Leadership and Political Participation of Garo Youth in Meghalaya: Empowering the Future Generation

Abstract

Leadership and political participation of Garo youth in the northeastern state of Meghalaya are a significant demographic, making up over 40% of the Meghalaya state’s population in India. The Garo community, one of the most prominent indigenous tribes in the region, has experienced significant cultural transformations over the years, but the preservation of their unique heritage and values remains crucial. Moreover, it also discusses the impact of youth participation and leadership on the overall development of Meghalaya, considering the perspectives of sustainable development, community cohesion, and cultural preservation. By incorporating the voices of Garo youth, they themselves provide an authentic and inclusive view of their aspirations, challenges, and visions for the future. The objectives of the research article are, firstly, to examine the role of Garo youth in actively engaging in social, political, and economic activities, as well as their growing involvement in leadership roles within their communities. Secondly, this research aims to identify the barriers that hinder the full potential of Garo youth and suggest potential solutions for enhanced empowerment. Thirdly, the study aims to explore effective measures and policy interventions that can enhance Garo youth engagement and leadership, thus contributing to the overall development and prosperity of the community while fostering a sense of pride and ownership among the youth for their cultural heritage and identity. This research article adopts descriptive-analytical and qualitative methods. The study is based on secondary sources such as magazines, books, articles, newspapers, and online resources related to the topic. The delimitation of the present study is that it focuses only on youth political participation in the Garo Hills of the State of Meghalaya.