Chhatra Sansad India, founded by Kunal Sharma in 2015, is a youth-driven platform empowering young leaders to drive social and political change. Alongside key figures like Aditya Vegda (Vice President) and Rushab Gandhi (CEO), the organisation engages over 15 lakh students from 10,000 institutions across India. Its initiatives include the Youth Parliament, where students simulate parliamentary proceedings, and the Chhatra Sansad Conclave, an annual event fostering dialogue on governance and sustainability.
The upcoming 8th edition of the conclave, scheduled for March 21, 2025, at Lovely Professional University, promises to shape India’s vision for 2047. With endorsements from prominent figures like PM Narendra Modi and Amit Shah, Chhatra Sansad continues to inspire youth leadership at grassroots and national levels. We, The Logical Indian, are proud to be an associate partner for this event.
The Birth of a Movement
Kunal Sharma, a lawyer by profession and a social entrepreneur by passion, founded Chhatra Sansad in 2015 with a vision to empower India’s youth to engage actively in governance. His inspiration stemmed from witnessing the disconnect between young people’s aspirations and their involvement in political processes. Kunal began with a small group of like-minded individuals in Gujarat who shared his passion for change. They organised meetings in local clubs and engaged with village leaders to build a network of youth leaders dedicated to social activism.
As the movement gained momentum, Kunal expanded its reach across India, mobilising over 200 youth leaders initially in Gujarat before establishing a nationwide network that now includes over 15 lakh students from more than 10,000 institutions.
Overcoming Barriers
Despite its success, Chhatra Sansad faced significant challenges along the way. One major hurdle was overcoming scepticism about youth involvement in governance. Many traditional political leaders viewed young people as inexperienced or uninterested in politics. Additionally, securing funding and resources during the initial stages proved difficult, limiting their capacity to scale operations.
Kunal and his team had to navigate resistance from established political systems that were often reluctant to embrace new voices. They also faced logistical challenges in engaging students across diverse regions with varying cultural contexts.
Building a Platform for Change
The founders of Chhatra Sansad have made concerted efforts to create impactful platforms for youth engagement:
- Kunal Sharma has focused on grassroots mobilisation, ensuring that students from all backgrounds can participate in their democratic processes.
- Aditya Vegda, as Vice President and Trustee of Zero Hour Foundation, has concentrated on crafting policies that facilitate youth participation in governance. His expertise has been instrumental in aligning Chhatra Sansad’s initiatives with national priorities.
- Rushab Gandhi, CEO of Zero Hour Foundation, has developed workshops and training sessions aimed at nurturing essential leadership skills among participants. His vision is to empower young leaders who can contribute meaningfully to India’s growth story.
Driving Engagement and Change
Chhatra Sansad India stands out through its impactful initiatives:
- Youth Parliament: This academic simulation educates students about democracy and policymaking. Resolutions passed here are sent to the Prime Minister’s Office and Niti Ayog for consideration, creating a direct link between student voices and policymakers.
- Chhatra Sansad Conclave: This annual gathering serves as a platform for dialogue among policymakers, influencers, and youth leaders on critical issues like governance and sustainability. The upcoming 8th edition will focus on “India at 100: A Vision for the Next Generation.”
- Community Projects: Campaigns such as “Bacche Bole Morya” address local challenges while fostering activism among students. These initiatives have led to tangible outcomes such as community clean-up drives and educational workshops in underserved areas.
Latest Developments
The upcoming 8th Chhatra Sansad Conclave on March 21, 2025, will feature esteemed speakers like Dr V. Narayanan (ISRO) and Smriti Irani. Participants will engage in discussions aimed at charting actionable solutions for India’s centenary goals.
The Logical Indian’s Perspective
At The Logical Indian, we believe that empowering youth through dialogue and engagement is essential for fostering a peaceful society where kindness and empathy prevail. The Chhatra Sansad India Conclave represents an opportunity not just for discussion but for meaningful action towards positive social change.
As we encourage our readers to reflect on their role within their communities, we ask you—how can you contribute your voice towards building a more inclusive future? Share your thoughts with us!
