Events

The National Legislators' Conference (NLC) Bharat Capacity Enhancement Program 2025 has successfully concluded, marking a milestone in strengthening India's democratic framework. This transformative two-day conference, held on 8-9 February 2025, witnessed the convergence of more than 130 legislators, including Members of Legislative Assemblies (MLAs) and Members of Legislative Councils (MLCs) from across India.

The conference established itself as a groundbreaking platform that transcends political boundaries, fostering meaningful collaboration and knowledge exchange among elected representatives. By bringing together legislators from diverse political backgrounds, NLC Bharat created an environment where shared governance challenges could be discussed openly, and innovative solutions could emerge through collective wisdom.

This unique forum enabled elected representatives to connect beyond party lines, facilitating candid discussions and the exchange of best practices. The spirit of unity and common purpose that characterised the conference highlighted its significance as a catalyst for enhanced democratic governance in India.

Key Objectives and Highlights

The Capacity Enhancement Program was structured around several key objectives. These objectives included :

• Enhancing legislative capacity through in-depth training on parliamentary procedures and policy expertise.
• Promoting smart governance through the adoption of technology-driven solutions and e-governance strategies.
• Sharing of ideas and best practices amongst the legislators from different constituencies across the Bharat.
• Discussing the ideas and adoption of some of the best global practices regarding policy making & governance which suits local scenarios.
• Helping Legislators to work in a more efficient & harmonised way with bureaucracy for implementation of various policies.
• Promoting ethical leadership and accountability in public service.
• Creating awareness among youth to increase the participation of the young Bharat in the field of politics.

Inauguration Ceremony : 08 February 2025

The inaugural session opened on a solemn note with the resonant tones of the Bell of Democracy, accompanied by the traditional lamp lighting ceremony and World Peace Prayer. Dr. Rahul V. Karad, the Founder and Convenor of NLC Bharat, delivered a warm welcome address to set the tone for the proceedings.

The ceremony included the felicitation of key guests :

• Shri. Devendra Fadnavis, Hon’ble Chief Minister of Maharashtra
• Smt. Sumitra Mahajan, Hon’ble Former Speaker, Lok Sabha
• Shri Ram Shinde, Hon’ble Chairperson, Maharashtra Legislative Council

Empowering Addresses were given by :

• Shri Satish Mahana, Hon’ble Speaker, Uttar Pradesh Legislative Assembly
• Shri Nitin Gadkari, Hon’ble Minister, Road Transport and Highways, India (Online)
• Smt Sumitra Mahajan, Hon’ble Former Speaker, Lok Sabha
• Shri Ram Shinde, Hon’ble Chairperson, Maharashtra Legislative Council, on ‘Addressing people’s aspirations in the Constituency’

The pinnacle of the ceremony arrived with the screening of a short film introducing Chief Guest Shri Devendra Fadnavis, Chief Minister of Maharashtra, who then addressed the gathering.

Session 1 commenced under the skilled guidance of moderators Shri Sankalp Singhai, Dr. Parimal M S, and Shri Gopal Wamane.

Session 1 honoured the following dignitaries :

• Dr. Neelam Gorhe, Hon’ble Deputy Chairperson, Maharashtra Legislative Council
• Shri Kuldeep Singh Pathania, Hon’ble Speaker, Himachal Pradesh Legislative Assembly
• Shri Rabindra Nath Mahato, Hon’ble Speaker, Jharkhand Legislative Assembly

Each dignitary then shared their expertise on :

• Dr. Neelam Gorhe on ‘Best use of parliamentary devices to be successful in Legislature’
• Shri Kuldeep Singh Pathania on ‘Ideal legislative conduct’
• Shri Rabindra Nath Mahato on ‘Ways to effectively address the problems of poor and marginalized communities’

Shri Sankalp Singhai and Prof. Gopal Wamane shared Best Constituency Initiatives of MLA-MLCs, followed by an exchange of ideas and suggestions by MLA-MLCs. The session concluded with announcements about the NLC Bharat Committee meetings.

Session 2 : 09 February 2025

The session 2 commenced with the ringing of the Bell of Democracy and an introduction by the moderators (Shri Sankalp Singhai, Dr. Parimal M S, and Shri Gopal Wamane), followed by a film about the MIT School of Government and an announcement regarding the MIT School of Government Scholarship.

Felicitation of :

• Shri Thomas Sangma, Hon’ble Speaker, Meghalaya Legislative Assembly
• Shri Sanjeev Chopra, Former Director of Lal Bahadur Shastri National Academy of Administration
• Shri Pavan Khera, National Spokesperson, Indian National Congress
• Shri Siddharth Narayanan, Marketing & Branding Expert

Addresses :

• Shri Pavan Khera on ‘Strategic Communication: Handing the Media Effectively’
• Shri Siddhant Narayan on ‘Strategic Communication: Effective use of Social Media’
• Shri Sanjeev Chopra on ‘Legislators and Bureaucrats: Agents for Change’

MLA-MLCs exchanged opinions, ideas, and suggestions. Shri Hemant Ogale, MIT-SOG Alumni and MLA, Srirampur, Maharashtra, received a special felicitation. Shri Thomas Sangma concluded the session with remarks on the ‘Ideal public conduct of legislators,’ followed by announcements about the next session.

Valedictory Session Dr. Gautam Bapat, Program Director, MIT School of Business, introduced the session. Felicitation of Dr. C. P. Joshi, Former Speaker, Rajasthan Legislative Assembly, by Dr. Rahul V Karad.

Addresses :

• Dr. Meira Kumar, Hon’ble Former Speaker, Lok Sabha (Online)
• Hon’ble Dr. C. P. Joshi on “Strategic Communication: Addressing various sections of the society.” In a significant moment, Dr. Joshi, speaking as the voice of all assembled legislators, made a compelling appeal to Maharashtra Chief Minister Shri Devendra Fadnavis. He requested the Chief Minister's support to champion the NLC initiative, beginning with its implementation in Maharashtra, and emphasised that this endeavour should transcend party lines for the greater good of governance and public service.

Certificates were presented to the participating State Legislators by Dr. Rahul V Karad. Dr. Anjali Sane, Dean, School of Economics and Commerce, MIT-WPU, delivered the vote of thanks.

The formal proceedings concluded with the National Anthem, but the event's impact continued through the 14th BCS Youth to Youth Connect program. This innovative segment facilitated direct interaction between legislators and students, aiming to inspire greater youth participation in politics and governance.

NLC Bharat 2025 has emerged as a transformative platform for legislative development and interstate collaboration. The conference successfully fostered meaningful dialogue, shared best practices, and strengthened networks among legislators from across India. The knowledge exchanged and relationships built during this gathering promise to enhance governance practices and contribute to India's continued progress.