Ri-Bhoi, Meghalaya, April 25: The North East NSS Festival 2026, organised by the University of
Science & Technology Meghalaya (USTM) under the theme “Empowered Youth for Viksit Bharat,” concluded
successfully today, marking the culmination of five days of intensive engagement, community service, cultural
exchange, and youth empowerment at the USTM campus.
The festival brought together NSS volunteers and programme officers from across the Northeastern states,
creating a dynamic platform for leadership development, national integration, and experiential learning. The
festival commenced with a grand inaugural ceremony marked by a colourful cultural procession and the
ceremonial flag-off jointly conducted by the Hon’ble Chancellor of USTM, Shri Mahbubul Hoque, former
Assam Chief Secretary Shri Kumar Sanjay Krishna, IAS, and Mr Zikrul Hasan Fahad, Assistant High
Commissioner & Head of Mission, Bangladesh.
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.
Distinguished resource persons, including Shri Ashish, IPS; Shri Gameliel L.C. Mylliem, MCS; Dr. (Mrs.)
Vanessa Kharmawphlang, Prof. Binod Kumar Tripathi, Shri Nakul Chandra Deori, and Shri 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. These activities reflected the core NSS philosophy
of “Not Me, But You,” emphasising service above self.
The festival also promoted environmental consciousness and experiential learning through an exposure visit to
Umiam Lake (Borapani), 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 held at the Central Auditorium. The ceremony featured the NSS Geet,
felicitation of dignitaries, and a comprehensive report presentation by Dr Nibedita Paul, NSS Coordinator,
USTM.
Addressing the gathering, the Hon’ble Vice-Chancellor, Prof. (Dr.) G.D. Sharma commended the discipline,
enthusiasm, and commitment demonstrated by the participants. The Chief Guest, Prof. (Dr.) Ganesh Chandra
Wary, Vice-Chancellor, Kokrajhar University, along with distinguished guests, including Shri Mayralborn
Syiem, Hon’ble MLA, and Dr Murugesan Ramasamy, Director, NIRD, lauded the festival for nurturing
responsible, skilled, and service-oriented youth. Shri D. Carthigueane, Regional Director, NSS (NER), also
appreciated the successful organisation and impactful execution of the event.
A key highlight of the valedictory programme was the Prize Distribution Ceremony, where Manipur was
adjudged the Best State/Contingent, in recognition of its outstanding performance, discipline, and active
participation throughout the festival.
