Aditya Ankur, Tezpur: In a landmark achievement that reflects the rising global footprint of young leaders from Assam, 24-year-old Tushar Tayal of Tezpur has become the youngest Indian to complete the JCI Grand Slam — an international milestone that involves representing India at all four of the Junior Chamber International (JCI) Area Conferences and the World Congress. He is only the second Indian in JCI’s history to do so.Tayal’s journey took him across Honduras (America Conference), South Africa (Africa & Middle East Conference), Denmark (European Conference), Mongolia (Asia Pacific Conference), and the JCI World Congress — over a span of two months and four continents. His role was far from symbolic: he served as the Chief Delegate of India at both the America and Africa Conferences, where he led delegations and spoke on panels featuring international leaders, parliamentarians, and youth policy advisors. Representing India was not merely a title for Tayal — it was a mission. “This was about more than personal growth. It was about carrying the voice of young Indians, and especially of my home state, Assam, to places where we are rarely seen — yet warmly received,” he said .Tayal’s participation in the United Nations Simulation in Mongolia earned him the prestigious Best Country Delegate Award, adding to a growing list of recognitions for his impactful diplomacy and articulate engagement on global youth platforms. A key highlight of Tayal’s journey was his commitment to Assamese culture and identity. He was often seen presenting symbolic gifts like the traditional gamusa, and took every opportunity to introduce global delegates to Assam’s festivals, values, and hospitality. Many foreign attendees expressed interest in learning more about Assam and India’s Northeast, regions often underrepresented on global stages.What sets Tayal apart is the fact that his entire Grand Slam journey was self-funded. A first-generation entrepreneur, he founded his travel and visa consultancy — Experience Travelidea Pvt. Ltd. — at the age of 17 and has since grown it into a global operation. Yet, he insists that business is only a means to a larger end. “This was never about a passport stamp. It was about soft power, cultural storytelling, and building bridges — human to human,” he said.Tayal extended heartfelt thanks to the Chief Minister of Assam, Dr. Himanta Biswa Sarma, for a personal letter of support that encouraged him at a key stage of his journey. “That letter reminded me that I wasn’t walking alone — Assam was walking with me,” he shared. He also acknowledged the unwavering support of his parents, the leadership of JCI India, and fellow youth leaders from across the country and the world. As the youngest JCI Senator of India, Tayal is now focused on creating avenues for more young Indians to engage in purposeful international travel and cultural diplomacy.
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