Shillong, October 16: The 2nd State-Level Chief Minister’s Youth Engagement Programme (CMYEP) 2026 concluded on Friday with a valedictory ceremony at the Lariti Performing Centre, Mawkasiang, Shillong, marking the end of five days of activities celebrating talent, learning and leadership among the youth of Meghalaya.
Organised by the Directorate of Sports and Youth Affairs, Government of Meghalaya, the programme was attended by Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma as the chief guest, Minister Marcuise N. Marak, Chief Secretary Dr. Shakil P. Ahammed, officials of the Directorate of Sports and Youth Affairs, programme coordinators, volunteers and over 1,200 young participants from across the State.
Delivering the welcome address, Joint Secretary of Sports and Youth Affairs and Chairman of CMYEP, Richard Yanthan, described the programme as “not merely an event, but a transformative movement” and “a bridge between the grassroots and the national and international stage.”
He informed that this year’s edition witnessed participation from over 17,000 youths at the block level, more than 4,000 at the district level and over 1,100 at the State level.
Addressing the gathering, Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma recalled that during the Meghalaya Games held in Tura and Jowai, nearly 70 per cent of the participating athletes had never visited those towns before.
He said this observation led to the idea of reviving the youth exchange programme in the form of the Chief Minister’s Youth Engagement Programme to provide greater exposure and opportunities for young people.
“There needs to be more engagement and more opportunities where our youth travel within the State, in the region, nationally and internationally,” Sangma said, assuring that “this programme is only going to get bigger.”
Encouraging young people to move beyond their comfort zones, the Chief Minister said, “We want you to push your limits. The moment you are in your comfort zone, something is wrong. That is when you will grow, learn and challenge yourself.”
He also urged participants to engage with different sections of society, including elders, children, farmers, self-help groups and people in need, while calling upon the Department to strengthen youth engagement programmes at the grassroots level.
Responding to an appeal made during the programme, Sangma announced that Meghalaya would host the North East Youth Festival after the National Games, stating that the initiative would help sustain the momentum of youth development in the State.
Held from October 12 to 16 under the theme “Young Meghalaya, Shaping Tomorrow,” the State-level camp marked the culmination of this year’s programme, which reached approximately 14,000 participants across all 56 Community and Rural Development blocks of Meghalaya.
The programme aims to provide structured opportunities for young people to gain exposure at the State, national and international levels, beginning from the grassroots.
Presenting the programme highlights, Youth Officer of the Directorate of Sports and Youth Affairs, Bobby Wahlang, traced the growth of the initiative from just 125 participants in 2013 to its present structure covering block, district, State, national and international levels.
He informed that participants have travelled to countries including Singapore, Vietnam, Indonesia and Malaysia as part of the programme, while another batch of 27 youths is scheduled to leave for the Philippines on October 25.
Wahlang also appealed for Meghalaya to host the North East Youth Festival next year.
The valedictory ceremony featured a welcome song by the winner of the State-level CMYEP, a video presentation, musical performances by participants, a group dance by State-level winners and the felicitation of outstanding youths.
Prizes were also distributed to the winners of 15 competitions conducted during the programme.
Winners of the 15 Competitions
Inter-District Quiz: First place was secured by Sengrimchi S Sangma and Sengrang R Marak from East Garo Hills, followed by Baremdor Nongsiej and Sevenstar Shangdiar from South West Khasi Hills in second place, and Winslora Marak and Diplina Paul from North Garo Hills in third place.
Flute: Krisbirth A Arengh from South Garo Hills secured first place, Zemega M Sangma from East Garo Hills finished second, while Khlurjingshai Lyngkhoi from East Khasi Hills secured third place.
Guitar: Shemaiah I Phawa from West Jaintia Hills won first place, Chejring N Arengh from North Garo Hills secured second place, and Dixvaid D Sangma from South Garo Hills finished third.
Declamation: Jasmine Thongni from West Khasi Hills emerged as the winner, followed by Darshana Patowary from East Khasi Hills in second place and Vanesa Lyngdoh from Ri Bhoi in third place.
Story Writing: Alian Arish R Marak from South West Garo Hills secured first place, Alco Ricaldo Rongrin from West Khasi Hills finished second, and Habalahunsha Manar from West Jaintia Hills secured third place.
Poetry Writing: Bethsydora Dkhar from West Jaintia Hills won first place, Banisha Shylla from West Jaintia Hills secured second place, while Kedarly Jalong from Ri Bhoi finished third.
Painting: Himadree Patir from East Khasi Hills secured first place, Jacksimbirth R Marak from East Garo Hills finished second, and Samehi Dkhar from West Jaintia Hills secured third place.
Talent Show (Solo): Franky Lyngkhoi emerged as the winner, followed by Jimandi Lyngdoh Marshillong in second place and Baiamonlang Marbaniang in third place.
Talent Show (Group): North Garo Hills secured first place, East Garo Hills finished second, and West Garo Hills secured third place.
Tug of War (Women): West Garo Hills emerged as the winner, followed by East Garo Hills in second place and East Jaintia Hills in third place.
Tug of War (Men): South Garo Hills secured first place, South West Garo Hills finished second, and West Jaintia Hills secured third place.
One Act Play: East Khasi Hills won first place, West Jaintia Hills secured second place, while Ri-Bhoi finished third.
Science Exhibition: West Khasi Hills emerged as the winner, followed by Eastern West Khasi Hills in second place and South West Khasi Hills in third place.
Folk Song (Group): Ri-Bhoi secured first place, West Khasi Hills finished second, and Eastern West Khasi Hills secured third place.
Folk Dance (Group): East Garo Hills emerged as the winner, followed by East Khasi Hills in second place and Eastern West Khasi Hills in third place.
The programme concluded with a vote of thanks delivered by Director of Sports and Youth Affairs Alertson Nongbri, who expressed gratitude to the participants, resource persons, volunteers and organising committees for their contributions towards the successful conduct of the event.
The Chief Minister’s Youth Engagement Programme remains one of the State Government’s key initiatives aimed at promoting inclusive growth and strengthening human capital by nurturing the creative, intellectual and physical potential of Meghalaya’s younger generation.
Through the initiative, the State Government seeks to empower young people with the skills, confidence, leadership qualities and exposure needed to contribute towards building a progressive and self-reliant Meghalaya.
