Chandigarh, November 4
The Haryana Legislative Assembly organised Haryana Youth Dialogue-2026 on Wednesday, bringing together 90 young participants from 15 states. Organised in collaboration with the social organisation Rajdhani Yuva Sansad, the programme featured in-depth discussions on Indian culture, constitutional values and women’s empowerment. In the competition, Janvi Sharma secured the first position, Arzoo Parashar stood second, while Akshay Kumar Jha bagged the third position.
Addressing the concluding session, Haryana Legislative Assembly Speaker Harvinder Kalyan called upon the youth to play an active role in creating awareness among society about constitutional values. Earlier, the programme was inaugurated by Assembly Deputy Speaker Dr Krishan Lal Middha by lighting the ceremonial lamp. After the programme, the Speaker also interacted with the young participants over tea.
Kalyan said that the core ethos of Indian culture lies in placing the interests and welfare of others before oneself. This spirit strengthens mutual cooperation, harmony and social cohesion. He said that the Constitution is an important document defining our rights and duties. Understanding its values and incorporating them into our conduct is the responsibility of every citizen. We must imbibe the ideals of great personalities, and their birth anniversaries should not remain confined to ceremonial events. Their thoughts and values must also find expression in our everyday lives. He emphasised that citizens must remain equally conscious of their responsibilities along with their rights.
Referring to the prevailing global situation, he said that one of the major reasons behind conflicts and tensions in different parts of the world was the decline in harmony and tolerance among human values, coupled with an uncontrolled race for material progress. In contrast, Indian culture teaches us tolerance, mutual respect and the spirit of collective welfare.
Kalyan said that young people must harness modern technology to enhance their capabilities and skills. However, development would be truly meaningful only when it remained rooted in values and cultural ethos. Just as the strength of a building depends on its foundation and the survival of a tree on its deep roots, the strength of human life rests on its values. Prioritising the interests of others and developing a sense of responsibility towards society are integral to these values.
He said that the Indian Constitution has given the country a unique parliamentary system, under which the Legislature, Executive and Judiciary have been entrusted with distinct roles, powers and responsibilities. Citing the examples of Dr BR Ambedkar, Dr APJ Abdul Kalam, President Droupadi Murmu and Prime Minister Narendra Modi, he said that all of them had overcome difficult family and social circumstances through talent, hard work and determination, making significant contributions to the country and society. Most of the young participants present in the House today had already moved beyond such circumstances and had numerous opportunities to develop their potential and contribute to society and nation-building. He expressed confidence that many of them would go on to achieve significant positions in life and play an important role in the democratic system through their talent and hard work.
Earlier, addressing the inaugural session, Assembly Deputy Speaker Dr Krishan Lal Middha said that in a vast and diverse country like India, democracy could be strengthened only when all sections of society were given adequate representation in the decision-making process.
He said that women’s empowerment was not merely a women-centric issue but a shared responsibility of both men and women. A society where women receive equal respect and opportunities also creates a better, more inclusive and healthy social environment. Referring to Rani Padmini of Chittor, he said that Indian women had set inspiring examples through their courage, sacrifice and ideals.
Dr Middha said that many daughters of Haryana had proved through their hard work and talent that ability knows no boundaries. What they need are the right opportunities, proper guidance and the confidence of their families. The present generation must take this progressive thinking forward so that no girl in the future has to struggle additionally to prove her talent.
During various sessions of the dialogue, young participants put forward several practical suggestions to promote awareness about constitutional values and strengthen women’s empowerment. They suggested introducing women’s political leadership programmes in colleges to familiarise female students with their constitutional rights, the electoral process and the functioning of the governance system. They also proposed organising mock parliaments and mock legislative assemblies in educational institutions to help students understand democratic processes through practical experience.
The participants further suggested launching leadership mentorship programmes to connect experienced legislators, Members of Parliament and village sarpanches with young women aspiring to enter public life. They also emphasised the need to introduce practical modules on civic and parliamentary leadership in schools and colleges and strengthen the legal literacy cells functioning in colleges.
Citing Rwanda as an example, one of the suggestions highlighted that its Constitution provides for a minimum 30 per cent representation of women in Parliament and decision-making bodies. The participants said that India should also consider mandatory reservation to ensure greater participation of women in decision-making.
One of the young participants observed that the objective of women’s empowerment should not be limited to increasing the number of women in legislative institutions. Rather, every girl should be empowered to make decisions with confidence and actively contribute to nation-building.
Advocate Isha Kapoor and Jai Saini of Rajdhani Yuva Sansad were also present on the occasion.
