KG Kenye urges youth to uphold democratic values

Morung Express NewsLumami | October 27Nagaland Minister for Power and Parliamentary Affairs KG Kenye has expressed appreciation for the performance of young participants at the 18th National Youth Parliament Competition 2026, stating that their presentation closely resembled the actual proceedings of Parliament.Addressing the competition as chief guest at I. Ihoshe Kinimi Hall, Nagaland University, Lumami, on October 27, Kenye said he had not expected such a high standard of performance from the young parliamentarians. “I must be frank, I never expected this degree of performance by our young Parliament friends,” he remarked in his concluding comments, congratulating the participants, teachers, mentors, coaches and parents for their efforts in making the competition a success.In his inaugural address, Kenye highlighted the importance of parliamentary democracy, freedom of expression and responsible political participation, urging young people to develop the knowledge and skills required to become committed and responsible democratic leaders.Reflecting on India's democratic journey since Independence, he said the country had overcome numerous challenges while accommodating its multicultural, multi-religious and diverse society within a democratic system of governance. He also acknowledged the contribution of the Constitution's framers, particularly Dr. B. R. Ambedkar and his team, in establishing the constitutional framework that continues to guide the country.Kenye also highlighted Nagaland's distinctive constitutional position under Article 371A, explaining that the provision safeguards important aspects of Naga life, including religious and social practices, customary laws and procedures, and ownership and transfer of land and its resources. He said the special constitutional safeguards reflected the understanding of the country's early leaders of Nagaland's unique historical and social circumstances.Addressing the young parliamentarians, he encouraged them to understand the value of democratic participation and freedom of expression, drawing attention to people in different parts of the world who are unable to express their views freely. He said citizens of the world's largest democracy were fortunate to enjoy democratic rights and should exercise them responsibly.Emphasising the importance of public speaking, Kenye described speech as a powerful instrument in democratic governance, stressing that freedom of expression should never be abused. He urged participants to focus on clarity, preparation, articulation and conviction, adding that a speaker's belief in what they communicate makes a significant difference to the audience. Sharing his own experience in Parliament, Kenye recalled that he was once allotted only two minutes to speak as the sole member of his party. He said effective communication required speakers to identify their most important points and present them with confidence within the time available.Prof. (Dr.) Anupam Kurlwal, Professor and Head of the Department of Law at Maharshi Dayanand University (MDU), Centre for Professional and Allied Studies, Gurugram, who attended as a nominee of the Ministry of Parliamentary Affairs, also commended the participants for their performance. Kurlwal observed that public speaking was widely regarded as one of the most difficult forms of communication, and acknowledged the efforts of the organising team in building the participants' confidence and enabling them to express their opinions before an audience.He particularly noted the prominent participation of women in the mock parliamentary proceedings, observing that their strong presence demonstrated the importance of encouraging greater women's participation in democratic institutions. Kurlwal also praised the participants' handling of parliamentary procedure, including the Speaker's management of proceedings, interruptions by the Leader of the Opposition and the varying tones used by members while presenting arguments. He said the exercise demonstrated that even when expressing opposition to the government, members must follow established procedures and maintain discipline.He emphasised that effective parliamentary participation required preparation, extensive reading, awareness of public concerns and the ability to articulate views within limited speaking time. Kurlwal subsequently announced six special-prize recipients, stating that the participants had demonstrated considerable effort and commitment. The special prizes were awarded to Phalwani (Badge 09), Alika (Badge 02), Akimeni NK Newmai (Badge 01), Vemutulu (Badge 08), Phuhton (Badge 04), and Ilihon K. Chishi (Badge 26). Earlier in the programme, the inaugural ceremony featured the University Anthem, welcome and introduction of dignitaries by Dr. Tovishe Phucho of the Department of Chemistry, a concept note by Prof. (Dr.) Anupam Kurlwal, an address by Vice-Chancellor In-charge Prof. Bendang Ao, the chief guest's address and a vote of thanks by Peter Ki, PRO; the competition commenced at noon, followed by comments from Dr. Imtiwati Jamir, Principal of Jubilee Memorial College, Mokokchung, Minister K. G. Kenye and Prof. Kurlwal, before the National Anthem brought the programme to a close.