Sukanya Sonowal, a fourth-year Biosciences and Bioengineering student at the Indian Institute of Technology (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.
Hailing from Lakhimpur district in Assam, Sonowal’s selection recognises her exemplary leadership in peacebuilding, youth empowerment, and communication. The rigorous three-stage selection process saw her emerge as a key figure representing India and the Commonwealth’s youth on a global peace platform.
IIT Guwahati officials and international youth leaders have lauded her appointment, viewing it as a proud moment for Indian youth and a step forward for peace advocacy worldwide.
A New Generation Leads Global Peace Efforts
The Commonwealth Youth Peace Ambassadors Network (CYPAN) is a dynamic youth-led initiative spanning 56 member countries, committed to fostering peace, dialogue, and countering violent extremism through youth engagement. As Lead – Communications & Public Relations, Sukanya Sonowal will be responsible for shaping the network’s communication strategies, amplifying young voices, and promoting peace initiatives across diverse communities.
Sonowal’s leadership credentials are well established: she co-founded STEMvibe, a national STEM outreach programme that has reached over 3,000 students, and leads The Integral Cup, a nationwide undergraduate mathematics competition that attracted more than 2,500 participants in its inaugural year. Reflecting on her new role, Sonowal said, “Effective communication is the foundation of peace. I am honoured to have this platform to connect, inspire, and mobilise youth across the Commonwealth.”
IIT Guwahati Director Prof. Devendra Jalihal praised her achievement, stating, “Sukanya embodies the spirit of innovation, empathy, and leadership that IIT Guwahati strives to nurture. Her global recognition brings immense pride to our institution and the nation.”
From Assam to the Commonwealth: The Journey So Far
Sukanya’s journey from Lakhimpur, Assam, to an influential Commonwealth peace ambassador is marked by dedication, academic excellence, and community service. At IIT Guwahati, she has actively contributed to Techniche, the institute’s flagship techno-management festival, managing media and branding efforts that enhanced the event’s reach and impact.
Beyond campus, her work with international organisations such as Optiver, Qube Research & Technologies, and Jane Street has broadened her global perspective and honed her skills in communication and leadership.
The CYPAN selection process was highly competitive, assessing candidates on peacebuilding experience, leadership qualities, community engagement, and alignment with the Commonwealth’s values of democracy, development, and diversity. Sonowal’s ability to blend technical expertise with social commitment distinguished her as an outstanding candidate, ready to represent youth voices on an international stage.
The Logical Indian’s Perspective
At The Logical Indian, we view Sukanya Sonowal’s appointment as a powerful reminder of the immense potential young people hold in shaping a more peaceful and empathetic world. Her story highlights how education, combined with passion and purpose, can empower youth to transcend borders and build bridges of understanding. In an era often marked by division, it is inspiring to see young leaders like Sukanya champion dialogue, kindness, and coexistence on global platforms.
We believe that nurturing such leadership is essential for sustainable peace and social harmony. As we celebrate her success, we invite our readers to reflect: What steps can communities and institutions take to create more opportunities for youth to lead peacebuilding initiatives? How can we collectively support young changemakers in realising their vision of a harmonious future?
