Shillong, Jul 2: Speaker of the Meghalaya Legislative Assembly Thomas A. Sangma on Thursday encouraged young people to actively participate in public life, calling their energy and innovation essential for the state’s future.
He was addressing around 60 student interns from eight colleges across Meghalaya and the University of Delhi during an interactive session organised by the Assembly’s Law Department at the Assembly Building, Rilbong on Thursday.
Sangma said the internship was more than an academic exercise. “The Legislative Assembly is not merely an institution studied in textbooks but a place where ideas are debated, policies are shaped and the aspirations of the people are given a voice,” he told the students.
Citing a recent parliamentary seminar in Canada with legislators from about 90 countries, the speaker pointed to a 25-year-old woman MP. He noted that despite no reservations for women, Canada has more than half its Parliament represented by women. He urged Meghalaya’s youth to aspire to become legislators who can shape the state and nation.
The speaker stressed that differences of opinion in the Assembly are a core feature of democracy. “Democracy teaches people to respect diverse viewpoints, engage in constructive dialogue and work collectively towards solutions that serve the public interest,” he said.
He also underlined Meghalaya’s cultural diversity, stating that good governance must be rooted in understanding the needs of all communities.
Government Deputy Chief Whip Ronnie V. Lyngdoh said such interactions help dispel misconceptions about politics and give students a clearer view of how the Legislature functions.
MLA Santa Mary Shylla described the session as “mutually enriching,” adding that legislators also gained insights from the students’ perspectives.
The programme was attended by MLA Charles Pyngrope, MLA Brightstarwell Marbaniang, Assembly Secretary Malthus S. Sangma, Adviser (Legislation) Dr. Andrew Simons and senior officers of the Secretariat.
