Tura, July 31, 2026: A student from Meghalaya has brought laurels to the state by representing India at the 13th Commonwealth Youth Parliament (CYP) held in Sydney, Australia, showcasing the voice of Northeast India on an international platform.
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| Nandini Ishvi O. Sangma of Don Bosco College, Tura, poses outside the Legislative Assembly in Sydney, Australia, where she represented India at the 13th Commonwealth Youth Parliament. |
Nandini Ishvi O. Sangma, a Political Science student at Don Bosco College, Tura, participated in the prestigious youth parliamentary programme, where she delivered two impactful speeches that highlighted Meghalaya's unique identity and advocated for equality, women's rights, and responsible use of artificial intelligence in democratic governance.
Addressing delegates from across the Commonwealth, Nandini introduced Meghalaya by speaking about its matrilineal society, vibrant cultural heritage, living root bridges, and scenic natural beauty. She explained that Meghalaya's matrilineal system is often misunderstood and clarified that it is not about women holding greater authority than men, but rather about preserving a distinctive social structure rooted in family values, community bonds, and shared responsibilities.
She emphasised that genuine equality is achieved not by favouring one gender over another but by ensuring equal opportunities for everyone, regardless of gender.
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In another address, Nandini highlighted the continuing global struggle for women's rights. She called for greater access to quality education for girls and women and stressed the need to eliminate gender-based violence. She urged governments and societies to work collectively towards creating a safer and more inclusive world where women can realise their full potential.
During a debate on the Artificial Intelligence and Democratic Integrity Bill 2026, Nandini advocated for the responsible development and use of artificial intelligence. She said AI has the potential to strengthen democratic institutions but stressed that human judgment, transparency, and accountability must remain central to decision-making. She called for ethical safeguards to ensure emerging technologies support, rather than undermine, democratic values.
Nandini's participation in the international event was made possible through her nomination by Meghalaya Legislative Assembly Speaker Thomas A. Sangma and with the support of Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma.
