SHILLONG: Over 100 students from Shillong schools and colleges participated in a virtual interactive session with H.E. Professor Anil Sooklal, High Commissioner of South Africa to India, organised by Mrs. N. Hills Tiny Tots East Ville School under its “Passport to the World” initiative.
Themed “Exploring Indo-South African Relations: Evaluating the Dynamic Role of BRICS and the Need for Multilateralism in the 21st Century,” the discussion explored the historical ties between India and South Africa, BRICS cooperation, and the importance of multilateralism.
Professor Sooklal discussed the legacy of Mahatma Gandhi and Nelson Mandela, India’s solidarity with the South African freedom movement, and the enduring social and cultural bonds between the two nations.
He also addressed the role of BRICS and the Global South, challenges facing multilateral institutions, and the potential for India–Africa partnerships in trade, investment, technology, and youth engagement.
Students from leading Shillong institutions namely St. Anthony’s School, St. Mary’s College, MIT Meghalaya, Lady Keane College, Dinet Manik Syiem Memorial Higher Secondary School, Hill Crest Higher Secondary School, Pine Mount School, B.K. Bajoria School, Assam Don Bosco University, and other participating institutions raised questions on geopolitics, digital infrastructure, and bilateral cooperation.
Professor Sooklal encouraged greater India–Africa ties and expressed hope for increased engagement with Northeast India.
The session concluded with a letter-writing exercise, allowing students to reflect on their learnings and propose ways to deepen India–South Africa cooperation.
The programme highlighted the value of direct student–diplomat interaction and demonstrated the potential for educational initiatives to foster curiosity and awareness of global affairs among Meghalaya’s youth.
(4FrontMedia news)
