Youth are the heartbeat of the nation, says Nagaland Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio at Northeast NSS Festival

• DIMAPUR — Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio described youth as the “heartbeat of the nation” while addressing the inaugural function of the Northeast National Service Scheme (NSS) Festival 2025 at Dzüü Resort, Rüsoma village, Kohima, on Wednesday.

Neiphiu Rio speaking at the inaugural programme of the North East NSS festival in Rüsoma on Wednesday. (DIPR)

 

• According to a DIPR update, the event, themed ‘Viksit Bharat,’ has brought together over 300 NSS volunteers and officials from across the northeastern states, though Mizoram could not participate due to unforeseen circumstances.
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• Organised by the NSS Cell under the Directorate of Youth Resources & Sports, in collaboration with the Regional Directorate of NSS, Guwahati, and sponsored by the Ministry of Youth Affairs & Sports, the week-long event will culminate on June 14.
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• Rio, while hailing the NSS platform as a "celebration of unity in diversity," placed strong emphasis on the role of youth in shaping the future of the country. “The youth are the heartbeat of any nation. You are our hope and our future. This festival is not just a gathering—it is a celebration of our shared humanity, our diverse cultures, and our common aspirations,” he said.
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• Calling on the young volunteers to embrace cultural pride and mutual respect, Rio encouraged participants to form bonds and friendships that go beyond state lines. “Each of our states is unique, with its own languages, dances, festivals, and traditions. Yet it is through platforms like NSS that we come together to understand, respect, and learn from one another,” he said, urging the youth to “stay connected and foster lasting ties.”
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• Rio also praised the selfless work done by NSS volunteers in areas like health camps, blood donations, disaster relief, and cleanliness drives, terming them “acts of nation-building.” Commending their dedication, he said, “You are already leaders, serving your communities with compassion and responsibility.”

Also read: Neiphiu Rio calls for accountability in central fund use at Viksit Nagaland meeting

• Reflecting on his own upbringing in a disciplined, army-rooted family, the chief minister shared that values such as discipline, integrity, and service had guided him throughout life. He encouraged the youth to uphold these ideals, stressing that true service goes beyond volunteering—it is a mindset and a way of life.
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• “Let us remember that service to man is a service to God. As the saying goes, it is more blessed to give than to receive. Giving should become a tradition, a culture,” he added.
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• Highlighting the NSS motto ‘Not Me, But You,’ he urged the volunteers to carry forward the spirit of selflessness. He also proposed that the Northeast NSS Festival adopt a rotational hosting model, allowing each state to showcase its culture and further regional solidarity. “We must create more platforms where the Northeast can learn from each other, celebrate our diversity, and stand united as a strong collective,” he said.
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• Earlier in the programme, Director of Youth Resources & Sports, Kethosituo Sekhose, expressed pride in Nagaland’s active NSS network, which includes over 180 units and 18,000 volunteers. Many of these have adopted villages where they actively implement development and service initiatives.
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• Describing the event as more than just a celebration, Sekhose said it was a manifestation of the Northeast's commitment to service, unity, and youth empowerment.