Governor KT Parnaik has praised Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Act East Policy, stating that it has become a powerful catalyst for the comprehensive development of the Northeastern region. The governor made this statement while speaking at the valedictory function of the North East National Service Scheme (NSS) Festival at Arunodaya University in Jollang. He emphasized that the region, once considered remote, is now emerging as India’s gateway to Southeast Asia.
The governor urged the NSS volunteers to become proud ambassadors of the Northeast, highlighting the region’s breathtaking landscapes, serene valleys, majestic peaks, pristine rivers, vibrant culture, and socioeconomic development. He encouraged them to speak with pride about the region wherever they go. The governor said that the youths of the Northeast have a vital role in shaping the region’s future.
By investing in education, skills, and digital literacy, they can unlock new opportunities in a rapidly changing world. The governor also emphasized the importance of preserving the region’s rich cultural heritage while embracing innovation and modern ideas. 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 advised the youths 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 NSS volunteers’ contribution to nation-building through selfless community service, environmental protection, literacy, and rural development was also highlighted by the governor.
Their experiences foster leadership, empathy, teamwork, and national integration, shaping responsible citizens dedicated to an inclusive and progressive India. The festival was a celebration of unity, service, and cultural harmony, bringing together volunteers from all eight Northeastern states and strengthening bonds of friendship, mutual respect, and understanding across the region. The governor felicitated the winners of various competitions organized during the festival, including the best discipline team award, folk group dance competition, quiz competition, PPT competition, and extempore speech competition.
The competitions showcased the knowledge, creativity, communication skills, and cultural richness of the participants from across the Northeastern region. The five-day youth festival was organized 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’.
