Minister Scindia Engages Students in North East Youth Exchange Program
On April 22, Union Minister for Communications and the Development of North Eastern Region, Shri Jyotiraditya M. Scindia, held a virtual interaction with participants of the Ashtalakshmi Darshan Youth Exchange Programme. This initiative, led by the Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region (MDoNER), aims to enhance cultural understanding and foster connections among youth across India.
The event also featured esteemed attendees, including Secretary Sanjay Jaju and Joint Secretary Niraj Kumar. During the session, Minister Scindia engaged with students from the 13th to 15th batches, representing institutions such as IIT Guwahati, Assam University, and Tezpur University. A total of 100 students from various states, including Chhattisgarh, New Delhi, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, and Goa, participated in the exchange, which ran from March 15 to April 10, 2026.
Students Share Their Experiences
The interactive session began with insights from Joint Secretary Niraj Kumar, followed by a keynote address from Minister Scindia. Students eagerly shared their reflections on the unique experiences they encountered during their visits. Ms. Ragini Sahu from Durg, Chhattisgarh, emphasized the importance of such exposure visits, underlining that they provide invaluable learning opportunities for students nationwide.
Another student, Mr. Harish Kumar Sahu from Chhattisgarh, expressed his appreciation for the rich diversity of the North Eastern region, aptly referred to as “Ashtalakshmi.” Ms. Ifrah Kawa from Jamia Millia Islamia in New Delhi praised the region’s warm hospitality and expressed a keen interest in its cultural richness, particularly in hospitality management.
Furthermore, Ms. Shaily Tiwari from Barkatullah University in Madhya Pradesh recounted her enriching experiences, which included visits to an Air Force Station and interactions with Assam Rifles officials. She also enjoyed learning about traditional agricultural practices and the diverse tribal cultures prevalent in the region.
Mr. Vikas Bali from the Central University of Rajasthan found his visit transformative, stating that witnessing the beauty and culture of the North Eastern Region gave him a newfound appreciation for its diversity. Another engaging moment came from Ms. Diksha D. Gaonkar from Goa, who shared her fond memories of the local cuisine, scenery, and warmth of the people. Her batchmates from Goa even performed an Assamese song, showcasing their cultural appreciation.
Encouraging Youth as Ambassadors
Minister Scindia commended the students for sharing their experiences and encouraged them to become ambassadors for the North Eastern Region in their home states. He reiterated the programme’s significance in promoting national integration, mutual respect, and shared responsibilities among India’s youth. This aligns with the vision set forth by the Hon’ble Prime Minister for the Ashtalakshmi Darshan Youth Exchange Programme, which aims to immerse students in the authentic culture and traditions of Northeast India.
As the session culminated, Secretary Sanjay Jaju expressed his gratitude to all participating students and partner institutions, highlighting the successful completion of the programme as a step toward strengthening national integration and youth engagement. He wished the students well in their future endeavors, urging them to carry forward the invaluable lessons and experiences from this initiative.
The Ashtalakshmi Darshan Youth Exchange Programme
Launched on November 1, 2025, the Ashtalakshmi Darshan Youth Exchange Programme is a flagship initiative under MDoNER, designed to foster emotional integration and enhance connections between diverse communities. It aims to facilitate cultural appreciation and understanding among youth from 28 States and Union Territories through immersive experiences that include heritage tours, academic sessions, and interactions with local communities. The programme has successfully engaged 530 students across 15 batches during the fiscal year 2025–26, allowing them to connect with eight North Eastern States and collaborate with various universities and institutions.
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