Hoshiarpur: Dr. Ishank Chabbewal, MLA from the Chabbewal Assembly constituency, organized a special live youth interaction program titled ‘You Speak, I Listen’ with students at Government College, Hoshiarpur. The objective of the event was to listen to the youth's views, suggestions, and various concerns through direct dialogue, and to provide them with a platform to express themselves openly.
During the program, Dr. Ishank Chabbewal interacted with the students and answered their questions directly. He listened seriously to various issues and assured them that he would take up valid concerns at the appropriate levels and strive for their resolution. The dialogue featured open discussions on several important topics, including education, social issues, urban infrastructure, government services, and transportation.
Student Niharika raised issues regarding the drug menace and women's safety, expressing the need for more effective, grassroots-level efforts in these areas. Meanwhile, Sandhya Sharma suggested incorporating courses related to Artificial Intelligence and digital skills more extensively in colleges, keeping the changing technological landscape in mind.
Similarly, Gaganpreet Kaur drew attention to the drainage issues in Hoshiarpur city. Jasmine suggested that government department employees be trained to adopt a more sensitive and cooperative attitude towards the general public. She emphasized the need for staff—particularly in departments providing public services, such as the Civil Hospital—to treat patients and citizens with sensitivity and a spirit of cooperation.
Sanjeev, from Sherpur village in the Chabbewal constituency, expressed his appreciation for the completion of several long-pending development works in the village, facilitated by MLA Dr. Ishank Chabbewal. He also highlighted the need to increase the frequency of bus services and the number of routes during the busy morning hours to make commuting more convenient for students and other passengers. On this occasion, Dr. Ishank Chabbewal directly addressed the questions and suggestions raised by the youth. He shared his insights and stance on several issues on the spot, while assuring that other valid matters would be taken up with the relevant administrative authorities for resolution. Five participants who presented excellent and creative ideas during the event were also specially honored.
Dr. Ishank Chabbewal remarked that young people possess fresh thinking, new ideas, and the ability to view society from a different perspective. He emphasized the importance of listening to and understanding their views through such dialogues. He noted that today's youth are conscious of issues concerning their future, education, employment, and society, and they offer many significant and practical suggestions.
Speaking to the media, Dr. Ishank Chabbewal stated that as an elected representative and part of the government, it is their responsibility to listen to the youth, take their issues seriously, and strive for solutions wherever possible. He added that direct dialogue with the youth not only provides them with an opportunity to voice their concerns but also serves as a vital medium for understanding their ideas and suggestions.
Students participating in the event described the interaction as a unique and positive experience. They noted that while young people rarely get the chance to directly present their questions and suggestions to an elected representative, this event allowed them to speak without hesitation. The students also appreciated Dr. Ishank Chabbewal’s open and approachable demeanor, noting that he listened seriously to every question and conducted the session as a direct, natural conversation rather than a formal event.
Dr. Ishank Chabbewal stated that such direct dialogues play a crucial role in fostering better connections between the youth and elected representatives. This facilitates a better understanding of the youth's expectations and priorities while encouraging them to make positive contributions to society and the public system through their ideas. He stated that listening to the voices of the youth, valuing their ideas, and striving to resolve their legitimate issues by bringing them to the attention of the concerned authorities are among his top priorities. Members of his team, Dr. Pankaj Shiv and Dr. Pal Attowal, were also present on the occasion.
MLA Dr. Ishank Chabbewal expressed his gratitude to Dr. Savita Gupta (Principal of Government College, Hoshiarpur), the entire staff, the management committee, and all the students who participated in the event. Representatives from the college staff—including Kashmir Singh, Sanjana Saggi, Navdeep Kaur, Harjinder Singh, Harjinder Pal, Priya Kaushal, Kulwinder Kaur, Poonam Salhotra, and Nirmal Singh—were present at the event. Fine Arts Professor Jaspal Singh and student Arshiya ably handled the stage anchoring duties during the program.