Pune, 18^th September 2022.

On the last day of this most grand event for students in the country, BharatiyaChhatraSansad (BCS), saw the most exciting discussions and deliberations on some of the most pertinent topics. This Annual National Conclave organised by MIT School of Government’s (MIT-SOG) saw top leaders of the country voicing their opinions on its concluding day.

How social media values need to be defined by the conscious citizens and stakeholders, for it to be used in the most constructive manner and the poignant issue of media, the crucial pillar of democracy being neutral, was boldly discussed under the notion Bharatiya media- ruled by noise or law.

A captivating speech was given by. Shri. Manish Tewari- Hon’ble Member of Parliament, LokSabha (INC, Anandapur Sahib, Punjab), National Spokesperson, INC & Former Minister for Information & Broadcasting, Govt. of India, who elucidated on the journey of Indian press from traditional media to online media. He also made remarks in favour of independent media by emphasizing on the fact that media houses need to amend their revenue model in order to avoid any corrosiveness in media.

Shri Ashutosh who is a renowned journalist and the founder of satyahindi.com expressed his thoughts and said, “Shorachahotahai…” A Proper noise would not only create awareness amongst the public but also direct the politicians who want to stifle for their own public interest. Noise, he said, is an integral part of democracy and the noise needs to have a soul.

Shri. Saurabh Dwivedi, a noted journalist who is renowned for founding Lallantop and being a heard voice at India Today Hindi, asked the youth to gain knowledge from this noise in the media and ask pertinent questions to the system. He emphasised that those in authority have to be answerable to these questions, as it’s the right of the youth to ask questions. 

The discourses by the student speakers reflected a glimpse of future promise. Smt. Irom Sharmila, a poet, Civil rights and political activist known as the Iron Lady of Manipur and Hema Sardesai who is a social activist and singer, took different angles and despised the dilution of real news amongst the fake news, especially due to news dissemination through social media.

Aprameya Radhakrishnan, CEO and Founder Koo, Indian microblogging platform spoke about the evolution of social media from yahoo chat, orkut to Instagram and snapchat. According to him, all the countries need to be self-reliant by creating their own social media platforms. He pointed towards a decolonization of social media too.

On conclusion of the first session, the award for Ideal Youth MLA Honour was conferred upon Shri Rajkumar Raot, Hon’ble Member of Legislative Assembly, Rajasthan, Bharatiya Tribal Party.    

BharatiyaChhatraSansad was initiated in 2011 by Shri. Rahul V. Karad, Managing Trustee & Executive President, MAEER’s MIT and Executive President, MIT World Peace University & Chief Initiator, MIT School of Government. During the 12^th successful assembly as well, he continues to inspire students to be more responsible and aware of what’s happening in their surroundings and society at large. Communication platforms should be used wisely for propagating issues and agendas which lead to the betterment and overall development of the society.

Sharing his thoughts, Shri Rahul V. Karad, the visionary behind this august initiative, also the Founder of BharatiyaChhatraSansad, highlighted the legacy of BCS and the powerful impact that this three-day conclave has made on the youth of our nation. 

The next session was about Uniform civil code and was an in-depth probing by chief guest Shri Chandrakant Dada Patil, Honourable minister for higher and technical education, Govt. of Maharashtra. He made a bold remark by saying, “Uniform civil code should promote the fundamental rights of women across all religions, castes or classes of society. It should give equal rights to inheritance, decision in marriage, divorce, adoption etc. This will bring the required economic and social change in the society and ameliorate the situations of women in India.”

Smt. Ritu Khanduri Bhushan, Honourable speaker Uttarakhand legislative assembly also put forward her strong views on the notion by saying “Implementing UCC is of utmost importance and should be followed by all, irrespective of their caste, creed or religion. It is the solution for unifying India.”

A very thought-provoking speech was also delivered by eminent speakers like Navika Kumar, Group Editor, Times Network and Editor in Chief, Times Now who joined the session virtually and talked about how UCC is beyond religion and is important for the upliftment of women. She also talked about how uniform in schools go beyond religious clothing, and no matter what, it would lead to discrimination. 

Education Minister of Punjab, Senior AAP leader, a youth icon and the youngest ever cabinet minister of Punjab, ShriHarjot Singh Bainsalso graced the event. He listed how education is the most important aspect for India’s growth story, in order to once again become a Vishwa-guru. He commended AAP’s education infrastructure development in Delhi and how the same Delhi Model of Education shall be followed in Punjab as well.

ShriRaashidAlvi, Senior Leader, Indian National Congress had a different opinion on UCC and said that it shouldn’t be the priority of the government and media discussion, since there are other more important issues that need to be addressed. He talked about Article 44 in detail and how there are other articles of the Directive principles of State Policy that must be addressed. He also criticised UCC being followed in Goa and how it is orthodox and promotes inequality. 

Shri Nilesh Cabral, the minister of legislative affairs, environment, law and judiciary, public works, Govt. of Goa, made stalling remarks on how Goa is the only state that follows UCC in India and how it should be a benchmark for all other states and the union as well.

Smt. Mahalakshmi Pavani, Senior Advocate, President of the Supreme Court Womens’ Lawyers’ Association and Vice Chairman, INC, Legal Cell talked about the legal aspect of the UCC and its enforcement.

The valedictory ceremony was attended by Smt. Sumitra Mahajan, Dr. Meira Kumar, and Shri Girish Mahajan.

Sumitra Mahajan, Padma Bhushan, Former speaker, Lok Sabha talked about righteousness and inspired students to follow principals in their field of politics

Dr. Meira Kumar, Former speaker Lok Sabha, Former Union Minister Government of India emphasised on the issues that today’s society face. She talked about the accomplishments that the country has achieved since the Independence and issues that still sustain.

Shri Girish Mahajan, Minister of sports and youth welfare, Medical education, Rural development, Panchayati raj , Govt. of Maharashtra shared his experience as a student leader and the importance of students joining the politics. He guided them about the importance of good governance and the crucial role they can play in defining the future of the country. 

Shri Bhagat Singh Koshyari, Governor of Maharashtra graced the occasion virtually and addressed the students. In his addressal he emphasised that today’s youth should achieve great heights for the country in modern science and spiritual knowledge. He said that “We cannot keep politics separate from us. Programs like the Indian Student Parliament will act as a guide for the youth”.

Hon’ble Deputy Chief Minister, Govt of Maharashtra Shri Devendra Fadnavis graced the ocasssion with his presence. He talked about how AzaadikaAmritMahotsav saw the contribution of the country’s youth and how Digital Bharat is being used to for the country’s development to the 5 Trillion Economy. He said “For our country, SabkaSaath - SabkaVikaas, SabkavishwaasaurSabkaPrayaas must become our motto. But the most important for you

Concluding the Valedictory ceremony, Shri. Rahul V. Karad, Managing Trustee & Executive President, MAEER’s MIT and Executive President, MIT World Peace University & Chief Initiator, MIT School of Government said“I support the thought that it is the responsibility of every political party to respect the constitution and ensure cooperation with the government in implementing the policies which maintain the credibility of the public institutions. I also believe that education is an important factor that directly affects democracy hence we must focus to develop a new and improved education system that allows the students and teachers to understand the real aim of education.”

The sessions were punctuated with speeches by the student leaders who hailed the hope high for a new India.