Shillong, June 13: Meghalaya Education Minister Lahkmen Rymbui on Saturday urged students from Telangana participating in the Yuva Sangam exchange programme to become ambassadors of Meghalaya and the Northeast, carrying back a deeper understanding of the region and sharing their experiences with others.
Addressing the valedictory ceremony of Yuva Sangam Phase-VI at IIM Shillong, Rymbui said educational and cultural exchanges play a crucial role in strengthening national integration by breaking stereotypes and fostering mutual respect among young people from different parts of the country.
He said the Telangana delegation, led by NIT Warangal, had experienced Meghalaya’s culture, traditions and way of life firsthand during their five-day stay in the state and should help promote a better understanding of the Northeast among their peers and communities.
“Every region contributes to India’s collective identity. India’s diversity is its strength, and programmes like Yuva Sangam help build lasting bonds across states,” the minister said, encouraging the delegates to contribute towards the vision of a Viksit Bharat.
The programme concluded with a valedictory ceremony marking the end of the exchange initiative under the Centre’s Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat programme. Earlier in the day, the delegates interacted with the Dorbar Shnong Mawpat to learn about Meghalaya’s indigenous governance system and visited NEHU and the Sports Authority of India centre at the university campus.
During a reflection session, participants shared how the five-day immersion had broadened their understanding of the Northeast and helped forge friendships rooted in cultural exchange and mutual respect.
The event also featured cultural performances by renowned Khasi singer Lam, students of Padma Shri awardee Kong Silbi Passah, and participants from Meghalaya and Telangana, celebrating the spirit of unity in diversity.
