Guwahati, January 27, 2025: The 15th edition of Star Talk, organized by the Stars of North East India (SONEI), was held on Saturday in Guwahati. This annual event aimed to inspire and empower the youth by showcasing stories of extraordinary individuals from the region.
Keynote Address by Shehnab Sahin:
The keynote speaker was Shehnab Sahin, the Country Representative of Cooperazione Per Lo Sviluppo (COSV), Italy, currently based in the Syrian Arab Republic. Sahin, a native of Guwahati, has over 13 years of experience in humanitarian and developmental work.
- Sahin shared her journey from civil services to international development after resigning from her government job in 2022.
- She recounted her experiences addressing refugee and IDP (Internally Displaced Person) security, migration issues, gender equality, food security, climate change, and livelihoods.
- Notably, she discussed her efforts to support Syrian refugees and her earlier work with Indian farmers on climate change adaptation.
The address left attendees inspired with insights into international humanitarian work and the importance of stepping beyond comfort zones to create meaningful change.
Other Highlights of the Event:
- Launch of ‘Star Light’ Newsletter:
- SONEI unveiled its newsletter, Star Light, capturing the organization’s initiatives, achievements, and future plans.
- Interactive Q&A Session:
- Sahin engaged with the audience, answering questions about her professional journey, challenges in the humanitarian sector, and the transition from civil services to global development.
- Special Acknowledgements:
- A Sabur Tapadar, Rahena Sultana Ahmed, and Suaid M Laskar were recognized for their continuous support to SONEI’s initiatives.
- Kashmiri Saikia, Chief Business Officer of Career Grad Global, expressed her excitement in partnering with the event and applauded the work done by SONEI.
- Event Opening:
- SONEI’s Founder Trustee, Nurul Islam Laskar, inaugurated the event with an inspiring note on the organization’s mission to identify, nurture, and mentor talents in society.
About Stars of North East India (SONEI):
Founded in 2014, SONEI is committed to promoting social initiatives across the North East, focusing on:
- Identifying and nurturing talents.
- Supporting exceptional students from BPL families.
- Providing platforms for mentorship and inspiration to foster community growth.
Conclusion:
‘Star Talk 15’ underscored the importance of resilience, courage, and compassion in creating meaningful social change. Through inspirational speakers like Shehnab Sahin and SONEI’s dedication to societal advancement, the event reaffirmed the potential of individuals and organizations to shape a brighter future for the North East and beyond.
Leave a Reply