Youth must promote constitutional values, says Haryana Assembly Speaker

Haryana Assembly Speaker Harvinder Kalyan on Wednesday called upon young people to play an active role in spreading awareness about constitutional values, saying citizens must remain equally conscious of their duties and responsibilities alongside their rights.

Addressing the concluding session of Haryana Youth Dialogue-2026, organised by the Haryana Assembly in collaboration with social organisation Rajdhani Yuva Sansad, Kalyan said the fundamental ethos of Indian culture was rooted in placing the welfare of others before personal interests.

The event brought together 90 young participants from 15 states and featured discussions on constitutional principles, Indian culture, democratic institutions and women's empowerment.

"The Constitution is an important document defining our rights and duties. Understanding its values and incorporating them into our conduct is the responsibility of every citizen," Kalyan said.

He emphasised that constitutional ideals should not remain confined to textbooks or ceremonial occasions but must be reflected in everyday conduct.

𝗬𝗼𝘂𝘁𝗵 𝘂𝗿𝗴𝗲𝗱 𝘁𝗼 𝘂𝗽𝗵𝗼𝗹𝗱 𝘃𝗮𝗹𝘂𝗲𝘀

Kalyan said the birth anniversaries of great personalities should not be treated merely as ceremonial events, stressing that their ideas and contributions must inspire citizens in their daily lives.

"We must imbibe the ideals of great personalities, and their birth anniversaries should not remain confined to ceremonial events. Their thoughts and values must also find expression in our everyday lives," he said.

Referring to conflicts and tensions in different parts of the world, the Speaker attributed many contemporary challenges to declining tolerance and an excessive pursuit of material progress.

He said Indian culture emphasised tolerance, mutual respect, cooperation and collective welfare, which were essential for maintaining social harmony.

Kalyan also encouraged young people to use modern technology to improve their skills and capabilities, while ensuring that technological advancement remained anchored in ethical values and cultural traditions.

He said meaningful development required a balance between material progress and social responsibility.

𝗦𝗽𝗲𝗮𝗸𝗲𝗿 𝗵𝗶𝗴𝗵𝗹𝗶𝗴𝗵𝘁𝘀 𝗱𝗲𝗺𝗼𝗰𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗰 𝗶𝗻𝘀𝘁𝗶𝘁𝘂𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀

Explaining the constitutional framework, Kalyan said India had developed a parliamentary system in which the Legislature, Executive and Judiciary were entrusted with distinct powers, functions and responsibilities.

He stressed the importance of understanding these institutions and respecting their respective constitutional roles.

Citing the examples of Dr B R Ambedkar, former President APJ Abdul Kalam, President Droupadi Murmu and Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Kalyan said determination, talent and hard work could help individuals overcome difficult social and family circumstances.

He urged participants to draw inspiration from their journeys and contribute positively to society.

𝗘𝗾𝘂𝗮𝗹 𝗿𝗲𝗽𝗿𝗲𝘀𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗸𝗲𝘆 𝘁𝗼 𝗱𝗲𝗺𝗼𝗰𝗿𝗮𝗰𝘆

Earlier, inaugurating the programme, Haryana Assembly Deputy Speaker Krishan Lal Middha said democracy in a large and diverse country like India could be strengthened only through adequate representation of all sections of society in decision-making.

He emphasised that women's empowerment was not solely a women's issue but a collective responsibility shared by men and women.

A society that ensured equal respect and opportunities for women would also become more inclusive, progressive and socially balanced, he said.

Middha highlighted the achievements of women from Haryana, saying they had demonstrated through hard work and talent that ability was not restricted by social or geographical boundaries.

"What they need are the right opportunities, proper guidance and the confidence of their families. The present generation must take this progressive thinking forward so that no girl in the future has to struggle additionally to prove her talent," he said.

𝗣𝗮𝗿𝘁𝗶𝗰𝗶𝗽𝗮𝗻𝘁𝘀 𝗽𝗿𝗼𝗽𝗼𝘀𝗲 𝗺𝗼𝗰𝗸 𝗽𝗮𝗿𝗹𝗶𝗮𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁𝘀

During the dialogue, participants presented several suggestions aimed at strengthening constitutional awareness and encouraging women's participation in democratic institutions.

They proposed introducing women's political leadership programmes in colleges to familiarise female students with their constitutional rights, electoral procedures and the functioning of governance systems.

The participants also recommended organising mock parliaments and mock legislative assemblies in educational institutions to provide students with practical exposure to democratic processes.

Such initiatives, they suggested, could help young citizens develop a better understanding of legislative functioning, public policy and the responsibilities associated with democratic participation.

The event concluded with a call for greater youth engagement in constitutional awareness, inclusive governance and women's empowerment.