Young Voices Take the Floor as Telangana Hosts State-Level Girls’ Mock Assembly

The historic former Legislative Council building at Jubilee Hall came alive with the energy of young voices on Wednesday as teenage girls from across Telangana participated in a state-level Mock Assembly , replicating the proceedings of a real legislative session with remarkable confidence and discipline.

The initiative was aimed at nurturing future women leaders and introducing adolescent girls to the principles of democracy, governance, and public service. Selected through a series of competitions conducted at the mandal and district levels, the participants stepped into the roles of treasury and opposition members, engaging in structured debates on key public issues.

Dressed in white khadi attire and traditional scarves, the young delegates discussed a range of topics, including healthcare, education, tribal welfare, and the growing influence of social media on society. Their thoughtful interventions and spirited exchanges reflected a strong awareness of contemporary challenges and the responsibilities of public leadership.

Addressing the gathering, Panchayat Raj and Rural Development Minister Dr. Danasari Anasuya Seethakka praised the participants for their enthusiasm and understanding of governance. She said the programme was organized under the guidance of Chief Minister Revanth Reddy to encourage leadership among young girls and create greater awareness about democratic institutions.

Seethakka emphasized that a legislative assembly is not merely a platform for criticism or political confrontation, but a place where solutions to people's problems are debated and laws are shaped. Describing it as a “social temple,” she urged the participants to view public service as a noble responsibility.

The minister also challenged the notion that politics does not require education. Effective leadership, she said, depends on knowledge, continuous learning, and a deep understanding of social issues. She encouraged the girls to pursue education seriously and develop the skills needed to become capable decision-makers in the future.

Expressing concern over the excessive time many young people spend on social media, Seethakka advised the participants to stay focused on their ambitions rather than getting distracted by online trends. She urged them to channel their energy into learning, self-improvement, and community service.

“Your roots may be in villages, but your aspirations should reach the world,” she told the gathering, inspiring the young participants to think beyond traditional limitations and aim for leadership roles at the highest levels.

Highlighting the government's commitment to women’s empowerment , the minister outlined several initiatives designed to strengthen the economic independence of women. She said self-help groups are being supported through income-generating opportunities and zero-interest loans, helping women build sustainable livelihoods.

She also noted that the government has facilitated marketing opportunities for products made by rural women, including access to dedicated sales spaces in and around Hyderabad’s commercial hubs. Such measures, she said, are helping women expand their businesses and improve household incomes.

Concluding her address, Seethakka urged the girls to embrace the values of discipline, integrity, and hard work , expressing confidence that some of them could one day return to the same Assembly hall as legislators, ministers, speakers, or even chief ministers.

The event served as more than a simulation of legislative proceedings. It offered a glimpse into a future where informed, confident, and empowered young women play a greater role in shaping Telangana’s political and social landscape.