NAMSAI, NOV 2:
The five-day North East NSS Festival 2026 commenced at Arunachal University of Studies (AUS), Namsai, on Monday, bringing together around 300 National Service Scheme (NSS) volunteers from different North Eastern states.
Sponsored by the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, Government of India, through the Regional Directorate of NSS, Guwahati, the festival is being organised by the State NSS Cell, Directorate of Higher and Technical Education, Government of Arunachal Pradesh, in collaboration with AUS.
The inaugural ceremony was attended by Mutchu Mithi, MLA and Advisor to the Education and Home Minister, as the chief guest. Namsai Deputy Commissioner Lobsang Tsering attended as the guest of honour, while AUS Chairman Dr. Ashwin Lochan was the special guest.
Among other dignitaries present were AUS Vice-Chancellor Prof. Ajeya Jha, NSS Regional Director D. Carthiguane, AUS Registrar Divyanshu Goel, Prof. DS Hernwal, NSS Guwahati Youth Officer Nakul Chandra Deori and State NSS Liaison Officer Dr. AK Mishra.
Addressing the gathering, Mithi highlighted the vital role of youth in nation-building and stressed the importance of discipline, leadership, social responsibility and community participation in realising the vision of Viksit Bharat. He urged NSS volunteers to become responsible citizens, uphold democratic values and develop a spirit of service by actively addressing social challenges at the grassroots level.
Deputy Commissioner Lobsang Tsering emphasised the importance of youth participation in community development and encouraged volunteers to utilise the festival as a platform for cultural exchange, mutual understanding and national integration. Special guest Dr. Ashwin Lochan also highlighted the importance of national integration and the role of NSS volunteers in promoting unity.
Other dignitaries underscored the contribution of educational institutions and the NSS in nurturing socially conscious and responsible young leaders.
Organised under the theme ‘Youth for Viksit Bharat’, the festival focuses on personality development through community service, volunteerism, selfless contribution and leadership-building activities. It seeks to provide a common platform for young volunteers from across the Northeast to exchange ideas, share experiences, appreciate the region’s cultural diversity and strengthen national integration.
The five-day programme features a mix of physical, academic, cultural and community-oriented activities, including daily yoga and morning exercises, academic and technical sessions, PowerPoint presentations, extempore speech competitions, educational and local sightseeing visits, and cultural programmes showcasing the traditions and heritage of the North Eastern region.
The festival is expected to strengthen inter-state interaction, teamwork, confidence and leadership qualities among participating volunteers while encouraging them to translate the values of volunteerism and selfless service into meaningful action in their respective communities.
The inaugural ceremony concluded with a message of unity, service and collective responsibility, setting the tone for the five-day celebration centred on the NSS motto, ‘Not Me, But You’.
