The 'Great Hall' of the CMS College, Kottayam, which saw luminaries such as former President of India K.R. Narayanan and renowned scientist E.C.G. Sudarshan beginning their journeys to worldwide fame, recently became the venue for young people to analyse various topics and display their debating skills. The District Youth Parliament was held at the college on January 27, which saw youngsters turning into parliamentarians for a while, dissecting a variety of topics ranging from terrorism to climate change to the future of sports in India.
The pictures of the towering figures which the campus has produced over the years, became spectators to the stunning oratorical and parliamentary debates of the students of various colleges in the district. It was a platform for students, in the age group 18-25, to showcase their abilities in debating, analysis and articulation.
The Youth Parliament was organised by the National Service Scheme (NSS) unit of the CMS College as per the instruction of the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports of the Government of India. Fifty students from various Colleges in the district participated in the event. Mathews Joshy of the KE College, Mannam, secured the first position, while Alexander Joy P. of the Devamatha College, Kuravilangadu, came second. Abel Koshi Joji of the Girideepam Institute of Advanced Learning secured the third position. These three will represent Kottayam district in the State Youth Parliament.
Prof. Ashok Alex Luke, district nodal officer of the Youth Parliament and NSS coordinator of the CMS College, told that the event was conducted following preparations lasting one month. "The students were given four topics –the global narrative on terrorism, India’s position in climate change, Khelo Bharath and budding sportspersons,” said Prof. Ashok.
The jury members included C.R. Neelakandan, environmental activist and Aam Aadmi Party leader, Dr Biju Lakshmanan, associate professor with MG University Kottayam, Commodore Anil Jose Joseph, Director of Maritime Warfare Centre, Kochi, and Professor Babu Cherian, author and former teacher at the CMS College, Kottayam.
Speaking at the function held later, Mr C.R. Neelakandan said that the original thoughts produced by the student community through similar brainstorming sessions should be focus of such deliberations. Earlier, the programme was inaugurated by Kottayam Sub Collector Eesha Priya. College principal Roy Sam Daniel was also present on the occasion.
