Shillong, June 5: This World Environment Day, young people from across East Khasi Hills came together not just to discuss the environment, but to take action. In a colourful two-day event hosted by North East Society for Agroecology Support (NESFAS) and the Laitsohpliah community, Indigenous youth from six neighbouring villages gathered to share ideas, learn from elders, and speak out against plastic pollution.
The theme for this year was “Beat Plastic Pollution,”. Through skits, couplet recitations, and short videos, they used creativity to highlight how plastic is harming nature and how traditional knowledge can help us heal it.
“Today, youth and farmers came together to protect Mother Earth,” said Pius Ranee, Executive Director of NESFAS. “This work must continue. If we ignore our natural resources, we risk our health and lose the wisdom passed down by our ancestors.”
The event began with a warm welcome from Laitsohpliah’s headman, Wien̈sing Marwein. Performers from Laitsohpliah and Mawbri villages took the stage with powerful messages about reducing plastic use and returning to sustainable, community-based living.
On the second day, the programme moved into the forest for “Walking with Wisdom.” Led by traditional healer Mrs. Twian Nongrum, the youth explored her forest garden, learning about edible plants, sacred trees, and the deep connection between nature and culture. It was not just a nature walk—it was a living lesson in Indigenous knowledge.
The event was part of the Indigenous Youth Fellowship (May 26 – June 5), which brought together 24 youth from 17 villages across East Khasi Hills and Ri Bhoi. Through hands-on sessions on farming, nutrition, and soil health, the fellowship is helping young people reconnect with their roots and their land.
“The fellowship has been beneficial and interesting,” said Natlin Lyngdoh from Mawstep. “Many of us had lost touch with our farming traditions. Now I feel inspired to bring them back.”
By combining traditional wisdom with youth energy, NESFAS is nurturing a new generation of environmental leaders—one that’s ready to care for the planet, starting right at home.
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