By | Danish Naseer
Jammu: In a spectacular display of civic engagement and leadership, young aspiring leaders from Army Public School (APS) Damana participated in the Youth Parliament event held on the occasion of the 42nd AWES Raising Day on 29 April 2025. The event, aimed at educating and inspiring the youth, simulated the Indian Parliament and provided a platform to discuss critical issues affecting society today.
The Chief Guest for the occasion, Brigadier Vivek Puri, SM, PhD, Commander of the Chenab Brigade and Chairman of APS Damana, inaugurated the proceedings, officially opening the Youth Parliament. Students from classes VII to XII actively participated, engaging in structured debates on a diverse range of topics such as educational reforms, mental health awareness, climate change, social justice, and societal norms. These discussions reflected the broad spectrum of concerns that resonate with today’s youth.
The participants, divided into different Ministries with distinct portfolios, were tasked with developing bills to address their chosen issues. After intense debates and discussions, the students presented their proposals to the assembly, demonstrating the creativity, critical thinking, and leadership skills of the young minds involved.
The Prize Distribution Ceremony saw Neelakashi Sharma (Class X B) being recognized as the Best Speaker, while Naman Vivek Puri (Class VIII A) was awarded the title of Best Delegate. Special Mentions were given to Aaradhya Verma (Class VII D) and Arun Sharma (Class X B) for their outstanding contributions.
The event concluded with a keynote address by Brigadier Vivek Puri, who expressed his admiration for the enthusiasm and dedication shown by the students. He emphasized the importance of events like Youth Parliament in nurturing young leaders and encouraging active participation in shaping the nation’s future. He urged the students to foster a deep respect for women and the nation, stressing that youth engagement in politics is vital for the country’s progress.
Ms. Pushpinder Kaur, Principal of APS Damana, expressed her pride in the students’ involvement, stating that the event was a remarkable success in mirroring the functioning of the Indian Parliament and fostering democratic values among the youth.
Mr. Manmohan Singh, the Event Coordinator and PGT Political Science, highlighted the success of the Youth Parliament as part of a growing movement among the youth to engage in the political process, furthering the goal of developing young leadership. The event culminated with a vote of thanks from the Chief Guest, followed by light refreshments for the participants.
The Youth Parliament at APS Damana has undoubtedly sparked a greater interest in democratic participation and leadership development, laying the foundation for the future leaders of India.
