Bhubaneswar, July 25: The Young Indians (Yi) Bhubaneswar Chapter, under the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII), successfully inaugurated the two-day Young Indians Parliament (YIP) 2026 at the Tennis Auditorium, Kalinga Stadium, bringing together over 180 student delegates from leading schools across Odisha for an immersive parliamentary experience.
The inaugural ceremony was graced by Dr. Hari Babu Kambhampati, Hon’ble Governor of Odisha, as the Chief Guest. The event was attended by eminent dignitaries including Mr Manikanta Naik, Vice Chairman, CII Odisha State Council, Mr Vishal Dalmia, Mentor and Past Chairperson, Yi Bhubaneswar, Mr Gaurav Goel, Chairperson, Yi Bhubaneswar, and Ms Proshish Golyan, Co-Chairperson, Yi Bhubaneswar along with participating students, jury members and guests.
The ceremony commenced with a welcome address by Mr. Gaurav Goel, who highlighted the vision of Young Indians Parliament as a platform to nurture informed, responsible and future-ready citizens by giving students a first-hand experience of India’s democratic processes.
A symbolic Banyan Tree Watering Ceremony followed, representing the growth of democratic values such as leadership, integrity, service and collective responsibility.
Addressing the young delegates, Dr. Hari Babu Kambhampati encouraged students to embrace healthy debate and constructive dialogue. He urged them to “debate with facts, speak with confidence, listen with humility and respect every point of view,” while appreciating Yi Bhubaneswar’s efforts in creating meaningful experiential learning opportunities that prepare the next generation of leaders.
The parliamentary proceedings commenced with the Formation of the House, where delegates presented their political parties, unveiled their manifestos and party symbols, and elected the Speaker through a jury evaluation. Following this, the government was formed with the announcement of the Cabinet, allocation of portfolios and introduction of Cabinet Ministers and Opposition Leaders, culminating in the Oath Taking Ceremony.
The House then took up the Discussion on Matters of Urgent Public Importance, where each student delivered a one-minute speech on key national and social issues, with Ministers-in-Charge responding to the concerns raised.
The day concluded with a Policy and Bill Drafting Briefing led by the Speaker, introducing delegates to the fundamentals of policy formulation and legislative drafting, preparing them for the parliamentary proceedings on the following day.
The inaugural day concluded with expressing gratitude to the Hon’ble Governor, dignitaries, participating students, jury members, Yi members and volunteers for making the event a grand success. The enthusiastic participation of over 180 students from leading schools across Odisha reflected the growing spirit of civic engagement among young minds and reaffirmed Young Indians Parliament as a powerful platform for nurturing informed, responsible, and future-ready leaders.