Sukanya Sonowal, a 4th-year B.Tech. student in Biosciences and Bioengineering at the Indian Institute of Technology Guwahati has been named a Commonwealth Youth Peace Ambassador, securing a leadership role in the Commonwealth Youth Peace Ambassadors Network (CYPAN) Executive Committee for the 2025–2027 term. She will serve as the Lead for Communications & Public Relations.
CYPAN is a youth-driven initiative spanning 56 Commonwealth nations, dedicated to fostering peace, mutual respect, and understanding while combating violent extremism.
Prof. Devendra Jalihal, Director of IIT Guwahati, congratulated Sonowal, stating, “We are incredibly proud of Sukanya Sonowal’s appointment as a Commonwealth Youth Peace Ambassador. Her selection reflects her exceptional dedication, and we are confident she will make significant contributions to global peacebuilding efforts, inspiring her peers to pursue impactful initiatives.”
The selection process for Commonwealth Youth Peace Ambassadors is highly competitive, involving a three-stage evaluation that includes an initial application and two rounds of interviews. Candidates are assessed based on their peacebuilding experience, commitment to Commonwealth values, and leadership capabilities.
Hailing from Assam’s Lakhimpur district, Sonowal’s expertise in communications and outreach made her an ideal candidate for this prestigious role. Over the past four years, she has been a key member of the Media and Branding team for Techniche, IIT Guwahati’s renowned techno-management festival.
Sonowal is also the co-founder of STEMvibe – STEM for Viksit Bharat Empowerment, a nationwide initiative promoting Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) education, engaging over 3,000 students across India. Additionally, she leads The Integral Cup, a national-level mathematics competition for undergraduates, which drew over 2,500 participants from premier institutions in its inaugural edition.
Her proven ability to manage large-scale communication campaigns, lead youth-focused initiatives, and forge international partnerships with organizations like Optiver, Qube Research & Technologies, and Jane Street aligns seamlessly with CYPAN’s mission.
Reflecting on her achievement, Sonowal said, “It is a privilege to represent India and IIT Guwahati on this global stage. I firmly believe communication can drive transformative change. My journey—from campus volunteering to leading international projects—shows how diverse experiences prepare us for greater responsibilities. I urge my fellow students to explore opportunities beyond academics, as these endeavors shape us into global citizens capable of addressing humanity’s greatest challenges.”
IIT Guwahati extends its heartfelt congratulations to Sukanya Sonowal and wishes her success in her role as a Commonwealth Youth Peace Ambassador.
