Hidayatullah National Law University (HNLU) Nava Raipur in collaboration with Y20 Secretariat, G-20 New Delhi, organized a National Seminar on the theme of Youth in Democracy and Governance on Saturday, 5 August 2023. Over 200 students, from HNLU and Kalinga University attended the Seminar.
In the opening remarks, Prof. (Dr.) V.C. Vivekanandan, underlined the importance of Youth playing a vital role for effective governance and sustenance of democracy and played a clipping of Bob Morley’s famous song of ‘Stand up for your rights’ as a message to the Youth to take their rightful place. Mr. Suyash Pande, Track Chair of Y20-G20 and HNLU Alumni addressed the gathering and gave a detailed working of Y20-G20 events highlighting that for India and the World this is the era of Youth in terms of population and its significance to play a vital role in effective democracy and governance.
The Seminar in its first panel discussion held at a pre lunch session had Prof (Dr.) Ram Kumar Kakani, Director IIM Raipur emphasize the importance of electoral participation and the role youth need to play for the sustenance of democratic values and effective governance. Padma Shri awardee, Phoolbasan Bai Yadav emphasized her motto of life ‘Padhai, Bhalai and Safai’ urging students to do their studies with zeal. The panel had Dr. Avinash Samal, Dean of Social Sciences and Student Welfare deliberating on the role of students in making a difference in effective outcome of governance and smooth functioning of democracy. The Panel also had Ms. Shagun Kanodia, a mooter of HNLU eloquently advocating the role of Youth in Governance and Democracy,
The post lunch panel discussion had the participation and comments from Prof. Pradeep Kumar Sinha, Director of IIIT Nava Raipur narrating his own experience of research and the role played by young researchers. Dr. Abhishek Pallava (IPS), Senior Superintendent of Police, Kabirdham CG, in his riveting speech gave an in-depth understanding regarding the juncture of crime, society and youth. Mr. Mayank Chaturvedi (IAS) Commissioner, Raipur Municipal Corporation laid down his perspective on the intricacies of the need for active participation from the youth to build the fabric of society. Ms.Vanshika Kant consultant at Asian Development Bank in her address touched upon the international experiential learning for the youth here to strengthen Democracy and Governance. Ms. Anjali Sinha, LL.M Scholar in her address touched upon touched upon the relevance of youth in strengthening the practical aspects of good governance.
The Seminar concluded with the remarks by the Registrar (i/c), Dr Vipan Kumar on the responsibility of youth in the era of technology and Mr. Suyesh Pande, Chair of the Track of Y 20-G 20 summarizing the day’s proceeding urging the youth to take ownership of their institution and their career path to serve the country.