In a significant push to engage young minds in nation-building, the Governor of Meghalaya, CH Vijayashankar, convened a special interaction with the state's youth representatives in Shillong. The 'Meet and Greet' programme, held at Lok Bhavan on Friday, was orchestrated by the Meghalaya Department of Sports and Youth Affairs in partnership with My Bharat Kendra.
Governor's Call for Empowering Leadership
The event served as a send-off for delegates chosen to represent Meghalaya at the prestigious National Youth Festival – Viksit Bharat Young Leaders Dialogue (VBYLD) 2026. Addressing the gathering, Governor Vijayashankar moved beyond conventional definitions of authority. He emphasized that true leadership stems from empowerment, not merely power. He urged the young participants to uphold discipline, maintain consistency, and stay fiercely committed to their objectives. Furthermore, he called upon them to leverage the national platform effectively, presenting ideas that would tangibly contribute to the vision of a developed India.
Meghalaya's Delegates and Their Innovations
Meghalaya's representation at the national dialogue is marked by talent and innovation. The state has secured a spot with two students from the National Institute of Technology (NIT) Shillong – Nishant Kumar Singh and Necharika Singh. Their path to selection was paved by a groundbreaking invention: the Smart Braille Watch.
This assistive wearable technology is designed to empower visually impaired individuals by providing access to time and notifications through tactile Braille output. An official statement highlighted that the project prioritizes affordability, portability, and user-friendliness, aiming to overcome limitations found in existing Braille devices. The innovators are currently in New Delhi, preparing to showcase their project on the national stage in the presence of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
Voices and Visions from the Youth
The delegation comprises diverse talents. Ashita Kar, a Class XI student from East Khasi Hills district, shared her aspiration to present a vision for "building a future-ready workforce for Viksit Bharat." In the cultural sphere, Akbarlang Synteng Nongdhar, also from East Khasi Hills, will represent the state in the folk dance category.
Elaborating on the cultural presentation, football coach Elbonson Marbaniang from Mawsynram stated, "We will be performing the traditional folk dance 'Ka Shad Mastieh' in New Delhi."
Scale of Meghalaya's Participation
The scale of participation underscores the state's active engagement. A total of 25 youth from Meghalaya have been selected to participate in the core Viksit Bharat Young Leaders Dialogue 2026. Additionally, the cultural track will feature 23 youth artists from the state, who will present traditional folk songs and dances. A further three delegates will compete in declamation, poetry, and painting events.
The selected delegates are slated for a key interaction with Prime Minister Narendra Modi on January 11 during the national youth festival, marking a pivotal moment in their journey as young leaders.
