Chief Minister of Meghalaya, Conrad K. Sangma arriving at the inaugural programme of the 5th Regional Youth Convention 2025 at the Golden Jubilee Hall, Cathedral Kohima on the evening of June 27.
5th Regional Youth Convention 2025 Underway
Morung Express News
Kohima | June 27
Chief Minister of Meghalaya, Conrad K. Sangma on Friday evening underlined that India is young but said that the North East is even younger. Addressing over 2000 youths from all the states of North East India, who are currently at the Mary Help of Christians Cathedral, Kohima for the 5th Regional Youth Convention 2025, he said that maximum of the region's population is Gen Z and Gen Alpha, whereas the rest of the country's maximum population comprises of the Millennials.
In this regard, he said, "imagine the kind of potential we have." Asserting that "the youth are our greatest asset, and also our greatest challenge", he pointed out that, "it all depends on how we nurture it."
He advised the youth to make sure that they have a purpose in life, to have a goal and to work towards it. "I urge all of you, make sure that as a youth, you must have a purpose and goal", he said.
Also observing that sometimes, people of the North East fail to see the opportunities in front of them and also tend to undermine themselves thinking “we are tribals, we can't do it", he pointed out that itself is a failure and "we have failed even before we have started."
Urging young people to believe in themselves and expressed his desire for them to compete with the best in the country.
He also motivated the young people to start enterprises, while saying it is very important for the youth to start being enterprising to take the region forward.
He also exuded his hope that the young people will always have the fear of the Lord in their hearts, be respectful of others and stay humble.
Most Rev Dr James Thoppil, Bishop of Kohima told the youths that each one of them bring faith, vibrancy and the hope from their respective dioceses while stating that their presence also brings light, energy and renewal. Stating that “we are not wanderers but purposeful travellers,” he noted that in a world confronted with division and tension, and suffering, the Church looks to young people to rise as makers of hope, truth and love.
He hoped that the convention would be a time of encounter with the Lord, one another, and with the Church. "Allow the Holy Spirit to stir something new in you", he added.
Alexandar L Hek, a Meghalaya Cabinet Minister also addressed the gathering.
Highlights of the inaugural programme included Flag Hoisting by the Special Guest, Blessing of Stalls & Hall by Bishops, Holy Mass on the theme, "Pilgrims of Hope", Lighting of the Lamp, Welcome Address & Felicitation by Rev Fr John Barman MSFS, RYD, Theme Song by Host Diocese, Presidential Address by Huimingam Jonah Chithung, (President ICYM NE), Exhortation by Most Rev Dr Linus Neli, Chairman NERYC, Special item by SACYM (Shillong Archdiocese), and vote of thanks by Alva Khyriem, Vice President ICYM NE.
Mention may be made here that the 5th Regional Youth Convention 2025 is being hosted by the Nagaland Catholic Youth Movement (NCYM) under the theme, "Pilgrims of Hope".
