Spark Summit in Tura: Meghalaya CM Stresses Youth Opportunities
Shillong: Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma on Friday made a strong case for giving young people the right platforms to turn their energy into positive change. Describing youth as the state's foremost strength, he said they need access to opportunities, guidance and avenues to demonstrate their skills.
The Chief Minister was speaking at the Spark Meghalaya School Programmes in Articulation, Resilience and Kindness State Summit 2026, organised at the district auditorium in Tura. He expressed confidence that the state's young population can play a creative role in building Meghalaya and the country.
Sangma told participating students that talent exists in everyone and that every individual has something unique to offer. He described their presence at the summit as an achievement worth celebrating.
The objectives of programmes such as Spark, he said, include boosting youth confidence, promoting values, supporting personal growth and enabling students to build purposeful friendships across diverse communities.
Encouraging students to focus on self-improvement and to use the opportunities available to them wisely, the Chief Minister said, “Everyone has potential, and by coming here, you have already won.”
He also revealed that he had recommended hosting the 2026 summit in Tura, allowing students to explore Meghalaya's rich cultural diversity, languages, customs, cuisine, music and scenic landscapes. Many of the participants, he noted, were visiting Tura for the first time.
Such events, according to Sangma, offer young people a valuable chance to engage with peers from different walks of life and develop a fuller appreciation of the state's varied communities.
He emphasised that the Spark philosophy goes well beyond a single programme. Talent and creativity can be expressed through music, sports, entrepreneurship, dance, painting and many other domains. He termed the initiative an important stage for helping young people overcome hesitation and build the confidence to experiment.
The Chief Minister also outlined the government's youth-oriented efforts. The Meghalaya Grassroots Music Project (MGMP), he said, has helped nearly 8,000 artists pursue their passion while earning a livelihood. With official support, these performers have delivered more than 20,000 shows within the state, across India and overseas, including in Japan and Germany.
Sangma further pointed to the CM Elevate programme and investments in sports as measures to expand opportunities for young people.
Congratulating the Education Department, he said Meghalaya's initiatives are being adopted at the national level. Expenditure on such programmes, he added, should be regarded as an investment in future generations.
The summit witnessed the release of the Spark Outcomes Report 2026, cultural performances, experiences shared by students and teachers, and the felicitation of district Spark Stars. Officials from various districts, principals, teachers and students were in attendance.