Meghalaya’s Youth Are State’s Greatest Strength, Must Be Given Opportunities to Thrive: CM Conrad Sangma

Addressing the SPARK Meghalaya State Summit 2026 at the District Auditorium in Tura, Sangma said young people had immense potential to become a positive force for the development of Meghalaya and the country.

SPARK, which stands for School Programmes in Articulation, Resilience and Kindness, aims to build confidence, encourage personal growth, promote values and foster friendships among students from different communities.

Emphasising the importance of recognising individual abilities, the Chief Minister told participating students that everyone possessed unique talents and that taking part in the summit was itself an achievement.

“Everybody has potential, and you have already won by being here,” Sangma said, encouraging students to focus on self-improvement and make the most of the opportunities available to them.

Recalling the previous edition of the summit in Shillong, Sangma said he had proposed hosting the 2026 event in Tura to give students an opportunity to experience Meghalaya’s cultural diversity, including its languages, traditions, cuisine, music and natural beauty.

He noted that several participants were visiting Tura for the first time, adding that such gatherings helped young people interact with peers from different backgrounds and gain a better understanding of the state’s diverse communities.

The Chief Minister said the spirit of SPARK extended beyond the summit, with young people able to express their creativity and abilities through music, sports, entrepreneurship, dance, painting and other fields.

He described the initiative as a platform for helping students overcome hesitation, build self-confidence and become more willing to explore new opportunities.

Government initiatives aimed at expanding opportunities

Highlighting programmes designed to support young people, Sangma said the Meghalaya Grassroots Music Project (MGMP) had helped around 8,000 artists pursue their passion while earning a livelihood.

According to the Chief Minister, participating artists had performed at more than 20,000 shows across Meghalaya, other parts of India and overseas destinations, including Japan and Germany, with government support.

He also highlighted the CM Elevate programme and investments in sports as part of efforts to create additional opportunities for young people to develop their skills and pursue their ambitions.

Congratulating the Education Department for its efforts, Sangma said initiatives originating in Meghalaya were being replicated at the national level. He stressed that expenditure on youth-focused programmes should be viewed as an investment in future generations.

The summit featured the release of the SPARK Outcomes Report 2026, cultural performances, testimonials from students and teachers, and the felicitation of District SPARK Stars.

Officials, school principals, teachers and students from various districts attended the event in Tura.