Mokokchung District, winner of the Annual Youth Parliamentary Quiz 2026 with officials at the Administrative Training Institute (ATI), Kohima on November 13. (DIPR Photo)
Kohima, November 13 (MExN): Mokokchung district emerged winner of the Annual Youth Parliamentary Quiz 2026 held at the Administrative Training Institute (ATI), Kohima on November 13, with Dimapur and Kohima districts finishing second and third respectively.
Organised by the Parliamentary Affairs Department, the competition saw participation from 13 districts across the state, according to a State IPR report.
Speaking as the special guest, Secretary, Home Department and Parliamentary Affairs, Kuku Mero, said the Youth Parliament quiz is one of the department's core annual activities and serves as a training ground for youth in democracy.
Stressing that democracy teaches people to accept differing viewpoints, he remarked that it allows individuals to disagree while still respecting one another. He added that democratic institutions will grow stronger if young minds develop critical thinking from an early age, emphasising that the actions taken today will shape the future.
Mero highlighted India's parliamentary system of government at both the central and state levels, noting how the executive, headed by the Prime Minister at the Centre and the Chief Minister in the state, is answerable to the legislature.
Explaining that citizens participate in governance by electing MPs and MLAs every 5 years, he urged every youth turning 18 to exercise their voting rights responsibly so that the right leaders are chosen to represent them in the Assembly and Parliament. He further noted that Parliament is not merely a platform to debate and enact laws but plays a vital role in discussing and addressing national issues.
He also urged the youth to cultivate the right vision, emphasising that their contribution is essential to building a robust society and nation, and stressed the need for young people who are disciplined, resilient, possess integrity and are ready to take on responsibility.
Coordinator of Kohima College, Dr Evothung Ezung, said the event is not merely a quiz competition but an opportunity to celebrate knowledge, encourage young minds, promote democratic values and inspire youth to become responsible citizens.
He reminded the participants that the competition is not simply about answering questions correctly or securing the highest marks but about learning new things, building confidence, thinking quickly and discovering their own potential, adding that every question is a chance to expand knowledge and every challenge an opportunity for self-improvement.
Encouraging the students to give their best, be attentive, remain disciplined and respect their fellow competitors and the resource person, he urged them to enjoy the learning experience, noting that while winning is a matter of pride, the knowledge and experience gained through participation are equally valuable.
