IIT Guwahati student nominated Commonwealth Youth Peace Ambassador for 2025–27

Syllad | The Rising MeghalayaJuly 3, 2025

Sukanya Sonowal, a fourth-year B.Tech. student in Biosciences and Bioengineering at IIT Guwahati, has been appointed as the Lead – Communications & Public Relations on the Executive Committee of the Commonwealth Youth Peace Ambassadors Network (CYPAN) for the 2025–2027 term.

CYPAN is a youth-led initiative operating across 56 Commonwealth nations to promote peace, respect, and understanding while countering violent extremism. Ambassadors are selected through a rigorous three-stage process that evaluates their experience in peacebuilding, leadership, community service, and alignment with Commonwealth values.

Sonowal, a native of Assam’s Lakhimpur district, brings extensive experience in communications, outreach, and youth engagement. She is co-founder of STEMvibe – STEM for Viksit Bharat Empowerment, a national STEM outreach initiative that has engaged over 3,000 students across India. She also leads The Integral Cup, a national undergraduate mathematics competition that drew over 2,500 participants in its debut edition.

At IIT Guwahati, she has been a key contributor to the media and branding team of Techniche, the institute’s flagship techno-management festival. Her work with global organizations like Optiver, Qube Research & Technologies, and Jane Street reflects her ability to lead large-scale communication campaigns and foster international collaboration—qualities that made her a strong candidate for the ambassadorial role.

“I am deeply honoured to represent India and IIT Guwahati on this global platform,” said Sonowal. “From volunteering on campus to leading international initiatives, my journey shows how every experience builds toward a greater purpose. Communication, when used right, can drive powerful change.”

Congratulating her, Prof. Devendra Jalihal, Director of IIT Guwahati, said, “We are immensely proud of Sukanya Sonowal’s achievement. Her dedication to global peacebuilding and youth empowerment is truly inspiring.”

IIT Guwahati applauds Sonowal’s selection and wishes her continued success in her mission to promote peace and global citizenship.