A youth-led simulation of parliamentary proceedings in the Rajasthan Assembly on Monday saw a strong intervention from 17-year-old Sonakshi Bhattacharya, a student, who was given the portfolio of Home Minister for the event.
Speaking during a session on national security, Bhattacharya addressed cross-border terrorism. Her fiery speech on the issue has attracted nationwide attention, with some saying it reflects a new India taking a firm stand.
She urged a united approach to tackling the threat and reminded the House of incidents such as Pulwama and Pahalgam, stating that such attacks underline the urgency for collective national resolve.
She spoke firmly about how terrorists use religion to kill innocents, saying, “Agr koi Dharma puchke marga tou hum dharma btake marenge.”
Bhattacharya, in her address, said peace could not be sustained without adequate preparedness.
“Peace can be built with strength,” she said, emphasising the need for a well-equipped security apparatus backed by technology and operational readiness.
The event, called the Youth Parliament, brought together students from across the country to debate and deliberate on key issues in the format of actual legislative proceedings.
YOUTH PARLIAMENT DEBATES KEY ISSUES
Bhattacharya criticised what she described as deliberate attempts by a neighbouring country to destabilise India, noting that the policy of using terrorism as a tool was eroding trust and threatening stability in the region.
The Rajasthan Assembly held the 4th Youth Parliament, an initiative of the Indian government, bringing together 168 students from 13 states to debate national and global issues.
Organisers said the purpose of the Youth Parliament was to familiarise students with the working of democratic institutions, giving them a platform to research, articulate, and debate issues of public importance.
The programme is modelled on the actual rules and procedures of legislative bodies, with participants taking on roles such as ministers, opposition leaders, and members of the house.
Bhattacharya’s speech stood out for its focus on specific events and its call for a united, non-partisan approach to national security.
Her intervention underscored that, for the next generation, debates on peace and security are not distant policy matters but questions that will shape their future.
The Youth Parliament concluded with resolutions passed on multiple issues, reflecting a range of perspectives.
For participants, it was both a lesson in governance and an exercise in understanding the responsibilities that come with leadership.
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