The International Indian School in Jeddah yesterday staged a youth Parliament, impressing onlookers as they discussed major issues facing their country such as corruption and inflation.
It was the first program of the girl section’s youth festival. Indian Consul General Faiz Ahmad Kidwai, who inaugurated the festivities, spoke highly of the young parliamentarians for their marvelous performance.
He commended them for raising important issues including inflation, corruption and crimes against women. “I am confident that you would take up these issues when you become future leaders of the country.”
Kidwai reminded students that there are many sincere leaders who work for the country’s progress and prosperity.
The school had arranged a complete setting of the Indian parliament with the speaker sitting in an elevated chair and gun-wielding soldiers standing on guard. The girls imitated Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and other prominent ministers like Lalu Prasad and opposition leaders, in terms of appearance and voice.
There were scenes of opposition leaders fighting with the ruling UPA coalition members making strong arguments with loud noise, preventing ministers from answering questions, an exact picture of the real Indian parliament.
Kidwai commended the school authorities for making excellent arrangements for the parliamentary session. The presence of a Pakistani parliamentary delegation and oath taking of new ministers added color and exuberance.
The session began after a student, Hiba, explained the importance of holding such a mock parliament session. She said it would help students know parliamentary procedures, respect the views of others and imbibe democratic ethos and values.
“It was a well-organized program,” said Managing Committee Chairman Khursheed Akhtar. “I was watching a real Indian Parliament here,” he said and praised the students and teachers for their good work.
There was a detailed discussion on the anti-corruption bill with opposition raising their objections. But finally it was passed with the majority voting in favor.
Principal Syed Masood Ahmed was overwhelmed by the girls’ performance. “I am confident that India’s future is in good hands.” He said parliamentarians in the country should uphold the values of unity and tolerance for the country to achieve progress.
Shakila Ali Jafar, who, along with other teachers like Rita, Kauther, Zarina, Shataj, Nishad and Laila, played for the parliament’s success, was happy over the children’s amazing performance despite the short time they got for rehearsal.
Alisha, who represented Pushpa Swaraj, said she and her team had learned many things about how Indian Parliament operates. “It was very interesting and exciting,” she said and thanked Vice Principal Farahdunnisa and other teachers for their support and guidance. Head girl Fazila Rizwi concluded with a vote of thanks.
IISJ girls’ youth parliament discusses key issues
