Chhattisgarh has secured national recognition in civic education with the Eklavya Model Residential School (EMRS), Kosambuda, emerging as the top performer in the inaugural Model Youth Gram Sabha initiative. The achievement places the state at the forefront of youth engagement in participatory governance.
The winning team will be formally felicitated by the Ministry of Panchayati Raj at a national ceremony in New Delhi on January 28.
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The recognition comes from a nationwide programme that witnessed mock Gram Sabhas being organised in over 800 schools, aimed at introducing students to the principles of grassroots democracy. Launched on October 30, 2025, the initiative was jointly rolled out by the Ministry of Panchayati Raj, the Ministry of Tribal Affairs and the Ministry of Education to encourage informed civic engagement among schoolchildren, particularly in rural and tribal areas.
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Students of EMRS Kosambuda stood out for their disciplined conduct of the mock Gram Sabha, nuanced understanding of village-level governance and well-argued, practical solutions to local development challenges. Their performance placed them first among the six best teams shortlisted from across the country, underscoring Chhattisgarh’s growing emphasis on democratic learning within its residential school system.
Principal Dr Kamlakant Yadav termed the achievement a collective success of students and teachers alike, noting that the exercise helped young participants experience decision-making processes that directly affect village life. He said the programme offered students a rare opportunity to engage with democracy beyond textbooks and develop a sense of responsibility towards community issues.
Officials associated with the initiative described MYGS as a landmark effort to prepare future citizens for participatory governance. Within a short span, it succeeded in embedding democratic practices in classrooms nationwide, blending civic awareness with leadership skills.
While EMRS Kosambuda prepares to receive national honours in the capital, the achievement is being widely seen as a reflection of Chhattisgarh’s effective integration of governance education, youth participation and tribal empowerment—setting a benchmark for similar initiatives across the country.
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