Shillong, July 2: The Law Department of the Meghalaya Legislative Assembly on Thursday organised an interactive session between the Hon’ble Speaker of the Meghalaya Legislative Assembly, Shri Thomas A. Sangma, Members of the Legislative Assembly and student interns at the Assembly Building, Rilbong, Shillong.
The interaction was attended by Government Deputy Chief Whip Shri Ronnie V. Lyngdoh, MLA Smt Santa Mary Shylla, MLA Shri Charles Pyngrope, MLA Shri Brightstarwell Marbaniang, Assembly Secretary Shri Malthus S. Sangma, Adviser (Legislation) Dr. Andrew Simons and senior officers of the Assembly Secretariat.
Around 60 intern students from eight colleges across Meghalaya, along with students from the University of Delhi, participated in the programme, which was organised to provide young learners with firsthand exposure to the functioning of the legislature and the democratic process.
Addressing the gathering, Speaker Thomas A. Sangma emphasised that such interactions play a vital role in bridging the gap between academic learning and practical governance.
He said the internship was more than an academic exercise, describing it as a meaningful opportunity for students to experience democracy in action. He noted that the Legislative Assembly is not merely an institution studied in textbooks but a place where ideas are debated, policies are shaped and the aspirations of the people are given a voice.
Highlighting the importance of youth participation in governance, the Speaker said young people bring fresh ideas, energy and innovation, making their involvement in the legislative process essential for the state’s future.
Recalling his participation in a recent parliamentary seminar in Canada attended by legislators from around 90 countries, he cited the example of a 25-year-old woman parliamentarian and observed that although Canada has no reservation for women in Parliament, women constitute more than half of its elected representatives.
He encouraged the youth of Meghalaya to actively participate in public life and aspire to become legislators who can shape the future of the state and the nation.
The Speaker also underscored that differences of opinion during Assembly debates are a fundamental feature of democracy. He said democracy teaches people to respect diverse viewpoints, engage in constructive dialogue and work collectively towards solutions that serve the public interest.
Emphasising Meghalaya’s rich cultural diversity, Shri Sangma stated that good governance must remain rooted in understanding and responding to the needs and aspirations of all communities across the state.
The interaction concluded with an engaging question-and-answer session, during which students posed a wide range of thoughtful questions to the Speaker and the participating legislators, resulting in a lively and meaningful exchange of ideas.
Speaking on the occasion, Government Deputy Chief Whip Shri Ronnie V. Lyngdoh said such interactions help dispel misconceptions about politics and provide students with a clearer understanding of the functioning of the Legislature and the democratic process.
MLA Smt Santa Mary Shylla remarked that the interaction was mutually enriching, adding that legislators also gained valuable insights from the perspectives and ideas shared by the students.
