GUWAHATI, July 5, 2026 – Forty-eight youth leaders from the Archdiocese of Guwahati and the Dioceses of Tura and Bongaigaon participated in a five-day formation programme on indigenous values, synodal leadership, and ecological stewardship held at the Agriculture Training Centre, Jorapara, North Garo Hills, Meghalaya, from June 26 to 30.
The programme was organised by Fr. George Plathottam, Secretary of the Commission for Tribal Affairs of the North East India Regional Bishops’ Council (NEIRBC). It also brought together diocesan directors of the Commission for Tribal Affairs from the participating dioceses and several adult leaders.
The formation introduced participants to the realities of indigenous peoples in Asia, with particular attention to Northeast India, while exploring the Church’s teachings and pastoral guidelines concerning indigenous communities at both the universal and Asian levels. Through interactive sessions, participants reflected on challenges affecting tribal communities, including land rights, livelihoods, cultural identity, language, migration, and social and political discrimination.
Group discussions encouraged the young leaders to identify practical responses to these concerns. Participants highlighted the importance of strengthening indigenous identity, deepening faith, engaging responsibly in public life, and assuming greater leadership within both the Church and society.
A distinctive feature of the programme was its emphasis on experiential learning. Daily gardening, eco-spiritual reflections inspired by Laudato Si', nature walks, and visits to a tribal village enabled participants to integrate ecological awareness with their faith and indigenous heritage. As a concrete commitment, they resolved to adopt more sustainable lifestyles by reducing plastic use, moderating consumerism, cultivating kitchen gardens, and caring for creation as a gift entrusted by God. Each participant received vegetable seeds to encourage ecological practices at home.
The programme also incorporated moments of prayer and spiritual formation, including a Seder-inspired para-liturgical celebration, Agape fellowship, and a meditative Emmaus Walk, helping participants reflect on the Synod's call to communion, participation, and mission. Through conversations in the Spirit, they discerned pastoral priorities for their local Churches and explored ways of strengthening family life, parish participation, democratic engagement, and solidarity across cultures.
The Commission for Tribal Affairs plans to extend similar formation programmes to all 15 dioceses of Northeast India. The initiative also serves as a preparatory step towards the region's annual Pastoral Conference in September, which will focus on "Journeying with Indigenous People of God in the Synodal Church in North East India." The insights and recommendations emerging from the youth formation will contribute to ongoing efforts to foster a synodal Church rooted in indigenous values, ecological responsibility, and missionary discipleship.