Hyderabad: Transport Minister Ponnam Prabhakar on Friday emphasised the need for conducting student union elections across colleges and universities in the country and the state, stating that new leadership would emerge through these platforms. He was speaking during a panel discussion on “Youth and politics in the future” held as part of the Bharat Summit at HITEX.
The Minister said, “Students must be encouraged to participate in debates and elections within schools, colleges, and universities. It is essential to ensure that youth voices are heard in policy-making processes. Young people aged between 18 and 45 years are crucial for the current political system. I myself come from an ordinary family with no political background and rose to become an MP and a minister. Youth movements can lead to political success. Young people must be given opportunities in decision-making bodies.”
Peddapalli MP Vamshi Krishna, who also participated in the discussion, said that technology, if used positively by the youth, can yield numerous benefits. He added that there are ample opportunities for skilled young individuals.
The event saw participation from MLC Balmuri Venkat and several foreign delegates. Erina Williams from New Zealand said that young people who bring fresh ideas can open new paths across various fields. James Stevens Serrano from Colombia encouraged greater participation of youth in politics.
I entered politics during my student days and served as the state NSUI president. Today, I have grown to the level of a minister. Even though I had no political background, I was able to reach this position because of the Congress Party.
The Congress Party gives freedom and… pic.twitter.com/nwn5lZmEQA
— Ponnam Prabhakar (@Ponnam_INC) April 25, 2025
