Nagaland: AICC launches ‘National Talent Hunt’ in Nagaland

All India Congress Committee (AICC) on Saturday launched its “National Talent Hunt” programme in Nagaland, with the goal of identifying, training, and empowering young individuals from the state to effectively represent local and national issues on wider platforms. The launch programme took place at Congress Bhavan in Dimapur.
Addressing the event, AICC national nodal coordinator Dolly Sharma described the programme as one centred on empowerment, leadership, and nation-building rather than mere politics.
She highlighted Nagaland’s vast pool of untapped talent—confident speakers, researchers, and creative media professionals—but pointed out that many young people lacked access to appropriate platforms to showcase their abilities.
Sharma explained that the initiative aims to refine and empower the next generation of spokespersons, national panellists, and researchers.
She said AICC was seeking young individuals who were committed to the values of democracy, truth, and responsibility.
Shamra said interested candidates could apply directly by scanning a provided QR code, with no requirement for recommendations or political influence.
Applications would be sent straight to AICC media department at the party headquarters in New Delhi.
The programme offers three distinct roles—spokesperson, national panellist, and researcher—allowing applicants to choose the track that aligns best with their skills and interests.
Sharma emphasised the Congress party’s belief that true leadership must emerge from the grassroots, enabling local voices to articulate regional concerns at the national level.
“Issues of Nagaland often remain unheard. Through this platform, youth from every district can raise both state and national concerns on national forums,” she added.
Responding to a question about the benefits of participation, Sharma criticised the prevailing political climate, alleging suppression of dissent and difficulties faced by many, including the media.
She affirmed that under Rahul Gandhi’s leadership, the Congress continued to champion fearless voices advocating for farmers, women, and unemployed youth.
“We want to nurture more fearless individuals across the country who can speak for the poorest of the poor,” she said, making a special appeal to women from Nagaland to participate actively.
She also noted Nagaland’s strong proficiency in English and encouraged selected candidates to engage in English-language debates and national media appearances.
Selected participants would collaborate with the AICC national media team through a mix of in-person and virtual interactions, debates, and discussions.
The selection process includes initial scrutiny of applications, followed by group discussions, written tests, and final interviews.
Sharma clarified that the programme was not a formal recruitment exercise but a direct national-level platform for talented Indians passionate about contributing to nation-building.
Registrations are expected to close by the end of February.
Nagaland Pradesh Congress Committee (NPCC) working president Apok Jamir described the North East as a “reservoir of talent” and said the programme would help bring youth-related issues and demands from Nagaland and the Northeast into the national spotlight. “This opportunity will go a long way in strengthening unity in diversity and voicing the genuine concerns of young people,” he said and urged the youth who were eager to serve the nation to actively participate.
Earlier, NPCC social media chairman Kumjimong, delivering the opening remarks, underscored the Congress party’s commitment to empowering Naga youth. He appealed to the media to help raise awareness about the initiative throughout the state, ensuring that voices from every district have an equal chance to participate.