Marwadi University Lays Blueprint for Youth-Led Democratic Transformation; Hosts Youth & Democracy Conference 2026

Rajkot: India stands at the forefront of the world’s youngest democracies; therefore, institutions are positioning youth participation as a matter of national priority and democratic resilience. Amid this accelerating momentum, Marwadi University successfully concluded its Youth & Democracy Conference 2026 on the theme “Bridging Participation and Power”. 

A key highlight of the second day, centered on the theme “Youth, Power and Democratic Renewal in the 21st Century”, was the keynote address by Shri Parshottam Rupala, Member of Parliament (Lok Sabha, Rajkot). He reflected on “Youth, Rajkot, and a Life in Democratic Politics,” offering personal and political insights into sustained public service and the evolving role of youth in electoral democracy. 

This was followed by a fireside chat featuring Devyani Devender Singh Rana, Member of Legislative Assembly, Jammu and Kashmir, who discussed leadership in one of India’s most strategic regions and examined generational transition, political responsibility, and youth representation in state politics. Paul Dangshu, MLA from Tripura, highlighted youth leadership emerging from India’s northeastern region.

The primary objective of the two-day conference was to critically analyze the severe underrepresentation of youth in formal political systems both in India and globally. It aimed to identify the institutional barriers preventing youth entry into politics, explore the transition from grassroots and campus activism to formal policymaking, and propose actionable solutions ranging from digital toolkits to structural policy reforms to enhance meaningful civic engagement among the younger generation.

Mr Jeet Marwadi, Trustee, Marwadi University, shared, “While the youth are highly active in digital spaces, campus activism, and grassroots protests, they remain systematically locked out of formal legislative bodies. This two-day event resulted in the recognition of structural barriers limiting youth participation, the need for administrative and technological reforms, the importance of local governance as a site of renewal, and the growing interconnectedness of youth politics across borders. We always aim to move beyond symbolic conversations and focus on structural reforms. “

The conference featured insightful discussions on topics including The Crisis of Representation and Systemic Barriers, Civic Education and Political Socialization, Marginalized Voices: Tribal Governance and Women in Politics, Digital Politics, Strategy, and International Activism, Global Demographics, Climate, and Policy Innovations, Future Outlook: Suffrage and Post-Protest Actions.

Organized in collaboration with Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung India and the Centre for Youth Policy, the conference brought together scholars, policymakers, administrators, student leaders, and international experts to deliberate on the future of youth participation in democratic systems.