Together, the panel sent a unified message: While challenges remain, the youth hold the power—and responsibility—to reshape politics and drive meaningful change.
Published Apr 26, 2025 | 1:01 PM ⚊ Updated Apr 26, 2025 | 1:01 PM
Youth and Politics of Tomorrow panel at Bharat Summit 2025. (Supplied)
Synopsis: At the Bharat Summit 2025 in Hyderabad, young global leaders urged youth to actively engage in politics. Panellists from India, New Zealand, and Malaysia shared personal stories, highlighting the need for inclusive reforms, student elections, and climate action. They stressed early political participation, civic responsibility, and lowering the voting age.
On Friday, April 25, Hyderabad International Convention Centre (HICC) in Hyderabad played host to a dynamic youth-focused political discussion as part of the Bharat Summit 2025—an event touted as the world’s largest congregation of progressive parties.
The session brought together a diverse panel of young leaders and changemakers from across the globe to spotlight the urgent need for youth participation in politics.
From New Zealand’s youngest parliamentarians, Marina Hay and Arena Williams, to Malaysian Tamil representative Liinesh Selluandan and Indian leaders like Ponnam Prabhakar, Balmoori Venkat, and Varun Chowdhary, the panel shared compelling personal journeys and bold ideas for the future of governance.
Emphasising issues like student politics, inclusive reforms, climate justice, and the democratisation of political spaces, the session called on the younger generation to not only engage but to lead.
The talk, titled “Youth and Politics of Tomorrow” was moderated by Youth Congress leader Krishna Allavaru and included:
The youth are not the future—they’re the now.
From India to Latin America, young political voices gather to debate what tomorrow’s politics should really look like.#BharatSummit2025 pic.twitter.com/ZlU391w8tP
— Bharat Summit (@BharatSummit_25) April 25, 2025
A powerful message echoed across a youth-focused political panel—the time for young people to step into politics is now. All the members on the panel, began their political journeys early and are now urging the next generation to do the same.
“There are many negative connotations attached to politics. However, it is an avenue to do a lot of positive things,” said Peddapalli MP Vamsi Gaddam. While he emphasised the potential of youth-driven change, he also cautioned against the misuse of social media, calling it a growing menace. Liinesh Selluandan reiterated that “politics needs young voices,” a sentiment unanimously endorsed by the panel.
Meanwhile, Marina Hay acknowledged the privilege of having such a platform, but stressed the importance of making politics accessible through initiatives like democratic mock drills in schools.
On the other hand, Arena Williams pointed to the pressing challenges of climate change and inequality, saying, “The world is facing multiple crises.”
Yet, she called on the youth not to be disillusioned but to “seize this once-in-a-generation opportunity to make a change,” invoking the spirit of Nehru, who rose in times of crisis.
Varun Chowdhary also weighed in on the structural barriers to entering politics. “One cannot pivot into a new career all of a sudden. That is why student politics are important,” he said, reinforcing the need for early engagement in governance.
Together, the panel sent a unified message: While challenges remain, the youth hold the power—and responsibility—to reshape politics and drive meaningful change.
“The nation is waiting for the youth to enter politics,” said Minister Ponnam Prabhakar, calling upon students to take leadership roles and challenge the status quo.
Reflecting on his journey through student politics, the minister highlighted that a political family background is not a prerequisite for public service. “For every family of politicians, there is a Ponnam Prabhakar or a Balmoori Venkat who comes from nothing,” he said, reassuring aspiring leaders that merit can prevail.
Adding weight to this message, Balmoori Venkat shared his own path to leadership. “I do not come from a political family. As a student, I joined the NSUI and proved myself. That led to me becoming the country’s youngest MLC,” he stated. Venkat strongly advocated for the reintroduction of student elections across all universities in the state, calling it essential for cultivating new political talent. “That is how new blood comes in. That is how new leaders are born.”
Liinesh emphasised that politics must be seen as a form of service, not just a career. “You feel disappointed, see corruption, and experience broken systems. Yet, you are the changemakers of today,” he told young listeners, urging them not to give up on civic engagement.
Voicing a more radical reform, Marina Hay argued that voting rights should start at the age of 16. “If you’re old enough to drive and do other things at 16, you should be able to vote too. That is something we are working towards,” she said.
Echoing this sentiment, Arena Williams asserted that young people must rebel, question authority, and bring in new ideas if they wish to see the world change.
(Edited by Sumavarsha)
