Lokesh Urges Students To Enter Politics, Bring Social Change
Education Minister stresses youth role in democracy at Constitution Day event
Vijayawada: Education Minister Nara Lokesh has urged students to enter politics and act as agents of social change, while also emphasizing that they bear responsibilities alongside seeking their rights.
Speaking at the Mock Assembly held in the state assembly premises at Velagapudi to mark Constitution Day on Wednesday, Lokesh highlighted the importance of “active youth participation” in a democracy system.
The minister urged the youth to engage themselves as partners in the ushering in of a developed India by 2047, the century year for Indian Independence. He also said parents should discharge their responsibilities diligently. The event was attended by Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu, Assembly Speaker Ayyanna Patrudu and others.
Lokesh reflected on his own journey while welcoming students to politics. He elaborated on the "Living Classroom of Democracy" that was showcased through a model assembly with the participation from 7 lakh students across 175 constituencies. He demonstrated the practical functioning of democracy and legislative processes, including debates on issues like farmers' problems, cell phone addiction and anti-drug campaigns.
The education minister underscored the significance of every individual's voice in a democratic society and elaborated on the recently launched simplified "Bal Bharati Constitution" book to educate children on their rights and duties.
He recalled, “A year ago, Chandrababu organised a meeting to mark Constitution Day in this same venue. I promised that we would bring out a Children's Constitution of India for the children. Today, the chief minister unveiled that book in the presence of all of you. We have designed it in a way that is understandable to children.”
The minister added, “I take the responsibility of providing it to the children of the entire country.”
Lokesh shared inspiring stories of constitutional stalwarts such as Mahatma Gandhi, Jawaharlal Nehru, Sardar Patel and Moulana Azad, and also personal anecdotes illustrating the role of parents in nurturing responsible citizens.
He called for respect towards women as a fundamental requirement for societal progress and urged one and all to eschew derogatory language while speaking or writing about women.
Highlighting the state government's initiatives like the ‘One Class, One Teacher’ policy and the mega parent-teacher meetings, Lokesh emphasised the collaborative responsibility of students, teachers and parents in advancing education and society.
The event was telecast live to 45,000 government schools, with commitments to provide more such opportunities for students who could not participate in it this time.
