Bareilly, Oct 06: Dr. Umesh Gautam, Mayor of Bareilly and Chancellor of Invertis University, addressed young participants at the Rohilkhand Youth Parliament 2026, being held for the first time in Bareilly, and called upon the youth to place national interest, unity and responsibility at the heart of leadership.
The Youth Parliament, carrying the theme “Shikshit Bharat: Viksit Bharat 2047 ki Aadharshila,” brought young minds together to engage with ideas around democracy, leadership, education and their role in shaping India’s journey towards Viksit Bharat 2047.
Addressing the participants, Dr. Gautam said that the young people taking part in the Youth Parliament today represent the leadership of tomorrow. He highlighted the importance of providing young Indians with platforms where they can express their views, understand different perspectives and develop the confidence and responsibility required to contribute to the country’s future.
“When it comes to the nation, we must always stand together. We may have different thoughts and perspectives, but when the country is concerned, we must rise above our differences and stand as one. The young people sitting here today are our future leaders, and they will have an important role in taking India forward,” said Dr. Umesh Gautam.
He emphasised that democracy will always accommodate different opinions and perspectives, and the leaders of tomorrow may find themselves representing different sides. What must remain common, he said, is their commitment to India and its progress.
Speaking about the significance of Youth Parliament initiatives, Dr. Gautam said that such platforms allow young people to experience the spirit of democratic dialogue at an early stage and understand that leadership is as much about listening and respecting different viewpoints as it is about expressing one’s own.
He also spoke about the potential to take such youth engagement to a larger stage in the years ahead, expressing hope that initiatives currently creating opportunities at the national level could eventually provide young Indians with opportunities to engage and represent the country at an international level as well.
Connecting his message with the larger vision of Viksit Bharat 2047, Dr. Gautam underlined that India’s journey towards becoming a developed nation will depend significantly on how its young generation is educated, empowered and prepared to lead.
He encouraged the participants to look at leadership beyond positions and titles and instead view it as a responsibility towards society and the country. He urged them to remain informed, participate constructively, respect different perspectives and keep the nation at the centre of their decisions.
The Rohilkhand Youth Parliament provided a platform for young participants to experience democratic discourse, exchange ideas and strengthen their understanding of responsible leadership and nation building. Dr. Gautam concluded his address by reiterating that while ideas and opinions may vary, the commitment to India must always unite its people.
