Shillong, August 30 : Over 500 young people from across Meghalaya and the Northeast gathered at the State Central Library, Shillong, for a groundbreaking event that fused pop culture with public health awareness.
The event, titled “Youth Uncut: Real Talk on HIV” and “Multiverse Saga 2025 – Cosplay with a Cause,” offered a platform for youth to express themselves boldly while addressing critical issues like HIV stigma, sexual health, drug recovery, and mental wellbeing.
The programme opened with Youth Uncut: Real Talk on HIV, a live dialogue between young people and policymakers.
Health Minister Dr. M. Ampareen Lyngdoh led the session, urging participants to ask tough questions and engage in candid discussions. “You don’t need to be afraid. Help is just one phone call away—dial 1097. We need empathy, not sympathy, for those living with HIV,” she said. The Minister praised the cosplay initiative as a creative way to spark awareness, calling for such platforms to be mainstreamed in schools and youth forums.
An expert panel from the Meghalaya AIDS Control Society (MACS) — including Dr. W.B. Langstieh, Mr. Wilson Dohling, Mr. Ajoy Lanong, and Dr. L. Myrthong — fielded live questions from students on topics ranging from HIV prevention and STI awareness to the role of teachers in early intervention.
The session also featured powerful personal testimonials from young people living with HIV and those in recovery from substance abuse.
The second half, Multiverse Saga 2025 – Cosplay With a Cause, drew massive crowds as cosplayers from Meghalaya, Nagaland, Mizoram, Assam, and beyond showcased their creativity.
Participants brought to life characters from Genshin Impact, Final Fantasy, Marvel, Demon Slayer, Spy x Family, and Warhammer 40k, blending performance art with advocacy on mental health, trauma, and identity.
Abamita Giri Kharmalki of the Shillong Cosplay Community (SCC) told the media “We believe cosplay can go beyond entertainment. It can fight stigma, spark dialogue, and empower youth.”
Adding an international perspective, Nishijima San, General Manager of All Nippon Airways (ANA), praised the youth’s enthusiasm and commitment to social causes.
The cosplay competition was divided into Chibi, Open, and Pop Culture Hiroshima (PCH) categories.
- Open Category Grand Winners: Carrot & Lily as Madoka Kaname and Homura Akemi (Puella Magi Madoka Magica).
- Special Recognition: Hun & Remica as Scarlet Witch and Magik (Marvel Rival).
- Best Craftsmanship: Embhahlang & Edenity as Honor Guard and Imperial Commissar (Warhammer 40k).
- Best Needlework: Sonia Khadangba as Kagura (Mobile Legends: Bang Bang).
- Best Performance: Kyrmen, Silver, George, Hassen, Jefferson & Lola as Avengers characters.
- Best Spectator: Oreotrix.
- Chibi Winner: Pearleen Rani as Erza Scarlet (Fairy Tail).
- People’s Choice: Loki as Hermes (Greek Mythology: Odyssey).
- PCH India Qualifier Winners: Kuro Tsuyoshi (Limasunep Jamir & Imtisunep Jamir) as Cloud Strife & Sephiroth (Final Fantasy VII). They will represent India at Pop Culture Hiroshima, Japan, with travel sponsored by ANA.
Beyond the stage, the event also offered free health services to over 100 youth, including HIV testing, TB screening, and NCD checks.
Supported by Meghalaya AIDS Control Society (MACS), Shillong Cosplay Community (SCC), Yummy Noodles, and All Nippon Airways, the venue featured anime-themed stalls, interactive booths, and creative exhibits. Yummy Noodles rewarded the first 100 attendees who underwent testing with special gift hampers.
