Meghalaya youth challenge HIV and substance abuse through Cosplay

Over 500 young people from across Meghalaya and the Northeast took centre stage on Saturday at the State Central Library, Shillong, for a one-of-a-kind event that blended pop culture with public health, and youth expression with real-world impact.
Titled “Youth Uncut: Real Talk on HIV” and “Multiverse Saga 2025 – Cosplay with a Cause,” the event created a powerful space for young people to speak freely, dress boldly, and stand up for issues that matter- from HIV stigma and sexual health to mental health, drug recovery, and self-expression.
The 1st Segment- Youth Uncut -Real Talk on HIV opened with a dynamic live dialogue between young people and policymakers on HIV/AIDS awareness, stigma, and access to care.
Health and Family Welfare Minister, Dr. Mazel Ampareen Lyngdoh, led the session with candour, challenging youth to ask bold questions and embrace open dialogue. “You don’t need to be afraid. Help is just one phone call away -dial 1097. We need empathy, not sympathy, for those living with HIV,” Lyngdoh said addressing sexual health, stigma, and access to services.
Acknowledging the creative energy on display through the cosplay segment, Lyngdoh said, “It fills me with pride to see our youth channel their creativity into cosplay and storytelling, not just for entertainment, but to raise awareness on serious issues like HIV and drug abuse.”
“This is more than a performance, it’s a dialogue. And I believe such platforms must be mainstreamed in our schools, colleges, and youth forums. We need more safe, creative spaces like this for young people to express and learn,” she added. The Minister also called upon social workers and youth leaders to create “small, safe spaces” for young people to talk about emotional wellbeing.
The 2nd segment of the event themed as Multiverse Saga 2025 -Cosplay With a Cause, advocacy took the form of a high-energy cosplay showcase featuring characters from Genshin Impact, Final Fantasy, Marvel, Demon Slayer, Spy x Family, and more.
This segment showcased immense energy, colour, and imagination, as the Shillong Cosplay Community (SCC) and creators from across the Northeast turned fantasy into advocacy.
With handmade costumes, dramatic storytelling, and emotional performances, cosplayers used the stage to raise awareness on issues like mental health, stigma, trauma, and identity.
“We believe cosplay can go beyond entertainment, it can fight stigma, spark dialogue, and empower youth,” Abamita Giri Kharmalki, a representative of the Shillong Cosplay Community said.
Nishijima San, General Manager of All Nippon Airways (ANA), Japan’s largest airline while speaking to the audience expressed his happiness at the enthusiasm of the youth of Shillong in organising an event with a noble cause. Cosplay competition where the Cosplayers competed in Chibi, Open, and Pop culture Hiroshima (PCH) categories, portraying iconic characters from anime, video games, mythology, and comics. The contestants ranged from not only Meghalaya but also other Northeast Indian States including Nagaland, Mizoram and Assam, among others.
In the Open Category, the winners of the special recognition were- Hun & Remica (duo), who cosplayed as Scarlet witch chaos gown and Magik from the franchise Marvel Rival; Carrot & Lily who cosplayed as Madoka Kaname and Homura Akemi from the franchise Puella MagiMadoka Magica were adjudged as Grand Winners in the Open Category; The Best Craftsmanship (best handmade costume) was awarded to Embhahlang and Edenity who cosplayed as Honor Guard andImperial Commisar from the franchise Warhammer 40k; The Best Needlework for a costume as awarded to Sonia Khadangba who cosplayed as Kagura from the franchise MLBB; The Best Performance was awarded to Kyrmen, Silver, George, Hassen, Jefferson & Lola for cosplaying as Iron-man, Spiderman, Captain America, Thor, Wanda & Thanos from the franchise The Avengers. The Best Spectator from the audience was awarded to Oreotrix.
The winner of the Chibi category was Pearleen Rani who cosplayed as Erza Scarlet from the franchise Fairy Tail. The people’s choice was awarded to Loki who cosplayed as Hermes: God Of Travel from the franchise Greek Mythology: Odessey. Finally the PCH India qualifier was awarded to Kuro Tsuyoshi (Limasunep Jamir & Imtisunep Jamir) from Team Materia who cosplayed as Cloud Strife & Sephiroth from the franchise Final Fantasy VII. They will now represent India at Pop Culture Hiroshima (Japan). All Nippon Airways (ANA) will sponsor the international travel for the winners to Japan.
The programme was conceptualised and led by the Shillong Cosplay Community (SCC), with active collaboration and support from the Meghalaya AIDS Control Society (MACS), Yummy Noodles, and Japan’s All Nippon Airways (ANA). An on-site screening and testing centre was set up, where over 100 youth availed free health services, including HIV testing, TB screening, and NCD (Non-Communicable Disease) checks.