Mysuru: 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 (SP) Mallikarjun Baladandi.

Speaking after inaugurating the 2-day Young Indians Parliament (YiP) 2026 – Southern Regional Round, organised by Young Indians (Yi), the youth wing of CII Mysuru, at Excel Public School, Koorgalli, recently, he said that the programme would provide students practical exposure to Parliamentary functioning and help develop  leadership qualities.

Baladandi said that the Constitution provides the framework for Parliament and State Assemblies, including elections, conduct of Sessions and the process of passing 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 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 (AI).

Yi Mysuru Chairperson Priyanka Sridar said, 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.

She appreciated the students for their enthusiasm and preparation over 10 days and wished those qualifying for the national round a success.

Around 165 students from Karnataka and Kerala, including Mysuru, Bengaluru, Hubballi, Mangaluru, Kozhikode, Kochi and Thiruvananthapuram, participated in the regional round.