Union Minister for Communications and Development of North Eastern Region (DoNER), Jyotiraditya Scindia, addressed the 15th edition of NEtym 2026, the annual cultural festival of the Northeast Cell at Hindu College, University of Delhi, marking a significant milestone in celebrating the spirit, talent, and potential of the Northeast region.

Thanking the organisers and students for the invitation, the Union Minister lauded NEtym as a dynamic platform that reflects the capability, energy and cultural richness of the Northeast that is reverentially referred to as the ‘Ashtalakshmi’ of India. He noted that over the past two years, his tenure as DoNER Minister has deepened his understanding of the region’s immense potential, not only for India but as a strategic bridge to Southeast Asia and the wider global landscape.

 

Speaking at an institution with a rich legacy as it approaches its 125th year, the union minister r highlighted the exceptional human capital of the Northeast, pointing to its remarkable literacy levels, averaging nearly 93% and emphasised that the region’s youth must lead India’s growth story across sectors.

Recalling his deep personal connection with the Northeast, Shri Scindia spoke about his familial ties to the region and his frequent visits to all eight states, which continue to inspire and energise his vision for its development. He also reflected on the cultural depth of the region, describing performances from Assam and other states as “mantramugdh,” where every gesture and movement carries generations of tradition and meaning. He paid tribute to cultural icons such as Bhupen Hazarika and Zubeen Garg, noting that the Northeast remains a repository of unparalleled artistic and cultural wealth.

 

Underscoring the strategic importance of the region, the Union minister described the eight Northeastern states as a natural bridge between India and the Global South, capable of driving economic and cultural exchange on a global scale. Highlighting key initiatives of the Ministry, Shri Scindia outlined government’s focused efforts to empower the youth of the region. He also spoke about the NE SPARKS Programme, Ashtalakshmi Darshan Programme and Advancing NER Portal.

NE SPARKS Programme: Implemented in partnership with ISRO, the programme enables 800 students annually (100 from each Northeastern state) to gain exposure to space science and cutting-edge technology. Eight batches have already been completed.

Ashtalakshmi Darshan Programme: A structured cultural exchange initiative facilitating interaction between students from the Northeast and other parts of the country. A total of 1,280 students across 32 batches are being covered, with the programme set to scale up to 8,000 students by 2030.

Advancing NER Portal: Scheduled for launch in April 2026, this one-stop digital platform, integrated with the National Career Service, will provide access to over 1,000 job opportunities, 300+ career pathways, 200+ entrance examinations, 3,000+ courses within the Northeast, and more than 800 national institutions. The portal aims to bridge the gap between skills and employment opportunities.

 

The Minister emphasised that under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the approach to the Northeast has transitioned from intent to implementation, ensuring that opportunity is defined by access and inclusion. Concluding his address, Shri Scindia praised the youth for their role in shaping the future of the Northeast, stating that the conversation must move from what the region is to what it is becoming and what its young people are enabling it to become. He described NEtym not just as a cultural festival, but as a powerful expression of identity, aspiration and India’s collective journey towards a Viksit Bharat.

 

The event witnessed enthusiastic participation from students, artists and faculty members, celebrating the cultural vibrancy and aspirations of the Northeast.

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PS

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