VISAKHAPATNAM: It was a ‘parliament session' with a difference. There were no walkouts, no use of un-parliamentary words and no hurling of mikes and chairs. All the members seemed to have a broad understanding of the issues and the occasional snide remarks against the Opposition were uttered only after due apologies to the Speaker.

It isn't a real Parliament session but a model session conducted by students of Sri Prakash Vidyaniketan at VUDA Children's Theatre here on Tuesday. The programme was organised by the school in association with the Rotary Club of Visakha Port City to mark the conclusion of the ‘New Generation Month 2010-11' of the club.

Meaningful debates

There were meaningful debates on who should take over the reins of the nation – the younger generation or the experienced politicians. The members, who spoke in favour of youth, rightly pointed out that youth bring new ideas and innovations that can help the nation to prosper while those who opposed vouched for experience. Both the groups gave interesting examples to support their respective stands.

Two boys of Std. X presented a thought-provoking short film on how we could transform India into a developed nation, the need to vote in elections and the importance of positive action instead of wishful thinking.

Earlier, Vice Chancellor of AP Law University Y. Satyanarayana, who participated as chief guest, spoke at length on the genesis of Parliament from the time of the British monarchy to the present day democracy and the merits of the Indian Constitution. He exhorted the students to become good parlimentarians in future. Director of the Centre for Policy Studies (Gayatri Vidya Parishad) A. Prasanna Kumar, who was guest of honour, felt that the event should have been telecast live for the benefit of our members. He said the present was ‘turbulent' but was optimistic that the future was ‘bright'.

He recalled watching a Parliament session during the time of Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru and said in those days Indian Parliament was a ‘model' for many other Parliamentary democracies. He appreciated director of Sri Prakash School Ch. Vasu Prakash and the Rotary Club for their initiative.

Prizes were distributed to winners of various events conducted by Rotary Club and cash awards were given to four bright students from poor families to pursue their higher education.

Rotary Club president G. Viswanadh, secretary R. Vidyasagar and Director – New Generations Ch. Vasu Prakash were present.