Governor of Nagaland Nand Kishore Yadav speaking during the opening ceremony of the 9th North East Youth Festival 2026 at Chümoukedima Football Stadium on March 18.
Chümoukedima, March 18 (MExN): The 9th edition of the North East Youth Festival commenced on Wednesday at the Chümoukedima Football Stadium, with Nagaland Governor Nand Kishore Yadav underscoring the critical role of the region’s youth in realising the vision of a developed India by 2047.
The festival is being organised by the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, Government of India, in collaboration with the Department of Youth Resources and Sports, Government of Nagaland.
Addressing the inaugural ceremony as the special guest, the Governor expressed gratitude to the central ministry for entrusting Nagaland with the hosting duties. “We are deeply grateful for the confidence placed in our State to bring together young people from across the North East for this celebration of youth, culture, and unity,” he said.
He noted that it was befitting to hold the festival in Nagaland, the “Land of Festivals,” and highlighted the state’s rich heritage, vibrant traditions, and natural beauty. He encouraged participants to immerse themselves in the living heritage of the state and learn the values of community and resilience it represents.
The theme for the 2026 festival is “Ashtalakshmi: Celebrating Eight Forces of Youth and Progress.” The Governor stated that the theme beautifully captures the energy, creativity, and potential of the region's youth. “By interacting, collaborating, competing, and celebrating together, you nurture the spirit of camaraderie and shared purpose, which are essential for collective growth and regional progress,” he told the gathering.
Over the coming days, the festival will feature a variety of events, including folk songs and dances, instrumental music, rock band performances, and theatre.
The Governor urged the youth to see themselves as ambassadors of their states and the region. “Share the stories, talents, and traditions of your communities, and take the lessons learned here back home to inspire others,” he advised, adding that collaboration and respect for diversity are as important as skill and knowledge.
He also acknowledged the efforts of the Union Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, the state department, and the volunteers for their dedication in organising the event, which provides a platform for young people from across the region to celebrate, learn, and grow together.
Joint Secretary, Department of Youth Affairs and Sports, Government of India, Shiv Ratan stated that the North East Youth Festival “is a living, breathing expression of our national unity.”
Referring to the states in the NE, he said, “We believe that the eight sisters…are not India’s “frontiers.” They are India’s cultural and civilizational heartland.”
To the youth of North East he said, “Our mission is to ensure you have every opportunity to realize your potential and contribute your unique strengths to our national story.”
“You are the ambassadors of India’s diversity. We believe deeply in your potential your connection to the land and your remarkable resilience are vital for our national future,” he asserted.
Earlier, the inaugural programme commenced with invocation by Rev A Temsu Longkumer, Pastor, Police Baptist Church, Chümoukedima followed by introduction and parade of contingents from Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Tripura, Sikkim and Nagaland. It also included special performance by students of Grace Academy, Dimapur, and cultural presentations by participating states featuring a martial arts demonstration by the Nagaland contingent.
