Shillong, Apr 25: The North East NSS Festival 2026, organised by the University of Science & Technology Meghalaya (USTM) concluded successfully today, marking the culmination of five days of intensive engagement, community service, cultural exchange, and youth empowerment.
The festival held under the theme “Empowered Youth for Viksit Bharat,” brought together NSS volunteers and programme officers from across the Northeast, creating a dynamic platform for leadership development, national integration, and experiential learning.
Throughout the festival, participants engaged in a wide range of activities designed to foster holistic development. Technical sessions and interactive discussions addressed key themes, including civic responsibility, national integration, sustainable development, and digital awareness.
Sessions like “The Invisible Thread: From Personal Success to Civic Duty,”“Bridges of Brotherhood,” and “Digital Fortitude” provided valuable insights into the role of youth in shaping a responsible and progressive society.
The resource persons, including Ashish, IPS, Gameliel L.C. Mylliem, MCS, Dr. (Mrs.) Vanessa Kharmawphlang, Prof. Binod Kumar Tripathi, Nakul Chandra Deori, and Jangilong contributed significantly to the intellectual depth of the festival through their engaging and thought-provoking sessions.
A major highlight of the festival was the village outreach programme at Jorbil, Ri-Bhoi, where volunteers actively engaged with the local community. Initiatives such as cleanliness drives under Swachh Bharat, community-based surveys on pressing social issues, and awareness-focused creative competitions underscored the spirit of grassroots engagement and social responsibility.
The festival also promoted environmental consciousness and experiential learning through an exposure visit to Umiam Lake, where participants undertook shramdan activities, including plastic waste management and environmental awareness initiatives. Cultural integration remained a central theme, with various competitions such as folk song, folk dance, thematic plays, and a unique State Team Dance segment encouraging cross-cultural appreciation and unity among participants.
Wellness and discipline were integral to the daily routine, with fitness sessions including yoga and group activities reinforcing the principle of “Wellness Before Work, Discipline Before Duty,” highlighting the importance of physical and mental well-being in effective nation-building.
The festival concluded with a unity walkathon promoting national integration, followed by evaluation sessions and the formal valedictory ceremony.
Addressing the gathering, Vice-Chancellor, Prof. (Dr.) G.D. Sharma commended the discipline, enthusiasm, and commitment demonstrated by the participants.
Chief guest, Prof. (Dr.) Ganesh Chandra Wary, Vice-Chancellor, Kokrajhar University, along with guests, Nongpoh MLA Mayralborn Syiem and Dr Murugesan Ramasamy, Director, NIRD, lauded the festival for nurturing responsible, skilled, and service-oriented youth. D. Carthigueane, Regional Director, NSS (NER), also appreciated the successful organisation and impactful execution of the event.
Manipur was adjudged the Best State/Contingent for its outstanding performance, discipline, and active participation throughout the festival.
