Shillong, July 16 : In a reflective and heartfelt exchange by the tranquil pathways of Shillong’s iconic Ward’s Lake, Union Minister for Finance and Corporate Affairs, Nirmala Sitharaman, engaged in a rare one-on-one conversation with Mark Laitflang Stone, noted Entrepreneur and Founder of Avenues, Meghalaya. The dialogue, which unfolded outside any formal setting, explored themes of youth empowerment, leadership, values, and India’s future, with particular focus on the role of Northeast India in realising the vision of Viksit Bharat by 2047.
Commending the resilience and confidence of the youth in the region, the Minister remarked that the true strength of the Northeast lies not in resources alone, but in the mindset of its young people. “Any hindrance or challenge is not in the youth’s mind. The youth of the North East don’t think they are one less. They are enterprising, eager to push ahead, and don’t see their geography as a limitation. What they need is opportunity closer to home, not because they’re lacking, but because they are ready. Their confidence is not conditional on where they come from.”
Reflecting the spirit of inclusivity at the heart of India’s development agenda, the Minister highlighted how states like Meghalaya are already making meaningful contributions to the national vision of a developed India. Applauding the leadership of Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma, she described the PRIME Meghalaya programme as a flagship initiative that is effectively driving youth entrepreneurship and grassroots innovation.
“It’s beautifully institutionalised. The Chief Minister explained how the framework was built, it brings stakeholders together and builds momentum. Those who have benefitted must step forward as brand ambassadors, not just for PRIME but for the larger message that opportunity exists and youth must leap forward.”
Drawing from her own early experiences in education, including her involvement in setting up an inclusive school in Hyderabad, Sitharaman spoke about how those values continue to guide her public service. When discussing the leadership challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, she emphasised that listening, whether through calls, emails, or field reports, was the most powerful tool in shaping responsive policy. “You have to build solutions by listening to the people.” In a personal reflection on leadership, she added, “No flamboyance. Be true to yourself. These aren’t rules, they’re part of who I am. It helps me sleep in peace every night.”
The interview was led by Mark Laitflang Stone, an award-winning entrepreneur, speaker, and youth mentor. As the Founder and Chief Executive of Avenues — Meghalaya’s and Northeast India’s pioneering soft-skills enterprise, Stone’s work aligns closely with the values discussed during the conversation, making the exchange deeply compelling.
As the conversation drew to a close, the Minister offered a parting message that has since resonated widely online: “You live your moment today for a better tomorrow. But one day, you must look back.” The interaction, now circulating across digital platforms, not only underscored the importance of values in leadership but reaffirmed the vital role of the Northeast, in India’s collective journey towards Viksit Bharat. This was not just a conversation between a policymaker and a citizen, it was a quiet affirmation that India’s progress will be shaped by its people, from the grassroots to the highest offices, and that the Northeast is not on the sidelines but at the very centre of that story.
