ITANAGAR, 28 Jun: Governor KT Parnaik said the Northeastern region, once considered remote, is now emerging as India’s gateway to Southeast Asia, thanks to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Act East Policy, which the governor said has become a powerful catalyst for the comprehensive development of the region.
Speaking at the valedictory function of the North East National Service Scheme (NSS) Festival at Arunodaya University in Jollang near here on Sunday, the governor urged the NSS volunteers to become proud ambassadors of the Northeast.
“Wherever you go, speak with pride about the Northeast’s breathtaking landscapes, its serene valleys, majestic peaks, pristine rivers, vibrant culture and socioeconomic development,” he said.
The governor said that the youths of the Northeast have a vital role in shaping the region’s future. He said that by investing in education, skills, and digital literacy, they can unlock new opportunities in a rapidly changing world.
At the same time they must take pride in preserving their rich cultural heritage while embracing innovation and modern ideas, he said.
“As custodians of a region blessed with extraordinary natural wealth, they should champion sustainable development. By fostering entrepreneurship, creating jobs, and strengthening the spirit of unity, service, and nation-building, they can lead the Northeast towards lasting progress and prosperity,” the governor said.
Stating that the future of the Northeast rests in the hands of the youths, he advised them to dream big, act responsibly, and work together to build a prosperous, peaceful, and developed region that contributes significantly to the progress of India.
The governor also highlighted the NSS volunteers’ contribution to nation-building through selfless community service, environmental protection, literacy, and rural development.
“Their experiences foster leadership, empathy, teamwork, and national integration, shaping responsible citizens dedicated to an inclusive and progressive India,” he said.
The governor termed the festival a celebration of unity, service, and cultural harmony.
“By bringing together volunteers from all eight Northeastern states, it has strengthened bonds of friendship, mutual respect, and understanding across the region,” he said, and commended the organisers.
On the occasion, the governor felicitated the winners of various competitions organised during the festival.
The NSS team of Sikkim received the ‘best discipline team award’.
In the folk group dance competition, Nagaland secured the first prize, followed by Assam in second place, and Tripura in third place.
In the quiz competition, the first prize was awarded to Vicky Puroik and Techi Monika of Team Arunachal, while Joseph Wangjen and Piyanshi Dutta of Team Assam secured the second prize. The third prize went to Jack Debbarma and Rupasree Sen of Tripura Team.
In the PPT competition, Binu Chhetri of Sikkim won the first prize, Goto Chiram of Arunachal Pradesh the won the second prize, and Alesterhope of Meghalaya received the third prize.
In the extempore speech competition, Binu Chhetri of Sikkim again emerged the winner, while Gulshan Tangsang of Meghalaya secured the second prize and Joseph Wangjen of Assam won the third prize.
The competitions highlighted the knowledge, creativity, communication skills, and cultural richness of the participants from across the Northeastern region.
The five-day youth festival was organised by the NSS regional directorate, Guwahati, in collaboration with Arunodaya University, Jollang, Itanagar and the state NSS cell, Directorate of Higher & Technical Education.
Chairman of the Arunachal Pradesh Public Service Commission, Dr Pradip Lingfa, Chairman of the Arunachal Pradesh Administrative Reforms Commission Pramod Jain, and Vice-Chancellor of Arunodaya University Dr NV Sangvikar also spoke on the occasion.
Dr AK Mishra, SLO (NSS), DHTE informed that 320 NSS volunteers and programme officers representing all eight Northeastern states, participated in the festival.
“The event was designed to celebrate a vibrant culture, history, tradition, flora and fauna woven under the common spirit of ‘Not Me, But You’,” he said. (Lok Bhavan)
