~a conversation facilitated by the Student Christian Movement of India and the Indian Christian Collective for Justice
This event in Guwahati, Assam, in February 2026 brought together over 50 youth, church leaders, activists, journalists, scholars, and students to discuss justice concerns affecting young people and Indigenous communities in Northeast India.
Participants reflected on the growing challenges to democracy in India, and those specific to the Northeast, such as militarisation, processes that disenfranchise large sections from voting, land and forest rights, and continuing border disputes. The region, rich in natural resources, has long faced extraction and political neglect. Illegal mining, deforestation, climate disasters, and displacement are increasing. Youth face unemployment, migration, and social change as they search for identity and a sense of belonging.
They affirmed the need:
- To step out of their comfort zone, from academic discourses to living realities on the ground, which is faith in action;
- To plan strategic change against Christian nationalism/exceptionalism; and
- To overcome Political and social illiteracy that hampers people’s participation in social change.
Charting New Pathways
- Integrate faith and politics by forming a theology that affirms life and justice.
- Partner with church denominations to foster broader support for justice initiatives.
- Read the Bible from a liberation perspective, building life-affirming theologies.
- Meet every three to six months to sustain momentum and deepen collaboration.
- Ensure representation of both youth and elders, creating inter-generational spaces for shared dialogue.
- Make videos on ecological and gender justice for wider social media reach.
- Organise workshops on ecological discrimination, women, nature, and patriarchy, emphasising responsibility.
- Address gender impacts, reduce fake news, and promote inclusive language and equality.