Correspondent
KOHIMA, SEP 29 (NPN): Nagaland governor Nand Kishore Yadav on Tuesday called upon young people to acquire practical skills, embrace entrepreneurship and explore diverse career paths to help build a self-reliant state.
Addressing the State Level Youth Festival 2026 at Indira Gandhi Stadium here on the theme “Youth, Skills and a Self-Reliant Nagaland,” Yadav described the event as more than a competition.
He said it was a platform for learning, interaction, creativity and personal growth. The governor praised the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports for initiatives such as the Viksit Bharat Young Leaders Dialogue and the state youth resources and sports (YR&S) department for organising the festival.
Highlighting Nagaland’s talented youth and rich cultural traditions, the governor encouraged participants from different districts to build friendships, exchange ideas and appreciate one another’s cultures, saying such interactions strengthened unity and brotherhood.
In a rapidly changing world, talent alone was not enough, Yadav said and underlined the need to be supported by knowledge, practical skills, discipline and continuous learning.
He urged young people to explore opportunities in digital technology, entrepreneurship, agriculture, tourism, handicrafts, creative industries and other emerging sectors, noting that government jobs alone could not meet every aspiration.
The governor asserted that skills gained through practice, experience, mentorship and hard work could become lifelong assets leading to employment, entrepreneurship and economic independence.
He governor also welcomed the department’s skill-based economic sustenance initiative for athletes at the I.G. Academy, which aims to equip them with practical skills beyond sport.
Yadav further stressed the need to preserve Nagaland’s cultural heritage, saying folk songs, dances and traditional art forms reflected the state’s identity and history.
He encouraged young people to learn their own traditions, respect those of others and the knowledge of elders, while presenting their heritage in fresh ways.
Participants in declamation, poetry and painting were urged to read widely, remain curious, think critically and use technology responsibly.
Referring to the vision of Viksit Bharat @2047, the governor said the knowledge, skills and values of today’s generation would shape India’s future. He said Nagaland’s strengths — its youth, culture, natural beauty and community bonds — could be turned into sustainable opportunities through innovation and discipline.
Yadav advised participants to compete with enthusiasm and confidence, accept victory with humility and learn from setbacks.
Adviser for youth resources and sports, S Keoshu Yimkhiung, stressed the importance of skill development and adaptability, encouraging young people to pursue opportunities in technology, agriculture, entrepreneurship, tourism, sports, music and crafts.
Secretary Y&RS Anthony Ngullie said the festival formed part of the ministry’s wider effort to promote youth leadership, national integration and skill development. He said the National Youth Festival, organised since 1995, was restructured in 2025 into the Viksit Bharat Young Leaders Dialogue. The 2027 edition will feature competitions across six tracks for those aged 15 to 29, with winners progressing to the national event in New Delhi.
Ngullie also highlighted a pilot initiative that has trained 80 athletes in crochet, floristry, pickle-making, baking and mobile repairing to help them secure livelihoods after their sporting careers. The governor was later scheduled to inaugurate stalls showcasing their work.
The programme was chaired by YR&S director Kethosituo Sekhose; PCRC pastor Vikhoto Zao offered the invocation while youth resources and sports officer Naroenla, proposed vote of thanks.