Ri-Bhoi, (Meghalaya), April 18: The University of Science and Technology Meghalaya
(USTM) is set to host the Northeast NSS Festival 2026 from 21st to 25th April 2026 at its
sprawling campus.
Centred on the theme “Empowered Youth for Viksit Bharat,” the five-day
festival will bring together National Service Scheme (NSS) volunteers from across the
Northeastern states, fostering unity, leadership, and community engagement.
The festival aims to provide a dynamic platform for youth to engage in nation-building
activities while promoting the spirit of “Not Me, But You,” NSS’s guiding principle.
The inaugural session of the Northeast NSS Festival 2026 on 21 st April,2026, will be graced
by distinguished dignitaries, including the Hon’ble Minister of Meghalaya, Shri Shri
Sosthenes Sohtun, Hon’ble Minister-Community & Rural Development, General
Administrator, Secretariat Administration, Govt of Meghalaya, Mayralborn Syiem,
MLA- Ri-Bhoi.
The occasion will also be attended by senior officials from
the National Service Scheme, including representatives from the Ministry of Youth Affairs
and Sports, Government of India, and eminent academicians, such as Vice Chancellors and
education leaders from reputed universities across the country.
The festival is designed as a
comprehensive blend of intellectual discourse, community engagement, cultural exchange,
and experiential learning. Participants will engage in a series of technical sessions focusing
on civic responsibility, youth leadership, sustainable development goals, digital awareness,
and the role of NSS in nation-building. Interactive discussions and collaborative forums will
encourage young volunteers to reflect on their responsibilities as active citizens and change-
makers.
NSS volunteers will participate in village outreach activities in nearby rural areas,
undertaking cleanliness drives under the Swachh Bharat initiative, conducting community-
based surveys on pressing social issues, and creating awareness through creative expressions
such as poster making and slogan campaigns.
The festival will also celebrate the rich cultural diversity of the Northeast through a series of
competitions, including folk songs, folk dances, and thematic performances addressing
contemporary social issues. A special segment promoting cross-cultural appreciation will see
participants presenting dance forms of other Northeastern states, reinforcing the spirit of
unity in diversity.
Established in 2011, the University of Science and Technology Meghalaya (USTM) is the
first state private university in the field of Science and Technology in North East India. The
University was accredited with an ‘A Grade’ by the National Assessment and Accreditation
Council (NAAC) in its first cycle of assessment in 2021. USTM remains committed to
excellence in teaching, research, innovation, and community engagement, while promoting
inclusivity, sustainability, and regional development.
