‘Mock parliament a living lab for policy-making’

Addressing the youth at a youth mock parliament held in Gurugram on Saturday, Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini said the event was not merely a programme, but a celebration of democracy and a living laboratory for policy-making. He urged the youth to send a clear message to the nation through the platform that safeguarding democracy was the priority.

He said the event was not just an academic exercise, but also a meaningful occasion to observe ‘Samvidhan Hatya Diwas’ and reflect on the Emergency, a time when, he said, an attempt to crush the very soul of democracy was made. Saini urged the youth not to view the Parliament merely as a building, but as the embodiment of the hopes and aspirations of 140 crore citizens.

He said every word spoken in Parliament and every law enacted had a direct impact on the lives of citizens.

He added that the purpose of the mock parliament was not just to replicate parliamentary procedures, but to internalise the spirit that made the Indian democracy truly unique. Praising the leadership of PM Narendra Modi, he said India was no longer a nation that asked for help from the world; today, it had become a key partner in solving global challenges.

He added that India was now emerging as a global leader in areas such as defence, digital technology, start-ups and artificial intelligence.

The CM encouraged them to conduct an in-depth study on at least one pressing issue facing the country, and actively raise awareness to find solutions for it. He exhorted participants of the mock parliament to avoid shortcuts in life, reject the politics of nepotism and corruption, and strengthen the spirit of “Ek Bharat, shreshtha Bharat”.

Minister of State for Sports Gaurav Gautam said calling the Emergency, imposed in 1975, merely an ‘emergency’ would be an understatement. It was an era of injustice when the Constitution, freedom of expression, and the rights of ordinary citizens were brutally suppressed, he added.