The Assam Pradesh Congress Committee (APCC) on Wednesday organised a national-level intellectual convention, titled “Youth Conclave 2026 — Yuva Sanglap”, in Guwahati focussing on pressing issues concerning the youth — such as climate change, employment, culture, education, technology, and the future of Assam.
Aimed at bringing the vision, open thoughts, and creativity of the youth to the socio-political forefront in shaping Assam’s future, the day-long conclave saw the participation of over 600 selected youth delegates, college and university students, and eminent intellectuals from various parts of the state.
The proceedings commenced with the lighting of the ceremonial lamp and floral tributes paid to the portraits of Bard of the Brahmaputra Dr. Bhupen Hazarika and cultural icon Zubeen Garg by APCC president Gaurav Gogoi.
Inaugurating the conclave, Gogoi, stated that in a healthy democratic society, youth cannot stay away from politics, because it is governance and politics that determine the education budget, university tuition fees, student scholarships, environmental conservation, and the protection of indigenous culture.
Criticising the ruling dispensation’s politics of suppression and polarization, he remarked that society moves forward not through the fear of the police or lathis, but through evidence- and logic-based dialogue that respects differing viewpoints.
In his welcome address, Dr. Jayanta Prakash Das, Deputy Leader of the Opposition in the State Assembly, outlined the core objectives of the Youth Conclave, while Dhubri MP Rakibul Hussain urged the younger generation to embrace reasoned thinking in step with rapid technological change.
In the first session of the conclave centred on the critical theme “Climate Change vs Development”, internationally acclaimed environmental activist and author Rituraj Phukan delivered the keynote address.
Warning that the world is on the verge of breaching the critical threshold of 1.5°C global warming, Phukan asserted that the current youth generation is the final generation witnessing the devastation of climate change with the agency to act against it.
Citing the catastrophic floods triggered by glacial lake collapses near the Nepal-Tibet border, he cautioned that rapidly expanding glacial lakes in Bhutan and Arunachal Pradesh have turned into “ticking time bombs”, posing severe risks of Glacial Lake Outburst Floods (GLOF) that could inundate the Brahmaputra Valley.
Noting that roughly 30 percent of the Brahmaputra’s flow originates from glacial melt, he highlighted that shifting rainfall patterns and increased evaporation are also drying up river basins.
In the second session, titled “Culture of Assam: Our Culture, Our Identity”, renowned musician Manas Robin delivered a historical and insightful keynote address. Noting that Assam remained politically distinct from mainstream Indian rule until the Treaty of Yandaboo in 1826, Robin highlighted that it was Mahapurush Srimanta Sankaradeva who first spiritually and culturally integrated Assam with greater India.
Explaining the rhythmic nuances of Assamese folk music, he pointed out that Assamese folk songs predominantly follow a 6/8 meter, unlike North Indian classical forms which mostly adhere to a 4/4 time signature, and that Sankaradeva beautifully harmonized both traditions in his Borgeets.
In the third and concluding session, centred on the burning issue “Education to Employment: Degree Unlock, Jobs Lock”, AICC NSUI In-charge and former JNUSU President Kanhaiya Kumar addressed the gathering as the keynote speaker, launching a sharp critique against the country’s education and employment policies.
Beginning his address with chants of “Jai Aai Asom” and “Jai Zubeen Da”, he remarked that just as Zubeen Garg’s songs and national spirit unite the people of Assam, the collective unity of the youth is vital to safeguard the nation’s future. Defining the youth, he said, “Youth is not merely a number defined by age; it is a mindset and a consciousness. The true essence of youth lies in refusing to bow before injustice, questioning those in power, and asserting constitutional rights.”
