Youth Parliament 2024 at HPU: Speaker Stresses the Primacy of System Over Individuals
Himachal Pradesh University (HPU) inaugurated a two-day Youth Parliament, where students will discuss the Creamy Layer and Reservation Amendment Bill – 2024. Honorable Speaker of Himachal Pradesh Vidhan Sabha, Kuldeep Pathania, attended as the Chief Guest and inaugurated the event by lighting the ceremonial lamp.
Addressing the Youth Parliament, Speaker Pathania emphasized that it is the system, not individuals, ideologies, or institutions, that holds supreme importance. He noted that every component, including government, judiciary, and public institutions, plays a vital role within the constitutional system, despite occasional clashes of opinion. Pathania shared that the system’s supremacy is evident in other nations as well, which leads to overall societal progress.
Reflecting on India’s evolution since independence, he encouraged attendees to understand the transformations in social life over the last five decades. Stressing the importance of equal opportunities for everyone, he said that administration and governance must ensure access for all, to help bring marginalized sections into the mainstream. According to Pathania, the integrity of institutions is maintained when policies are implemented practically rather than limited to announcements.
He highlighted that while reservations were initially intended for the first decade post-independence, they have persisted and evolved over time, and periodic reviews have led to various amendments. Pathania expressed hope for an in-depth discussion on the Creamy Layer and Reservation Amendment Bill – 2024 during the event, urging students to utilize their intellectual abilities in conjunction with technology.
HPU Vice-Chancellor Prof. Rajendra Verma honored Chief Guest Kuldeep Pathania with a traditional shawl, cap, and memento, while other distinguished guests and the keynote speaker were also felicitated.
Student Participation and Awards
The Youth Parliament, organized by HPU’s Law Department for the first time at the national level, saw participation from around 170 students from states including Delhi, Madhya Pradesh, Punjab, Haryana, and Uttar Pradesh. Undergraduate students under the age of 25 as of July 2024 were eligible to participate.
The event consists of initial rounds, semifinals, and a final round. The top three winners will receive cash prizes of INR 11,000, 7,000, and 5,000, respectively, while the Best Parliamentarian will be awarded INR 2,000. Additionally, five students will receive consolation prizes of INR 2,000 each.
Distinguished Attendees
Prominent attendees included HPU’s Vice-Chancellor Prof. Rajendra Verma, Dean of Law Prof. Rajinder Verma, Youth Parliament Coordinator Prof. Shalini Kashmiriya, UILS Director Prof. Shiv Kumar Dogra, Dean of Law at Punjab University Dr. Devendra Singh, and several notable faculty members and guests.
