The State Level Youth Exchange Programme, 2024, commenced today at the Convocation Hall, NEHU campus where 500 young talents from across 12 districts of the State will participate in cultural interaction, idea exchange, learning, and talent showcase.
The week-long event under the theme of ‘Today’s Youth-Tomorrow’s Leader’ that will conclude on November 7 is being organised by the Directorate of Sports & Youth Affairs.
Director of Sports and Youth Affairs, D.D Shira who attended the inaugural ceremony as the chief guest emphasised the importance of nurturing Meghalaya’s youth and developing friendships among them. “This kind of programme will serve as a platform for the youth to appreciate and exchange traditions and cultures from different tribes of the State,” he added.
During the event, several youths will be selected to participate at the state level. Selected youth will then represent Meghalaya at the regional, national and international levels.
The event will also host a wide array of competitions, interactive sessions and talent hunt sessions.
It is to be noted that over 24 youths were selected to attend the upcoming International Empower Youth Programme at Jakarta, Indonesia.
One of the selected youth, Trewasara Hadem from Jowai expressed gratitude to the Directorate of Sports and Youth Affairs for organizing the prestigious program. She stated that her participation in the 2023 District Youth Exchange program had significantly impacted her personality, enabling her to become a voice for positive change and inspiring others.
Shanlang Kioo Laloo from Shillong, who will also join Hadem to attend the Indonesia youth programme, shared his journey which began with District Youth Exchange Programme.
Laloo was selected for the State Level 2023 in October and said he gained valuable lessons about culture. He further expressed gratitude to the directorate for selecting him for the National Youth Exchange program held in Arunachal Pradesh. He credited the programme with teaching him leadership skills and purpose, diverging from his initial plan to pursue teaching.
Assistant Director Sports and Youth Affairs, P. B. War Nongbri and K. Passah, Fr. Michael Makri and D Rapsang, district Sports officers and officials from NYK and NSS were also present on the occasion.
