Shillong, Oct 13: From block-level declamations to global stages — Meghalaya’s youth programme returned on a bigger scale on Tuesday.
The 2nd State-Level Chief Minister’s Youth Engagement Programme (CMYEP) 2026 was launched at Lariti Performing Centre, Mawkasiang, by Sports & Youth Affairs Minister Wailadmiki Shylla.
With 52% of Meghalaya’s population under 20, Shylla said the state has turned its demographic edge into policy — raising the sports and youth budget from Rs 30-40 crore to over Rs 840 crore.
“Meghalaya is the only state with a youth engagement programme from the block level,” he said. This year, the programme covered around 14,000 youths across all 56 C&RD blocks.
In a major push for global exposure, the Minister announced that the government will bear full passport costs for youth selected for international tours, including the upcoming Philippines delegation, along with stipend and financial assistance.
Drawing from his own exchange visit to Japan, Shylla said future editions will be made fully inclusive for youths with disabilities.
He credited Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma for prioritising youth.
Director, Sports & Youth Affairs, Alertson Nongbri said the camp, themed “Young Meghalaya, Shaping Tomorrow,” is designed as a pathway from grassroots to national and international platforms, with focus on Nasha Mukt Yuva, AI, climate change, nation-building, science exhibition, folk arts and adventure sports.
The opening day saw a solo act by Shelevah N Jyrwa — set to appear on Britain’s Got Talent — and a performance by “Kawei Ka Sur.”
Former participants Wanmi R Makdoh and Twinklexilingshi Lyngdoh recalled their journey from block-level contests to Malaysia, with Wanmi later representing Meghalaya in the Indian Parliament.
The five-day camp will feature adventure activities at Lumparing, quiz, painting, poetry, guitar and folk music contests, a Science Mela, tug-of-war and talent show, culminating in the valedictory on Day 5.
