Amid the Vande Mataram row, the North East Youth Festival 2026 opened in Chümoukedima, highlighting unity, youth participation and cultural exchange.
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DIMAPUR — A day after the Naga Students’ Federation (NSF) staged a mass rally in Kohima opposing the directive to play or sing Vande Mataram at official functions and in educational institutions, the 9th North East Youth Festival 2026 opened on Wednesday at Chümoukedima with the singing of the same, placing the issue in sharp public contrast.
The six-day festival, being organised by the department of Youth Resources and Sports with support from the Union Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, has brought together young participants from across the eight north-eastern states, along with representatives from MY Bharat and the National Service Scheme (NSS).
Special guest and Governor of Nagaland Nand Kishore Yadav expressed gratitude to the Ministry for selecting Nagaland as the host state, describing it as an honour to welcome youth from across the region for a celebration of culture, talent and unity.
He described Nagaland as a land of rich heritage, vibrant traditions and natural beauty, and shared that its people are known for preserving their cultural identity while embracing modern opportunities.
Also read: NSF rally in Kohima opposes Vande Mataram directive, memorandum submitted to president
He said that participation in activities such as folk music, dance, theatre, instrumental performances and other artistic expressions would go beyond showcasing talent.
These platforms, he added, would enable youth to explore their creativity, learn from diverse cultures and build skills that would benefit them both personally and professionally.
“As India moves towards the vision of Viksit Bharat@2047, the role of youth becomes increasingly important. Their energy, ideas and talents will drive innovation, progress and development,” he said, urging participants to actively engage, support one another and build lasting connections.
The governor further encouraged the youth to act as ambassadors of their respective states and communities, sharing their traditions and experiences while fostering mutual respect and understanding across cultural and regional boundaries.
He asserted that collaboration, respect for diversity and mutual support are as vital as knowledge and skill in shaping the future.
Reflecting on the potential of the region, he said that the Northeast holds immense promise and that its youth are well-positioned to lead in areas such as education, technology, sports, culture and social service.
He added that platforms like the youth festival provide opportunities not only to showcase talent but also to nurture leadership and collective responsibility.
Joint Secretary in the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, Shiv Ratan, lauded Nagaland for hosting the festival, saying that organising an event of such scale requires both logistical preparedness and a strong spirit of hospitality.
He felt that the state’s rich heritage, scenic landscapes and vibrant culture make it an ideal venue for such a gathering.
Describing the festival as more than a routine calendar event, Ratan called it a living expression of India’s “unity in diversity.”
He stressed that the eight north-eastern states—Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland, Sikkim and Tripura—represent a vibrant cultural and civilisational heritage and should be seen as an integral part of the nation’s identity rather than its periphery.
According to him, the vision of the festival is to transform the idea of unity into a lived experience, where young people from different backgrounds come together, interact and build meaningful connections.
He encouraged participants to carry back the bonds of friendship and understanding formed during the event to their respective communities.
Highlighting the growing national focus on the Northeast, Ratan pointed to ongoing efforts in infrastructure development, digital inclusion and economic empowerment in the region.
He said that under these initiatives, the region has moved closer to the centre of the national development agenda.
The official described the youth of the Northeast as among the most talented, resilient and culturally rooted in the country, and emphasised that the government’s objective is to provide them with opportunities to realise their full potential and contribute meaningfully to the nation’s progress.
He encouraged the youth to use the platform for genuine exchange by engaging with people from different backgrounds, learning new traditions and embracing diversity.
“Talk to someone whose language you may not understand, learn something you have never experienced, and let the friendships formed here strengthen the bonds of the Northeast,” he said.