Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad Sangma on Tuesday highlighted the state government’s efforts to engage and empower the youth, aiming to channel their energy toward the transformation of Meghalaya into a developed state.
Speaking at the state-level Youth Engagement Program at the Convocation Hall, NEHU Campus, Shillong, Sangma presented various initiatives undertaken by the government, including skilling programs, hospitality training, entrepreneurship development, the Drug Reduction, Elimination and Action Mission (DREAM), CM-MGMP, YESS Meghalaya, CM Elevate, PRIME, sports, and preparations for the upcoming National Games 2025. The program, which began on Tuesday, will continue until December 5.
A large number of youths participated in the event, which offered them a platform to share their experiences, explore arts, sports, innovation, science, and technology, and interact with peers across the state.
“The idea is to keep our youth engaged and busy through transformational programs,” Sangma said. “Once this phase concludes, we will see the benefits of the foundations laid, leading to exponential growth in the years to come.”
On international exposure, the Chief Minister stated that 48 participants will be selected for a trip to the Philippines and Malaysia, while around 500 participants will represent Meghalaya at the national level.
Minister of Sports and Youth Affairs Wailadmiki Shylla noted, “Meghalaya is the only state with youth engagement programs at the block level. We encourage our youth to explore new opportunities. Winners will participate in the National Youth Festival, runners-up in the Northeast Youth Festival, along with other national and international exposure programs.”
A senior government official said the CM-Youth Engagement Programme celebrates young talent, fosters cultural and scientific innovation, nurtures leadership skills, and instills pride in the state’s folk traditions.
(IANS)