New Delhi, 24 December 2025: Delhi Legislative Assembly Speaker Vijender Gupta today interacted with 40 youth participants from Rajasthan as part of the Inter-State Youth Exchange Programme. The young participants, representing districts including Dausa, Sikar, Bharatpur, Jhunjhunu, and Alwar, were introduced to the functioning of parliamentary democracy and the historic legacy of the Delhi Vidhan Sabha. The programme was organized by MYBharat, under the Office of the District Youth Officer, South West Delhi (an autonomous body under the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, Government of India), in collaboration with CCRT, Dwarka.
Addressing the participants, Gupta said, “You have come to a place often described as the temple of democracy. In a democratic system, the people are supreme, and it is through dialogue, debate, and discussion in the House that governance truly takes shape.” He emphasized that dialogue is the soul of democracy and that the House serves as the central forum for discussion, accountability, and public representation.
The programme began with a documentary screening on Veer Vithalbhai Patel, India’s first elected Speaker, narrated by Padma Bhushan awardee Anupam Kher. The film highlighted India’s parliamentary heritage and provided a foundation for discussions on democratic values and the evolution of governance.
During his interaction with the youth, Gupta elaborated on the development of democracy, explaining the differences between historical monarchical systems and modern parliamentary democracy. He highlighted that in a parliamentary system, citizens elect their representatives, and governments serve as public servants. Gupta also underscored the symbolic significance of renaming Rajpath as Kartavya Path, reflecting the ethos of duty and public service central to democracy.
The Speaker provided detailed insights into the functioning of parliamentary democracy, explaining that elected representatives convene in the House to deliberate, discuss, and enact legislation. He stressed that dialogue remains the strongest pillar of democratic governance and that the House functions as the core platform for public representation, accountability, and debate.
Highlighting the historic significance of the Delhi Vidhan Sabha, Gupta described it as a living heritage site with over 113 years of history. He noted that after the transfer of India’s capital from Calcutta to Delhi in 1911, legislative proceedings began in this building in 1912. Gupta also recalled that eminent national leaders such as Gopal Krishna Gokhale, Lala Lajpat Rai, Madan Mohan Malaviya, and Veer Vithalbhai Patel were closely associated with the House, and that debates and struggles within its walls played a pivotal role in India’s freedom movement.
As part of the programme, students interacted with the Speaker on a one-on-one basis, sharing their learnings, experiences, and reflections. The participants were also taken on a guided tour of the Delhi Legislative Assembly, which familiarized them with its procedures, functioning, and historic legacy.
The visit aimed to provide youth with a deeper understanding of parliamentary processes, democratic principles, and civic responsibilities. By engaging directly with the Speaker and observing the Assembly’s operations, participants gained insights into the functioning of India’s legislative institutions and the role of democratic deliberation in shaping governance.
Through initiatives like the Inter-State Youth Exchange Programme, MYBharat and its collaborating organizations seek to foster civic awareness, encourage youth engagement with democratic institutions, and instill a sense of responsibility towards governance. Gupta’s interaction emphasized the importance of dialogue, education, and exposure in cultivating informed and responsible citizens capable of contributing meaningfully to India’s democracy.
The programme concluded with participants expressing their appreciation for the opportunity to visit the Delhi Vidhan Sabha and engage with the Speaker, highlighting the significance of such exchanges in broadening their understanding of parliamentary traditions and India’s democratic heritage.
