Young, educated leaders needed to shape India’s future: Mysuru SP

Superintendent of Police Mallikarjuna Baladandi speaking at the inauguration of Southern Regional Round of Young Indians Parliament-2026, in Mysuru on Tuesday. | Photo Credit: Special Arrangement India needs a new generation of young, educated and responsible leaders capable of addressing the concerns of farmers, the common people and rural communities, said Superintendent of Police Mallikarjun Baldandi.Speaking after inaugurating the two-day Young Indians Parliament (YiP) 2026 – Southern Regional Round at Excel Public School here on Tuesday, which was organised by Young Indians (Yi), the youth wing of CII Mysuru, he said the programme would provide students practical exposure to parliamentary functioning and help develop leadership qualities.Mr. Baladandi said the Constitution provides the framework for Parliament and State Assemblies, including elections, conduct of sessions and the process of passing the bills. “Every person has leadership qualities, but opportunities such as this are needed to bring those qualities out,” he said, urging students to take up greater responsibilities in public life.He also called upon young leaders to focus on farmers’ welfare, education, healthcare, rural water supply, infrastructure and employment.CII Mysuru chapter Chairman Utsav Agarwal said leadership was not about designation but about values, originality and the ability to work with people. Describing YiP as a “leadership laboratory”, he urged students to develop original thinking in the age of artificial intelligence.“In the age of AI, facts, figures and access to information will become a level playing field. What will differentiate you is original thought,” he said, urging students to retain the human touch and acknowledge their mistakes.Young Indians Mysuru Chairperson Priyanka Sridar said the YiP provides students a platform to voice their opinions and gain first-hand experience of parliamentary proceedings. Urging participants to give their best in the competition, she said the regional round was only a beginning and those aspiring to enter public life would have to face greater challenges and develop stronger strategies.“This is just a small fight. If you really want to get into Parliament, you will have to face much bigger challenges and develop much bigger strategies,” she said.She appreciated the students for their enthusiasm and preparation over the past 10 days and wished those qualifying for the national round success.Around 165 students from Karnataka and Kerala, including Mysuru, Bengaluru, Hubballi, Mangaluru, Kozhikode, Kochi and Thiruvananthapuram, are participating in the regional round which will conclude on Wednesday. Published - September 08, 2026 06:55 pm IST