Indian Institute of Management Jammu inaugurates Youth Parliament under Hindi Fortnight celebrations

JAMMU: The Indian Institute of Management Jammu inaugurated the Abhyuday: Yuva Sansad (Youth Parliament) on 20th September 2025 at the Mandapam Auditorium as part of the ongoing Hindi Fortnight celebrations. The event, envisioned as Loktantrake Swar (Voices of Democracy), was formally inaugurated by Prof. B. S. Sahay, Director, IIM Jammu.

Present during the inaugural ceremony were Prof. Jabir Ali, Dean, Faculty and Research; Prof. Shyam Narayan Lal, Chairperson, Media and Publication and Anandam; Dr. Anuja Akhouri, Co-Chairperson, Hindi RajbhashaSamiti; and Cmdr. Kesavan Baskkaran, CAO, IIM Jammu.The inaugural ceremony of the Youth Parliament at IIM Jammu was marked by the launch of the fifth edition of the Hindi Patrika ‘Trikuta’ by Prof. B. S. Sahay, Director, IIM Jammu, in the esteemed presence of faculty, officers, staff, students, and participantsAnother key highlight of the event was the passing of the gavel, which was done by Prof. B. S. Sahay, Director, IIM Jammu, to Dr. Anuja Akhouri, Co-Chairperson, Hindi Rajbhasha Samiti, Indian Institute of Management Jammu. Thereafter, she passed it on to the respective judges, and this also marked the commencement of the Abhyuday: Yuva Sansad event.

In his presidential address, Prof. B. S. Sahay, Director, Indian Institute of Management Jammu, lauded the Government of India’s sustained efforts to promote Hindi, recalling the consistent encouragement by Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi Ji through initiatives like Mann Ki Baat, which emphasize the importance of connecting with citizens in Hindi and fostering its usage nationwide. He also highlighted how Hindi films have played a significant role in popularizing the language, shaping culture, and inspiring millions across the country to appreciate and use Hindi in daily life.

He shed light on IIM Jammu’s pioneering initiatives, such as the Akshar Lab, envisioned to enhance proficiency in Hindi, Sanskrit, English, and 26 other Indian languages, along with the launch of the institute’s Hindi magazine ‘Trikuta’. He urged faculty, staff, and students to actively contribute to this vibrant linguistic initiative. He further emphasized that programs like the Youth Parliament (Abhyuday: Yuva Sansad) and other similar initiatives are being organized to fulfil this purpose, providing young participants a platform to practice dialogue, debate, and democratic discussion, while adopting and promoting Hindi. Stressing the eternal value of dialogue, debate, and mutual respect, he exhorted participants to be passionate listeners and thoughtful speakers. Extending a warm invitation to visiting participants, he encouraged them to explore the institute’s lush Jagti campus and experience the state-of-the-art Nalanda Library.

Prof. Jabir Ali, Dean, Faculty and Research, IIM Jammu, emphasized the significance of Hindi in everyday discourse and underscored how the Youth Parliament provides young minds with a platform to practice democratic dialogue, sharpen critical reasoning, and simultaneously pledge to nurture and promote Hindi in their daily lives.

Drawing inspiration from Dr. Ram Manohar Lohia, Prof. Shyam Narayan Lal, Chairperson, Media and Publications, and Anandam, IIM Jammu, remarked that a parliament is truly meaningful only when the voices of the people find space and recognition. He encouraged the youth to raise their voices with accountability and channel them toward nation-building.

In her welcome address, Dr. Anuja Akhouri, Co-Chairperson, Hindi Rajbhasha Samiti, IIM Jammu, expressed gratitude to the Director for his encouragement and unwavering support. She highlighted that Abhyuday–Yuva Sansad is a dynamic initiative that mirrors the vibrancy of Indian democracy. She also noted the overwhelming participation of students from across India, with more than 217 registrations for associated literary competitions like Kavi Sammelan, essay writing, poetry, and book reviews, reflecting a nationwide spirit of inclusivity.

Cmdr. Kesavan Baskkaran, Chief Administrative Officer, IIM Jammu, reflected on the Institute’s remarkable journey of advancing Hindi in academic and administrative spheres over the past five years, a journey that has earned accolades at the national level. He wished participants success and encouraged them to uphold the spirit of innovation and responsibility.

As part of the Hindi Pakhwada (14–28 September 2025), IIM Jammu has organized a rich tapestry of literary and cultural activities, including Kavi Sammelan, essay writing competitions, poetry recitation, book reviews, workshops, and the landmark Youth Parliament (Yuva Sansad), all designed to foster critical thinking, creative expression, and a deeper connection with the Hindi language.Certificates were distributed to all the winners of the essay writing, poetry, debate, and book review competitions on this occasion.The vote of thanks for the inaugural ceremony was done byDr.Ashish Isher, Rajbhasha Adhikari, Hindi Rajbhasha Samiti, IIM Jammu.

The ceremony concluded with the felicitation of board members, echoing the collective spirit of the Institute, and witnessed spirited participation from students across schools and colleges nationwide. The Abhyuday: Yuva Sansad stands not merely as an event but as a living testament to India’s democratic ethos and linguistic pride, a platform where young voices shape ideas, nurture dialogue, and carry forward the vision of a Viksit Bharat @2047.