SHILLONG: The ceiling isn’t just glass anymore; in Meghalaya, it’s being shattered by jet engines, rally tires, and pure ambition.
In a high-octane celebration of International Women’s Day 2026, the State Convention Centre was transformed into a powerhouse of inspiration as the Meghalaya State Commission for Women (MSCW) honoured 11 “Young Achievers.” These aren’t just names on a list; they are the trailblazers rewriting the rules of what’s possible in the Northeast.
The Flight of the Navigator & The ‘Thunder Girl’
The crowd was moved to a standing ovation as Minerva Wahlang (23) took the stage. As the state’s newly minted Commercial Pilot, she delivered a line that resonated through the hall:
“In our society, women do not go looking for strength; strength finds us instead.”
From the clouds to the tarmac, the adrenaline stayed high with Phoebe Dale Nongrum. Known affectionately as the “Thunder Girl from the Hills,” the professional rally driver shared the grit behind the glamour—battling grueling 80°C cabin heat to become the first podium finisher from the Northeast in Formula racing.
Prodigies and Powerhouses
The talent on display spanned every generation, proving that greatness has no age limit:
The Solar Savant: Two-year-old Jude Maynard Khyriem stunned the audience, holding a record for identifying 76 solar system facts in under 15 minutes.
The Golden Kicker: 12-year-old Alia Deisaka Lyngdoh, who traveled solo to Bangladesh to clinch international gold in Taekwondo.
The Ice Runner: Dakahi Kyndait, fresh off a podium finish at the brutal 42k Frozen Lake Marathon in Leh Ladakh.
The Literary Soul: 9-year-old Cyra, a published author using her pen to advocate for children with Down Syndrome.
The Football Phenom: Sanfida Nongrum, a midfielder for the Indian National Team, celebrated for her incredible 15-goal streak.
The Cricket Captain: Monica Lyngdoh Phawa, recognized for her stellar leadership of the Meghalaya U-23 Women’s Cricket Team.
The Voice of the Hills: 11-year-old Shelevah N. Jyrwa, whose vocal talent won her the Sur Kynud Season 4 title.
More Than Just Awards: A Policy for the Future
This wasn’t just a ceremony; it was a statement of intent. Chief Guest Dr. M. Ampareen Lyngdoh (MLA) emphasized that the state is putting its money where its mouth is through a dedicated Gender Budget, ensuring financial backing for female empowerment.
MSCW Chairperson Iamonlang Syiem reminded the young stars to remain “happy achievers,” balancing the spirit with the hustle, while Social Welfare Director Camelia Doreen Lyngwa issued a stirring call to the youth:
“If our children cannot see the heroes in our own story, they will look elsewhere. This is the season for our own names to be known.”
As the event concluded with a thunderous standing ovation, the message was clear: whether they are in a cockpit, a rally seat, or on a football pitch, the young women of Meghalaya aren’t just the future—they are a formidable present.
