In a significant achievement for both the institution and the nation, Sukanya Sonowal, a final-year B.Tech student from the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Guwahati, has been selected as a Commonwealth Youth Peace Ambassador. This prestigious appointment places her on the Executive Committee of the Commonwealth Youth Peace Ambassadors Network (CYPAN), where she will serve as the Lead for Communications and Public Relations for the 2025–2027 term.
Hailing from Lakhimpur district in Assam, Sukanya’s selection is a testament to her profound commitment to peacebuilding, exceptional communication skills, and extensive leadership experience. The Commonwealth Youth Peace Ambassadors Network is a dynamic, youth-led initiative that actively promotes peace, mutual respect, and understanding while working to counter violent extremism across 56 Commonwealth nations.
The rigorous three-stage selection process for this esteemed role assessed candidates on various critical parameters, including their demonstrable dedication to peacebuilding efforts, their understanding of Commonwealth values, and their proven leadership capabilities. Sukanya’s remarkable background in communication and youth engagement made her an ideal candidate.
Beyond her academic pursuits in Biosciences and Bioengineering at IIT Guwahati, Sukanya has been a driving force behind several impactful initiatives. She is the co-founder of “STEMvibe – STEM for Viksit Bharat Empowerment,” a nationwide outreach program aimed at promoting Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) education. Through this platform, she has successfully engaged over 3,000 students across India, fostering scientific curiosity and critical thinking among young minds.
Furthermore, Sukanya spearheads “The Integral Cup,” a national-level mathematics competition for undergraduates, which garnered an impressive participation of over 2,500 students from leading Indian institutions in its inaugural edition. Her experience in managing large-scale communication projects and forging collaborations with global firms like Optiver, Qube Research & Technologies, and Jane Street further underscored her suitability for the international ambassadorial role.
Professor Devendra Jalihal, Director of IIT Guwahati, expressed immense pride in Sukanya’s accomplishment. “We are immensely proud of Sukanya Sonowal for her selection as a Commonwealth Youth Peace Ambassador,” he stated. “We are confident that she will make a meaningful contribution to peacebuilding efforts across the Commonwealth and inspire many other students to pursue initiatives with global impact.”
Speaking about her new role, Sukanya shared her enthusiasm: “I am deeply honoured to represent India and IIT Guwahati on this global platform. This opportunity stems from my belief that communication can be a powerful tool for positive change. My journey, from volunteering at campus events to leading international initiatives, shows that every experience shapes us for a larger purpose. I encourage fellow students to embrace opportunities beyond their immediate field of study; the skills we develop through such initiatives will not only shape our careers but empower us to become global citizens who can contribute to humanity’s biggest challenges.”
Sukanya Sonowal’s appointment as a Commonwealth Youth Peace Ambassador is a shining example of how Indian youth are stepping onto the global stage to advocate for a more peaceful and understanding world. Her journey is expected to inspire countless aspiring young leaders to engage in initiatives that foster social change and contribute to a brighter future. IIT Guwahati extends its warmest wishes to Sukanya as she embarks on this significant journey.