By Roy Kupar Synrem
“A nail is useless unless driven by the hammer. In the same way, talents are useless unless driven by people in power.” This is the quote I came across in a Book titled, “Grains of Thoughts” by Dr. B. PS Toi. The book is a collection of thought-provoking quotes which the author has compiled as grains of wisdom and reflections for the readers and as a concern citizen of the State, I felt it apt and necessary to expand the said quote in the context of the State and its leadership by putting down my views and opinions of how the talent of our youths are being wasted in the absence of a Policy to nurture, guide and support them.
The quote stated above captures the disconcerting truth about the dilemma of thousands of talented youths in Meghalaya today. It is a fact that talent by itself is never enough. Past experiences repeatedly show that individual brilliance flourishes only when supported, guided, and propelled by institutions and political will. In the absence of such support, even the sharpest minds remain unused—like nails scattered on the ground, never driven into purpose.
Meghalaya is not a State lacking in talent. From sports and music to academics, entrepreneurship, traditional knowledge, and civil service aspirations, the youths of Meghalaya have demonstrated promises time and again. Young sportspersons excel at national levels despite minimal facilities; musicians gain recognition far beyond State borders; students from remote villages crack competitive examinations with little institutional backing. These are not isolated miracles—they are proof of a deep and widespread reservoir of untapped, un-nurtured ability.
Yet, talent alone does not create opportunity. It requires a “hammer”—clear policies, sustained investment, political commitment, and a governance ecosystem that recognises, nurtures, and retains human capital. Unfortunately, Meghalaya has long suffered from a policy vacuum and a lack of political urgency when it comes to youth development.
One of the most glaring failures lies in the absence of a comprehensive, outcome-driven youth and talent policy. While schemes and policies are announced periodically, they are often fragmented, poorly implemented, or limited to token gestures just for photo-ops. There is no long-term planning to identify talent early, provide structured mentorship, or create pathways from education to employment. Skill development programmes exist largely on paper, disconnected from market realities and local economic needs.
Education, the primary engine of talent development, reflects this neglect. Schools and colleges struggle with inadequate infrastructure, shortage of trained teachers, and outdated curricula. Rural and interior areas remain particularly disadvantaged, forcing capable students to migrate or abandon aspirations altogether.
Sports and arts—areas where Meghalaya naturally excels—are another example of wasted potential. The State produces gifted athletes and artists, yet lacks world-class training facilities, professional coaching, sports science support, and transparent selection systems. Recognition often comes only after individuals succeed elsewhere, raising the uncomfortable question: why must talent leave Meghalaya to be valued?
Perhaps the most damaging consequence of weak political will is the steady out-migration of skilled youth. Doctors, engineers, teachers, entrepreneurs, and creatives leave in search of better opportunities, not because they lack love for their homeland, but because the State offers limited platforms to grow. This brain drain is not inevitable; it is the direct result of policy inaction and governance apathy.
People in power play a decisive role in shaping the destiny of our youth and the State as a whole. But when leadership prioritises short-term political gains over long-term human development, talent becomes collateral damage. When budgetary allocations for youth, research, innovation, and culture remain minimal, it sends a clear message: potential is not a priority. When merit is overshadowed by patronage, talented youths lose faith in the very institutions that are meant to support them.
‘Driving the nail’ requires intention, precision, and force. For Meghalaya, this means crafting a clear youth development vision backed by legislation, adequate funding, and accountability. It means investing in education reform, sports infrastructure, growth centres, and local industries that can absorb skilled youth. It means creating transparent systems that reward merit and innovation, regardless of background or connections.
Most importantly, it requires political courage—the courage to see talent not as a photo opportunity, but as the State’s greatest asset. Meghalaya’s future does not lie in its minerals, forests, or geography alone; it lies in the minds and abilities of its young people.
A nail left unused eventually rusts. Similarly, talent left unsupported withers into frustration and lost potential. Meghalaya can no longer afford this waste. If those in power choose to become the hammer—firm, focused, and purposeful—the State’s talent will not only find its place but will hold together the very structure of its development.
The present State government’s initiatives and steps for youth development by implementing schemes and projects worth thousands of crores depends on effective implementation, fair access and measurable outcomes in terms of jobs, education, enterprise and skills. Whether these schemes and projects can truly translate into real opportunities that our young people can access locally, develop skills with real market values and build careers or businesses? Only time will tell. But what is life without hope, right?
(The writer is an Advocate and President of the Hynñiewtrep Youths’ Council. His views are of his own and do not necessarily reflect that of Highland Post. He can be reached at royk.synrem@gmail.com)
