North East youth fest concludes; Along pushes regional cooperation

The 9th North East Youth Festival 2026 concluded on Saturday at the Chümoukedima Football Stadium with a vibrant closing ceremony that celebrated unity, cultural diversity, and the dynamic spirit of youth from across the eight Northeastern states.
Minister for higher education & tourism, Temjen Imna Along, graced the event as the special guest. The five-day festival, which began on March 17, brought together around 1,200 participants from Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland, Sikkim, and Tripura. Organised by the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, Government of India, under the National Adolescence and Youth Development Programme, the event was held on the theme “Astha Lakshmi: Celebrating Eight Forces of Youth and Progress.” The Great Hornbill was chosen as the official mascot of the 9th North East Youth Festival 2026. Revered among Naga tribes as a symbol of honour and grandeur, the hornbill embodies strength, vitality, and cultural pride. Just as Astha Lakshmi represents eight forms of prosperity and empowerment, the hornbill reflects the dynamic spirit of youth—courage, resilience, leadership, creativity, unity, confidence, growth, and vision for the future.
In his address, minister Temjen Imna Along thanked officials from the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports and lauded the Centre’s inclusive policies that integrate the Northeast into the national mainstream under the vision of “Viksit Bharat.”
He described the eight Northeastern states as “Astha Lakshmi,” a term coined by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, and affirmed that the region stood firmly with the rest of India in the journey toward a developed nation. Along highlighted the crucial role of youth as the strength and direction of any state or country. He said Nagaland under the leadership of chief minister Dr. Neiphiu Rio was actively developing youth resources and infrastructure with central support. Along expressed pride that the state hosted this edition of the festival and congratulated organisers, officials, and participants, noting that their shared journey fosters stronger communities.
Addressing the youth, the minister urged them to become vibrant, confident, responsible, educated, and aware citizens committed to peace, progress, and stability.
He urged the youth to work hard toward the dream of a developed India despite political, geographical, geo political and economic challenges.
He described the festival as a platform for building friendships, appreciating regional cultures, and strengthening unity, and called upon participants to carry these connections forward.
Along concluded by emphasising the need for stronger cooperation among Northeastern states through cultural exchange, networking, and idea-sharing to build a vibrant region and contribute meaningfully to a developed India.
In his speech, Sandeep Singh, section officer from the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, described the festival as a deeply satisfying experience. He said the real achievement lay not in trophies but in the friendships formed and the spirit of unity.
Singh said participants arrived as state representatives but would return as ambassadors of a larger, united India. He urged the youth to sustain the festival’s energy, purpose, and sense of togetherness in their communities, studies, and future endeavours.
Nagaland youth resources & sports director Kethosituo Sekhose presented a brief report, declaring the 9th edition a resounding success. He highlighted that competitive events provided a dynamic platform for talent showcase, while non-competitive activities enriched cultural appreciation.
The festival also featured youth engagement and learning initiatives aligned with the theme, promoting creativity, leadership, resilience, discipline, teamwork, and regional cultural pride.
The closing ceremony included a martial arts demonstration by participants from Assam, Mizoram, Sikkim, and Tripura, followed by performances including folk songs and dances from Manipur and Mizoram. A short speech by a participant from Arunachal Pradesh, the theme song, and a folk fusion performance added to the festivities.
Competition Results
One Act Play: 1st – Arunachal Pradesh; 2nd – Manipur; 3rd – Mizoram; Consolation – Tripura, Nagaland.
Declamation: 1st – Bullo Konya (Arunachal Pradesh); 2nd – Hrishita Purakayastha (Tripura); 3rd – Thomas Lalruatkima (Mizoram); Consolation – Bhumika Chettri (Sikkim), Raj Delusoru (Arunachal Pradesh).
Folk Song: 1st – Manipur; 2nd – Nagaland; 3rd – Tripura; Consolation – Mizoram, Sikkim.
Folk Dance: 1st – Manipur; 2nd – Mizoram; 3rd – Sikkim; Consolation – Nagaland, Meghalaya.
Instrumental Guitar: 1st – Meghalaya; 2nd – Arunachal Pradesh; 3rd – Mizoram; Consolation – Manipur, Sikkim.
Rock Band: 1st – Nagaland; 2nd – Mizoram; 3rd – Sikkim; Consolation – Meghalaya, Tripura.
Food Festival: 1st – Neli Kayina; 2nd – Sungjenmeinla; 3rd – Vikili H. Sumi.
Yuva Kriti: 1st – Atsani; 2nd – Zaben Murry; 3rd (joint) – Khasula & Wekhrou Wetson.
The programme was chaired by Youth Resources & Sports joint secretary, Temjensangla, and commenced with the National Song and National Anthem.