Officials and participants pose for a photo during the valedictory programme of Ashtalakshmi Darshan held at the Multi-Purpose Hall, School of Agricultural Sciences, Nagaland University, Medziphema campus on February 13.
Medziphema, February 13 (MExN): The valedictory programme of the Ashtalakshmi Darshan – Youth Exchange Programme, sponsored by the North Eastern Council (NEC), Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region (MDoNER), Government of India, was held at the Multi-Purpose Hall, School of Agricultural Sciences, Nagaland University, Medziphema campus on February 13.
The Ashtalakshmi Darshan Youth Exchange Programme is an initiative of the Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region (MDoNER) and the NEC aimed at promoting “Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat” by connecting youth from non-North Eastern states with the eight North Eastern states through 14-day academic, cultural and experiential visits. The initiative seeks to foster national integration, mutual respect and cultural understanding.
At Nagaland University’s Medziphema campus, the 10th batch comprising 40 students — 20 each from Kerala and Ladakh — along with four teachers, participated in the programme. The exchange was coordinated by a core team comprising Prof J Longkumer (Nodal Officer), Dr Kevineituo Bier, Dr Sabbithi Pavan (Nodal Faculty), and Peter Ki, PRO, Nagaland University.
The valedictory programme was chaired by Dr Kevineituo Bier, Assistant Professor, Department of Soil Science, Nagaland University. Dr Sabbithi Pavan, Assistant Professor, Department of Entomology, delivered the welcome address and highlighted the significance of the Youth Exchange Programme in fostering national integration, cultural understanding and academic collaboration. A special number by the EU Choir added cultural vibrancy to the occasion.
Prof J Longkumer presented a brief report outlining the academic sessions conducted on various North Eastern states, interactive discussions, exposure visits and cultural exchange activities organised as mandated by the NEC. She planned, supervised and monitored the academic sessions, field visits and cultural activities to ensure that the objectives of the programme were effectively achieved.
During their stay, the students and accompanying teachers were given opportunities to learn about the rich culture, traditions and tribal heritage of Nagaland and the North Eastern region. They visited important places across Nagaland, interacted with distinguished personalities, attended academic lectures, experienced village life, traditional weaving demonstrations, heritage sites and community interactions. The engagements enabled participants to gain a deeper understanding of the diversity, history and development of North East India.
In his address, Prof Dipak Sinha, Pro Vice-Chancellor, Medziphema campus, Nagaland University, encouraged the teachers-in-charge and students to organise workshops in their respective institutions to share their experiences about North East India so that more students can gain awareness and understanding about the region. He also urged them to share their learnings through social media platforms to promote positive narratives and help reduce racial discrimination through informed understanding.
Prof L Tongpang Longkumer, Dean I/C, School of Agricultural Sciences, Nagaland University, reminded the participants that they are now ambassadors of the North Eastern Region and encouraged them to cherish the experiences, values and hospitality shared during their stay.
A presentation was made by Neipusimeu Yalie, PhD Scholar, Department of Agricultural Economics, followed by certificate distribution coordinated by Watisenla Longkumer, PhD Scholar, Department of Agricultural Economics.
Teachers and students from Kerala and Ladakh shared their feedback, expressing gratitude for the warm hospitality, meaningful academic interactions and enriching cultural exposure. They said they were returning with warm memories, strengthened friendships and a deeper appreciation of the North Eastern states.
