Youth Immersion TRIP

Don Bosco University Students Engage with Legislative Practices Firsthand Guwahati, April 9, 2025 — In a significant step toward fostering democratic awareness and youth leadership, students from the Department of Public Administration and Psychology at Assam Don Bosco University participated in the Youth Immersion Program organized by the Assam Legislative Assembly at the Srimanta Sankardeva International Auditorium, Guwahati. This inter-departmental study tripoffered students a rare, hands-on opportunity to explore the inner workings of the state’s legislative processes.

The event was organized as a part of the Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav celebrations, fulfilling a resolution from the 8th Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CPA) India Region Conference, which called upon all legislative bodies to initiate youth-centric political engagement programs for national development and the common good.

A Visionary Theme with National Significance

The program, themed “Assam Legislative Assembly – Procedures and Practices,” aimed to:

Educate youth about legislative functioning and governance

Promote civic participation and awareness

Create platforms for informed dialogue on lawmaking and democratic processes

Cultivate future-ready leaders capable of contributing to community and national growth

With over 60% of India’s population under the age of 30, the program recognized youth as a powerful force in shaping India’s democratic and developmental future.

Inspiration from Esteemed Leaders

The highlight of the program was the inaugural session, which featured inspiring addresses by distinguished leaders:

Shri Biswajit Daimary, Hon’ble Speaker, Assam Legislative Assembly, passionately urged students to take ownership of India’s democratic legacy. He reminded them that democracy thrives when its youngest citizens are informed, involved, and inspired.

Shri Shankarbhai Chaudhary, Hon’ble Speaker, Gujarat Legislative Assembly, highlighted India’s vibrant parliamentary heritage and encouraged the youth to actively engage with political discourse.

Dr. Numal Momin, Deputy Speaker, emphasized ethical leadership and the significance of being a public servant with integrity and purpose.

Prof. Nani Gopal Mahanta, Vice Chancellor, Gauhati University, called for educational institutions to act as nurturing grounds for civic leadership and policy innovation.

These thought-provoking speeches energized the audience, setting a powerful tone for the day.

Immersive Learning Experience

Throughout the day, students participated in an engaging series of sessions that deepened their understanding of:

Legislative procedures such as the introduction and passage of bills

Financial operations of the Assembly including budget discussions

Question Hour and Committee structures

Roles and responsibilities of MLAs within the legislative framework

Interactive Q&A sessions allowed students to engage directly with officials and experts, sparking meaningful dialogue on governance and the role of youth in politics.

Reflections from the ADBU Delegation

The experience was profoundly enriching for ADBU students, who described the program as both educational and inspiring. Many expressed a renewed interest in public service, law, and policy-making.

“Listening to Shri Biswajit Daimary speak about youth as torchbearers of democracy gave me a new perspective. We’re not just students—we’re future leaders,” said one participant from the Public Administration department.

The inter-departmental nature of the trip fostered cross-disciplinary learning, with psychology students also gaining insights into political behavior, civic psychology, and social change.

A Platform for Future Engagement

The Youth Immersion Program bridged the gap between academic learning and real-world governance. Students left with enhanced knowledge, stronger civic consciousness, and the motivation to contribute meaningfully to their communities.

Acknowledgements

The delegation was coordinated by Dr. Santhosh J. andDr. Khaidem Y. Singha, whose guidance and mentorship were instrumental in shaping the students’ experience. The Department of Public Administration and Psychology expresses heartfelt gratitude to the Assam Legislative Assembly for hosting this forward-thinking initiative and providing youth a seat at the democratic table.