Nagpur sisters represent Maharashtra at national children's environment parliament in Delhi

Two sisters studying at Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar College at Deekshabhoomi in Nagpur, Deepali Shripat Rathod and Anjali Shripat Rathod, have made a name for themselves in Delhi. At the 'National Environment Children's Parliament (RPBS) 2026', held on the premises of the Delhi Assembly, both represented Maharashtra and Vidarbha.

The children's parliament was organised jointly by Manav Rachna International Schools and 'Paryavaran Sanrakshan Gatividhi'. It was not just a speaking contest. It was like a parliamentary laboratory preparing the leaders of tomorrow.

The selection process was tough. From thousands of students taking part from across the country, 94 representatives from different states were chosen. Of them, 68 were given charge of various ministries and departments. The selected students got a chance to put forward their views effectively in the Delhi Assembly.

The children got first-hand experience of democratic governance, policymaking and deep deliberation on pressing environmental questions. They learnt how Parliament works, how to prepare and present their case, and how to carry out a role responsibly.

Six students were chosen from across Maharashtra. The two sisters from Dr. Ambedkar College in Nagpur were among them. Two sisters from the same family taking part together on a national stage raised Vidarbha's pride.

In this children's parliament, Deepali Rathod played the Union Coal Minister in the ruling cabinet. Anjali Rathod, in the role of the opposition, raised issues related to the Coal Ministry. One sister presented a subject as minister and the other scrutinised the same subject closely from the opposition side. This showed the education, oratory and strength of argument of both.

The children's parliament gave participants a chance to express considered views on subjects such as environmental protection, climate change and sustainable development. Deepali Rathod received the 'Baal Sansad ICON' honour for her effective speech. She was the only icon of this historic first children's parliament. Her two-minute speech won over those present, and delegates from across the country also praised her.

The Banjara community has long had a bond with nature. A lifestyle tied to land, water and forests, traditional knowledge and a rich cultural heritage define the community. But today the community has had to contend with many challenges to find a place in education and the mainstream of society. When girls of the community speak with confidence in the assembly of the national capital, it becomes an honour for the whole community as well as a personal success.

The success of Deepali and Anjali sends the message that new heights can be reached through education, determination and opportunity. They have become an inspiration for girls from disadvantaged sections. The need to bring together traditional knowledge, local experience and a scientific outlook in discussions on the environment also emerged from this platform.

Deekshabhoomi in Nagpur is a sacred place of equality, brotherhood and social revolution. Dr. Ambedkar College, linked to the same idea, has long played an important role in students' education and intellectual growth. The encouragement of the college principal, teachers and administrative staff helps bring out students' hidden talent. Deepali and Anjali used this opportunity to prove their ability on a national stage.

Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar's message, 'Educate, organise and agitate', inspires self-respect through education, collective strength through organisation and change through struggle. The sisters' success brings the importance of these ideas to the fore again.

Their participation at the Delhi Assembly on October 7, 2026, was not limited to a single event. It was an important step towards building aware and responsible youth leadership on environmental questions. The whole world is today grappling with problems such as pollution, climate change and depletion of natural resources. In such times, young people coming forward to protect the environment is the need of the hour.

Shripat Rathod and Jayashree Rathod played a fundamental role in raising Deepali and Anjali. They instilled in their daughters values of harmony, dedication and mutual respect. They stressed praising each other's strengths, encouraging each other and moving ahead together, rather than comparing themselves with one another. By creating a home atmosphere of open conversation and support, they gave both daughters the strength to face academic, personal and social challenges with courage. These values have made both sisters independent thinkers, and their achievements are inspiring others.

This success of Deepali and Anjali Shripat Rathod is a matter of pride for all of Maharashtra, Vidarbha and the Banjara community. The opportunity at a platform such as the National Environment Children's Parliament, and the views they put forward, testify to their determination, education and leadership ability.