, infrastructure, transport, youth development and local planning were deliberated.
Among the invited speakers, Mr. Mohd Safiq, Gram Panchayat Pradhan, Mitha Khadi, shared practical insights on the functioning of real Gram Sabhas and candidly spoke on the issue of low youth participation in Gram Sabha meetings, while emphasizing the need to make Gram Sabha more vibrant, inclusive and solution-oriented.
Mr. Ashish Shekhar, Panchayat Secretary, explained procedural aspects including quorum, resolutions and the role of Gram Sabha in participatory decision making.
The programme was also graced by the presence of Sr. Liya Joy, Associate Professor; Dr. Sunil Saini, Associate Professor; Mr. Gorakhnath Patil, President, Maharashtra Mandal; Tamilbharathan T.K., NSS Officer; Mr. Anup Kumar Dutta; Mr. V.K. Mohammad Samir, DEO, Education Department; Mr. Kailash B. Nikuse; and other invited dignitaries, who remained present to grace the occasion.
Mr. Chandan Singh, Youth Leader and Social Worker, and Mr. Ankit Mridha, Youth Leader, also shared their feedback and stressed the need for stronger youth platforms, greater outreach, improved participation mechanisms, and periodic youth-focused Gram Sabha forums.
A notable feature of the programme was the adoption of indicative suggestions and resolutions supporting youth inclusion in GPDP, strengthening inter-departmental coordination and encouraging regular youth engagement in Panchayat processes.
Certificates of Participation were conferred upon all students and participants who played various roles in the Model Gram Sabha simulation.
In the concluding session, Mr. Ranjit Kumar, Assistant Director, Sports and Youth Affairs, delivered the closing remarks and congratulated the participants for their enthusiastic involvement. He described the programme as a meaningful step toward nurturing informed, responsible and participative youth citizens.
The programme concluded with a vote of thanks proposed by Mrs. Nidhi Shekhawat, Associate Professor, Psychology, acknowledging the support of MY Bharat, JNRM, invited guests, faculty members, PRI representatives, NSS volunteers, media and participating students.
The event marked a significant initiative toward strengthening youth participation in grassroots democracy and promoting awareness on Panchayati Raj Institutions among young citizens.
