Leh, March 27: The State Level Youth Parliament 2026 (Ladakh), organised under the Viksit Bharat initiative on the theme “Union Budget 2026: Strengthening the Indian Youth’s Path Towards Viksit Bharat 2047,” was held at the University of Ladakh, Leh Campus, Taru Thang.
The programme opened with the rendition of the national song Vande Mataram. Delivering the welcome address, Ms Tajamal Ara, Joint Director, MY Bharat, Leh-Ladakh, highlighted that the platform enables young voices to be heard and plays a crucial role in shaping responsible and informed citizens. She also acknowledged the consistent support extended by the University administration and the Higher Education Department in promoting such youth-centric initiatives.
The formal inauguration was marked by the lighting of the ceremonial lamp by Ms Bhanu Prabha, IAS, Secretary, Higher Education Department, UT Ladakh, Chief Guest, along with Prof. Saket Kushwaha, Hon’ble Vice Chancellor, University of Ladakh, and other dignitaries. The dignitaries were felicitated with traditional Thanka and Khadags.
The core segment of the event was a speech competition, evaluated by a panel of judges comprising Ms Kunzes Angmo, KAS, Director, Social Welfare Department, UT Ladakh; Leh; A.G. Zargar, Assistant Commissioner; Dr Yangchan Dolma, Dean, University of Ladakh; and Ms Tsering Angmo, General Secretary, LFA and Dr. Syed Mustafa, GDC Kargil.
A total of ten participants competed, including Choskit Dolma (EJM College), Afreeda Banoo (University of Ladakh, Kargil Campus), Sanju Kumari (GDC Nobra), Sakina Mehdi (GDC Kargil), Naksuma Bano (EJM College), Zulikha Banoo (University of Ladakh, Kargil Campus), Saraswati Roka (EJM College), Mohammad Tawheed (GDC Kargil), Stanzin Dechen (EJM College), and Fiza Banoo (GDC Kargil).
Addressing the gathering, the Chief Guest Ms Bhanu Prabha, IAS, Secretary, Higher Education Department, UT Ladakh, emphasised that the Youth Parliament is not merely an academic exercise but a platform to translate ideas into action. She noted that it aims to sensitise young minds to the challenges and aspirations of the nation, and urged participants to look beyond competition and focus on meaningful deliberation and innovative thinking.
In his address, Prof. Saket Kushwaha, Hon’ble Vice Chancellor, University of Ladakh, described the university as a space for intellectual engagement and dialogue. He encouraged students to make full use of such opportunities, underlining the importance of balancing fundamental rights with duties and responsibilities. Referring to the vision of Viksit Bharat, he stressed the need for youth to acquire skills and contribute actively to nation-building.
The competition concluded with Mohammad Tawheed securing first position, followed by Zulikha Banoo in second place and Saraswati Roka in third. All participants were felicitated for their efforts. The selected candidates will go on to represent Ladakh at the national-level Youth Parliament to be held in New Delhi.
The programme concluded with a vote of thanks by Dr Jigmat Dachen, Dean/NSS Programme Coordinator, University of Ladakh, followed by the National Anthem and a group photograph.
