The Minister of State for Agriculture, Food Processing Industries and Parliamentary Affairs Harish Rawat today distributed the prizes to the prize-winning students and Vidyalayas for their meritorious performance in the 15th National Youth Parliament Competition .

On this occasion, Mr Rawat said India has emerged as a vibrant nation because the founding fathers gave country a robust and vibrant Constitution with enabling provisions for liberty, equality and fraternity. He said that the success of multi-party democracy has earned distinction from across the world.

Emerging democracies in neighbourhood like Nepal and Myanmar have been keenly following India’s model. The Minister asked the youth to strive hard to uphold the dignity, unity and integrity of the nation and maintain the sanctity of democratic institutions.

He said, the need of the hour is new ideas, innovations and a fresh outlook. Mr Rawat expressed hope that India would overcome the slowdown and march ahead in terms of economic growth and human development to silence the critics who write off India as underachievers.

Nehru Running Shield and Trophy for standing First at National Level was awarded to Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalaya, Vaishali, Bihar in New Delhi today. Merit trophies were also awarded to 7 Vidyalayas for standing first in their respective Regions.