A young political science student from the state of Meghalaya has represented India at the 13th Commonwealth Youth Parliament in Sydney, highlighting the northeastern state’s distinctive cultural identity while speaking on gender equality, democracy and the responsible use of artificial intelligence.
Nandini Ishvi O. Sangma, a student of Political Science at Don Bosco College, Tura, participated alongside young delegates from across the Commonwealth at the international parliamentary forum.
During the programme, Nandini delivered two speeches in which she showcased Meghalaya’s rich cultural and natural heritage, including its matrilineal social structure, living root bridges and distinctive traditions.
She described Meghalaya as one of the wettest places on Earth and highlighted its reputation as the “Rock Capital of India”.
Explaining Meghalaya’s matrilineal system, Nandini said family lineage is traditionally traced through the mother and property is generally inherited by the youngest daughter.
However, she stressed that matriliny should not be confused with female dominance or automatically equated with gender equality.
Nandini also used the international platform to discuss the continuing global struggle for women’s rights.
She highlighted barriers to girls’ education in parts of the world and the use of sexual violence during conflicts, calling for stronger commitments to equality, justice and human dignity.
During a debate on the Artificial Intelligence and Democratic Integrity Bill 2026, she addressed the growing influence of AI on democratic institutions.
Nandini acknowledged the potential of AI to transform sectors including education, healthcare and governance, but argued that technological development must remain grounded in human values and democratic accountability.
She emphasised that AI should complement rather than replace human judgement, conscience and institutional responsibility.
Her participation was made possible after she was nominated by Meghalaya Assembly Speaker Thomas A. Sangma and supported by Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma.
Australian High Commissioner to India Philip Green also highlighted Nandini’s participation, describing her representation of India at the Commonwealth Youth Parliament in Sydney as an “inspiring achievement”.
“Meghalaya’s Nandini Ishvi O. Sangma represented India at the 13th Commonwealth Youth Parliament in Sydney, spotlighting the state’s cultural heritage & discussing gender equality, democracy & responsible AI. An inspiring achievement,” Green said in a social media post.
Nandini’s participation has been welcomed as a significant achievement for Meghalaya and the wider Northeast, giving a young representative from the region an international platform to discuss issues ranging from cultural identity to the future of democracy and technology.
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