By Roy Kupar Synrem
“When God wanted to make a King out of David, He did not give him a crown; He gave him Goliath.”This truth speaks directly to the times we are living in. Before David was recognised, he was tested. Goliath was not sent to destroy David but to prepare him for something greater. Struggle comes before Leadership and success. As the youth of Meghalaya step into 2026, many are standing in valleys of their own—facing giants that feel overwhelming and unending. As we are about to enter the New Year, I want to speak to our youth of Meghalaya in general and the youth of U Hynniewtrep in particular that ‘there is a light at the end of the tunnel’ and that we should not give up on ourselves.
For some, the giant is unemployment, despite years of education and degrees that do not translate into work. For others, it is substance abuse and addiction, quietly draining families, villages and entire neighbourhoods. Many young people face the frustration of migration, forced to leave home in search of opportunities, while others remain behind feeling stuck and unheard. There is also the growing fear of cultural erosion, where language, tradition and indigenous values are slowly replaced by imitation and indifference.These are not small battles. They are our Goliaths of present day.Yet, it is important to remember that David was not chosen because he was strong; he became strong because he was chosen to fight. He did not wait for better weapons or perfect conditions. He used what he already had.
In the same way, the youth of Meghalaya must recognise the strength already in their hands. Our hills have taught us endurance. Our communities have taught us solidarity. Our traditions have taught us respect for land, elders and identity. These are not outdated values—they are assets in a world that is losing its moral compass.
The challenges of limited growth, lack of local platforms for sports, arts and entrepreneurship, and the disconnect between education and skills are real. But these challenges are also calling this generation to create, not just complain—to build start-ups rooted in local resources, revive indigenous sports and music, take pride in farming, craftsmanship and eco-tourism, and demand accountability while also offering solutions.
Too often, young people are told to wait—wait for jobs, wait for government schemes, wait for recognition. But David did not wait for permission to step into the valley. He stepped forward when others stepped back.
As 2026 begins, let this be the year when the youth of Meghalaya stop waiting for crowns. Crowns come later. What comes first is courage, discipline and responsibility. Facing corruption, addiction, hopelessness and identity loss will not be easy—but giants never fall easily.
If God has placed these challenges before the youth of Meghalaya, it is because within this generation lies leadership yet to be revealed. Giants do not stand before people meant to live ordinary lives.At times, as youth we may think that challenges in our lives appear too large, too entrenched, too powerful to defeat. It is easy to ask, “Why us?”But history—both biblical and real—teaches us something profound: those chosen to lead, to change, to build, are first chosen to struggle.
So let us face 2026 with confidence rooted in who we are—not copying others, not abandoning our identity, but strengthening it. Let us confront our Goliaths in classrooms, playgrounds, villages, markets and public life. Beyond this valley lies purpose, dignity and a future shaped by our own hands.
Remember: God did not give David a crown. He gave him a Goliath. The crown came later.
(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)
