Sukanya Sonowal, a fourth-year undergraduate student at the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Guwahati, has been selected to serve on the Executive Committee of the Commonwealth Youth Peace Ambassadors Network (CYPAN). She will take on the role of Lead – Communications and Public Relations for the 2025–2027 term.
CYPAN is a youth-led platform that promotes peace and understanding across the 56 member countries of the Commonwealth, with a particular focus on countering violent extremism. Members are chosen based on their engagement in peacebuilding, familiarity with Commonwealth principles, and leadership in community service.
The selection process involved three stages, including an application followed by two rounds of interviews. The assessment focused on the candidate’s dedication to peace initiatives, leadership experience, and contributions to public outreach.
Sukanya Sonowal, who hails from Assam’s Lakhimpur district, is currently pursuing a B.Tech in Biosciences and Bioengineering. Her prior involvement in large-scale communication and outreach efforts at IIT Guwahati contributed to her appointment. She has been an active part of the Media and Branding team for Techniche, the institute’s annual techno-management festival.
She is also the co-founder of STEMvibe – STEM for Viksit Bharat Empowerment – an initiative aimed at promoting science, technology, engineering, and mathematics education. Through this platform, she has engaged over 3,000 students from different parts of the country. Additionally, she leads The Integral Cup, a national-level mathematics competition for undergraduates, which drew participation from more than 2,500 students in its first edition.
Her work includes collaboration with several global organisations in areas of outreach and talent development, including Optiver, Qube Research & Technologies, and Jane Street.
Responding to her appointment, Sukanya said, “I am deeply honoured to represent India and IIT Guwahati on this global platform. This opportunity stems from my belief that communication can be a powerful tool for a positive change. My journey, from volunteering at campus events to leading international initiatives, shows that every experience shapes us for a larger purpose. I encourage fellow students to embrace opportunities beyond their immediate field of study. The skills we develop through such initiatives will not only shape our careers but empower us to become global citizens who can contribute to humanity’s biggest challenges.”
The Director of IIT Guwahati, Devendra Jalihal, congratulated her and said the institute was confident she would make a valuable contribution to peacebuilding efforts across the Commonwealth.
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