Patna: In the packed auditorium of A.N. College, Patna, the eighth edition of the Bihar Chhatra Sansad (students parliament) unfolded on Sunday, bringing together over 700 students from across the state alongside politicians, academics and entrepreneurs for a day of intensive dialogue on Bihar’s political, economic and social future.
The forum, now in its eighth year, is a non-political, ideological and youth-oriented initiative that seeks to nurture leadership, democratic values and public dialogue. Founder and president Ankit Kumar described it as a movement towards “Encouraged Youth, Progressive Bihar,” adding: “We want the youth not only to discuss problems but to suggest solutions, take responsibility and lead. Lasting change comes only when youth become part of the democratic process.”
The event opened with Kumar’s address and continued with remarks from A.N. College principal Prof (Dr) Rekha Rani, who called the platform “a school of ideas” that instils prudence and responsibility.
National IT convener of BJP Kisan Morcha, Rahul Jha, urged young people to adopt technology and innovation, calling Bihar Student Parliament “the foundation of a future digital and innovative Bihar.” Former IPS officer and BJP leader Anand Mishra praised the platform for instilling self-confidence, saying he had never asked for a position but relied on his own effort and hard work.
Patron of the event, Dr Kalbe Rushaid Rizvi, described it as a “laboratory for future leaders,” while advocate Kumar Anjaneya Shanu of Patna high court said Bihar needed honest and educated youth in politics for greater transparency and accountability.
Senior journalist Narendra Nath Mishra told students that education was the most effective tool for social change, urging them to think critically and remain socially alert. Shraddha Sharma, founder of Your Story, encouraged students to look beyond social media and engage at the grassroots level.
Pushpam Priya Choudhary, founder of The Plurals Party, argued that Bihar’s politics could only improve with the return of morality and values: “Platforms like Bihar Chhatra Sansad are a revolutionary initiative in making politics value-based and idea-oriented again.”
A.N. College’s Dr Kumar Varun suggested using language and literature to make ideas impactful, while MP from Samastipur, Shambhavi Choudhary, recalled how she first met her husband, Sayan Kunal, at the Student Parliament. She called it “a means of personality development and social development” and urged wider participation.
Senior IPS officer Vikas Vaibhav described youth as “the biggest agents of change,” urging them to move beyond casteism, communalism and gender discrimination. He pointed to Bihar’s ancient history of entrepreneurship, citing Kautilya’s Arthashastra, and said the state must revive its excellence through entrepreneurship rather than dependence on government jobs.
Road construction minister Nitin Nabin praised the forum for promoting democratic values among youth, while industries minister Nitish Mishra, unable to attend, sent greetings describing the platform as essential for awareness and responsibility.
Though not present, Congress leader Pawan Khera sent a video message lauding the initiative for encouraging idea-based politics.
The day ended with the felicitation of guests and distinguished students by the Bihar Chhatra Sansad team, including general secretary Vivekanand alias Sonu, CEO of PAGS Foundation Vineet Mishra, and members Neha Kumari and others, who pledged to expand the event nationally in future years.
