OUR CORRESPONDENT
TEZPUR: In a proud moment for Assam and the nation, 24-year-old Tushar Tayal from Tezpur etched his name in the global records of youth leadership by becoming the youngest Indian ever to complete the prestigious JCI Grand Slam. He is the son of social worker Ravi Tayal and Sangeet Tayal, residents of the Polo Field area in Tezpur.
This rare international achievement involved representing India at all four Junior Chamber International (JCI) Area Conferences and the JCI World Congress, a feat accomplished only by one other Indian before him.
Tayal’s extraordinary journey spanned four continents in just two months, taking him to Honduras (America Conference), South Africa (Africa & Middle East Conference), Denmark (European Conference), Mongolia (Asia Pacific Conference), and the JCI World Congress. Notably, he wasn’t just a participant but also served as Chief Delegate of India at both the America and Africa Conferences, leading national delegations and speaking on global panels alongside parliamentarians, diplomats, and international youth leaders.
“This journey was never just about personal growth,” Tayal shared with The Sentinel. “It was about being a voice for young Indians, especially from my home state, Assam, in places where we are seldom seen but warmly welcomed.”
His impact was recognized on the global stage when, during the United Nations Simulation in Mongolia, he was awarded the Best Country Delegate Award, acknowledging his outstanding diplomatic engagement and representation.
What truly set Tayal apart was his deep-rooted commitment to Assamese culture and identity. At every destination, he proudly shared Assam’s heritage by presenting traditional gifts such as the Gamosa and took every opportunity to introduce global audiences to Assam’s festivals, values, and way of life. His efforts generated widespread interest among international delegates in India’s Northeast, a region often overlooked in global narratives.
Adding to the significance of this accomplishment is the fact that Tayal self-funded his entire journey. A first-generation entrepreneur, he founded his travel and visa consultancy, Experience Travelidea Pvt. Ltd., at just 17 years old, which he has since scaled to operate globally. Despite his success, Tayal insists that entrepreneurship was never the goal but rather a platform for cultural storytelling, soft diplomacy, and human connection.
“It was never about collecting passport stamps,” he said. “It was about building bridges, from person to person, culture to culture.”
Tayal expressed heartfelt gratitude to Assam Chief Minister Dr Himanta Biswa Sarma, whose personal letter of encouragement served as a major morale boost during a pivotal point in his journey. “That letter reminded me that I wasn’t walking alone. Assam was walking with me,” Tayal recalled.
He also acknowledged the unwavering support of his parents, the leadership of JCI India, and his peers from across the world. Now, as the youngest JCI Senator in Indian history, Tayal is channelling his experience toward empowering more young Indians to participate in international travel, leadership, and cultural diplomacy.
“My message is simple: don’t wait for the world to notice you. Carry your story with pride, speak your truth clearly, and you will be heard, no matter where you come from.”
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