ITANAGAR : Governor K T Parnaik on Sunday urged National Service Scheme (NSS) volunteers to become proud ambassadors of the Northeast and play an active role in promoting the region’s rich cultural heritage, natural beauty and developmental progress.
Addressing the valedictory function of the five-day North East National Service Scheme (NSS) Festival at Arunodaya University in Jollang near here, the governor said the youth of the region are the torchbearers of a vibrant and promising Northeast and would shape its future through their vision, character and commitment to nation-building.
Parnaik said the youth must invest in education, skill development and digital literacy to harness emerging opportunities while preserving the region’s cultural heritage and embracing innovation.
He also called upon young people to champion sustainable development, foster entrepreneurship and strengthen the spirit of unity and selfless service for the overall progress of the region.
“The future of the Northeast is bright, and that future rests in the hands of today’s youth. Dream boldly, act responsibly and work together to build a prosperous, peaceful and developed region that contributes significantly to India’s progress,” he said.
Highlighting the Centre’s focus on the region, the governor said the Act East Policy under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi has transformed the Northeast into India’s gateway to Southeast Asia.
He said NSS volunteers contribute immensely to nation-building through community service, environmental protection, literacy and rural development, while developing leadership qualities, teamwork and empathy.
Parnaik also lauded the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, NSS Regional Directorate, Guwahati, Arunodaya University and the State NSS Cell under the Directorate of Higher and Technical Education for organising the festival, describing it as a celebration of unity, service and cultural harmony that strengthened bonds among youth from all eight northeastern states.
The governor felicitated winners of various competitions held during the festival. Nagaland won the folk group dance competition, while Arunachal Pradesh emerged victorious in the quiz competition. Sikkim’s Binu Chhetri secured first place in both the PowerPoint presentation and extempore speech competitions. The NSS team of Sikkim was also adjudged the Best Discipline Team.
State NSS Cell officer Dr A K Mishra said 320 NSS volunteers and programme officers from all eight northeastern states participated in the festival, which featured literary events, cultural performances, youth interactions and leadership development activities under the NSS motto, “Not Me, But You.”
Chairman of the Arunachal Pradesh Public Service Commission Dr Pradip Lingfa, Chairman of the Arunachal Pradesh Administrative Reforms Commission Pramod Jain, Arunodaya University Vice-Chancellor Dr N V Sangvikar and senior NSS officials were among those present.
