With 49% of its population under the age of 20—nearly double the national average of 24.9% for the 0–14 age group as per UNESCAP—Meghalaya stands out as one of India’s youngest states. Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma on Tuesday said this youthful demographic poses both immense challenges and powerful opportunities, and stressed that the government has already set in motion targeted initiatives to turn this potential into long-term development dividends.
Speaking at the SPARK Summit 2025 at U Soso Tham Auditorium, Sangma emphasized the importance of youth investment as part of a connected vision for Meghalaya’s future. “We often think the government runs on schemes and programs, but in reality, every program across sectors is connected to a broader vision,” he said, addressing a packed hall that included Education Minister Rakkam A. Sangma, Kharkutta MLA Rupert M. Momin, Education Secretary Swapnil Tembe, and Director of School Education & Literacy Banteilang Kharshandi.
“This is really what the challenge is but also where the opportunity lies,” he said, citing the contrast between India’s demographic—largely aged 15–19—and Meghalaya’s much younger population. He said programs like SPARK, MPower, YES Meghalaya, and initiatives in sports are “investments.”
“To take advantage of the demographic dividend, we need to invest in youth at every stage of life,” Sangma asserted. “Meghalaya is one of the few states that focusses on the life cycle approach.” He emphasized targeted efforts from early childhood through adolescence to adulthood, believing such a strategy will “yield exponential results in the years to come.”
Addressing the critical adolescent years, Sangma called for stronger support systems. “This is the age when guidance is needed the most,” he said, praising implementation partners like Avenues for helping adolescents “move forward into adulthood as positive, efficient, and responsible citizens.”
On Meghalaya’s development goals, the Chief Minister added, “If Meghalaya wants to be one of the best states in the country, we will have to work and invest at every level. In spite of the challenges, we are determined to take the state forward.”
The event also witnessed the distribution of tablets to meritorious students and certificates to participating schools. SPARK—School Programs in Articulation, Resilience and Kindness—is a government initiative under the NEP, supported by Samagra Shiksha and implemented by Avenues. It equips students with essential life skills including communication, resilience, and empathy.
The summit concluded with vibrant student performances and powerful testimonials, reflecting the program’s impact on public speaking, critical thinking, and emotional intelligence.
