Itanagar, Nov 18: Arunachal Pradesh Governor Lt. General KT Parnaik (Retd.), graced the valedictory ceremony of the North East National Service Scheme (NSS) Festival at Himalayan University, Itanagar, on Tuesday. The Governor presented awards and merit certificates to the winners of cultural, quiz, and PowerPoint presentation competitions, in which 320 NSS volunteers from all eight North Eastern States had participated.
Akshya Thakur from Bodoland University, Assam received the best NSS Volunteer award, while Manipur received the most disciple team award. Team Arunachal received the first prize in the Traditional group dance competition. Heisnam Cindy of Manipur received the first prize in the presentation competition, while Curie Koijan of Manipur received the first prize in extempore speech. Techi Monica and Vicky Puroik of Arunachal Pradesh received the first prize in quiz competition.
Addressing the valedictory function, the Governor said that NSS volunteers occupy a vital place in nation-building by channeling their youthful energy into purposeful service. He said that they are the future torchbearers of the region and the nation, and in their hands rests the promise of tomorrow. You will shape the direction of our society, our Region, and our country as we move toward 2047, he said.
The Governor encouraged the volunteers to prepare themselves for the responsibilities ahead. As future leaders, he reminded them to strive for knowledge, maintain discipline in thought and action, and stay strongly motivated to serve the larger good. “You already possess immense potential, strength, talent, and creativity. What remains is to nurture these gifts with dedication and channel them towards constructive nation-building,” he added.
The Governor urged the youth to remain physically strong, mentally alert, morally upright, and self-disciplined.
Speaking about the festival, the Governor described the North-East NSS Festival as a vibrant celebration of youth power, cultural richness, and community spirit. By bringing together participants from all eight sister States, the event truly embodied the spirit of Ashtalakshmi, a vision championed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, he said.
Highlighting the transformational impact of the Act East Policy under the Prime Minister’s leadership, the Governor said that it has become a driving force for the comprehensive development of the North East. He called upon NSS volunteers to become ambassadors of the region. You represent the spirit, energy, and promise of our homeland. Let the world know that the North East is not just a place but is an experience of nature, culture, and harmony, he said.
The Governor suggested that NSS officials should introduce sessions on national security and discussions on important national and global issues as part of NSS programmes, noting that such exposure would help prepare students for future responsibilities.
Expressing concern over the rising drug menace, the Governor urged the volunteers to spread awareness and compassion. He advised them to reach out to schools, colleges, neighbourhoods, and every household and speak openly about the dangers of addiction, guide those who are struggling, and help their families find support.
The Governor commended the Ministry of Youth Affairs & Sports, the NSS Regional Directorate, Guwahati, the Arunachal Pradesh State NSS Cell, the Directorate of Higher & Technical Education, and Himalayan University for successfully organizing the festival. He said the event had offered volunteers valuable opportunities to display their talents and to learn from one another’s cultures and experiences.
Commissioner of Education, Amjad Tak, Vice Chancellor of Himalayan University, Prof. (Dr.) Prakash Divakaran, and State Liaison Officer (NSS), Dr. A.K. Mishra, also addressed the gathering, sharing their words of encouragement and appreciation for the young volunteers.
The valedictory programme, which was also attended by the Chairman of Himalayan University, Shri Hemant Goyal, saw a vibrant Cultural Parade and a series of captivating cultural performances by the NSS volunteers, showcasing the rich diversity and youthful spirit of the North East.
Later, the Governor, in his maiden visit to the Himalayan University campus, participated in the ‘Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam' plantation programme in the university campus. 

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Kenter Joya Riba

(Managing Editor)
      She is a graduate in Science with post graduation in Sociology from University of Pune. She has been in the media industry for nearly a decade. Before turning to print business, she has been associated with radio and television.
Email: kenterjoyaz@easternsentinel.in / editoreasternsentinel@gmail.com
Phone: 0360-2212313

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