SHILLONG, July 3: The state government on Monday launched the My Hero Campaign under the YESS Meghalaya scheme in a bid to provide a platform to hone one’s leadership skills and inspire others to take on leadership roles.
The campaign was launched during a programme in the city, which was organised to celebrate the progress made in empowering the youths through the YESS Meghalaya programme and the formulation of the Sports Policy.
On the occasion, the revised guidelines for the YESS Meghalaya programme were also released.
Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma, who was the chief guest, informed that a total of Rs. 4.3 crore had been disbursed by the state government under the YESS Meghalaya programme.
“I am immensely proud to witness the remarkable progress made in empowering the youth of Meghalaya through initiatives like YESS Meghalaya and the implementation of the Sports Policy. Our state’s vibrant youth population is a source of immense potential, and it is our duty to provide them with the necessary platforms and opportunities to thrive. The success of YESS Meghalaya, with over 1300 youth organisations supported and Rs. 4.3 crore disbursed, is a testament to the enthusiasm and dedication of our youth,” he said.
He also announced new elements in the programme, including additional funding mechanisms and the opportunity for the youths to represent their districts, state or even country in competitive events.
“This is a call to our youth to pursue their dreams and bring pride to our state. As youth leaders, you have the power to shape the present and future of Meghalaya. I urge you to nurture your leadership skills and inspire others to take on leadership roles. The My Hero Campaign under the YESS Meghalaya Scheme will provide many of you with the opportunity to do just that. Together, let us continue to create an inclusive, progressive, and prosperous Meghalaya, where the youth can be architects of change, the beacons of hope, inspiration, and change,” the chief minister said.
Minister of Sports &Youth Affairs, Shakliar Warjri, on the other hand, informed that reiterated state government’s commitment in nurturing youths and providing them the necessary support and opportunities to excel.
“Today, we celebrate the achievements of our youth, who have showcased their talent, creativity, and dedication. As youth organisations, you have demonstrated your potential to create meaningful impact. You have shown that you possess the creativity, passion, and drive to address pressing issues and find sustainable solutions for Meghalaya. The My Hero Campaign will help the youth embrace this opportunity and continue to be the disruptors, driving progress in various domains such as education, healthcare, environmental conservation, and social justice. The future of our state depends on your unwavering enthusiasm and dedication to doing good work,” he said.
Commissioner and Secretary, Sports & Youth Affairs department, Dr. Vijay Kumar D, expressed his delight at young individuals coming together and taking proactive steps for the betterment of their communities.
“In line with these efforts, we launched the YESS Meghalaya programme, which is a universal programme open to all youth organisations that meet the specified guidelines. We have established an easy online system for applications, and, in just one year, we received more than 1,400 applicants, which is truly remarkable. Firstly, besides youth organisations, we will extend support to individuals who aspire to participate in national and international competitions across various disciplines, not just limited to sports. Secondly, we are launching the My Hero Campaign, where champions in sports, music, entrepreneurship, and environmental conservation will be selected through a voting and selection mechanism every quarter,” he said.
Spokesperson of Pay for Right Youth and Cultural Club, Wanda Kharbani, who was also a beneficiary of the YESS Meghalaya programme, revealed how the programme helped the Club positively.
“Pay for Right Youth and Cultural Club wholeheartedly acknowledges the positive impact of the YESS Meghalaya initiative on developing grassroots football in our state. As a spokesperson for our club, I am thrilled to witness the reduction of financial burdens on sports players, thanks to the support provided by YESS Meghalaya. This initiative has been a game-changer, particularly for our female footballers, who now have a dedicated platform to showcase their talents and pursue their dreams,” Kharbani said.
“We extend our sincere gratitude to the Chief Minister for spearheading this initiative and recognizing the importance of nurturing young footballers. Through YESS Meghalaya, we believe that the future of football in our state is brighter than ever. Together, let us continue to support and invest in our youth, ensuring that Meghalaya remains a breeding ground for footballing excellence,” she added.
