Itanagar, Nov 7: Arunachal Pradesh Governor Lt. General KT Parnaik (Retd.), interacted with a group of students from Goa and Uttarakhand at Raj Bhavan, Itanagar, on Friday. The students are visiting the State as part of Ashtalakshmi Darshan, a vibrant Youth Exchange Programme designed to deepen national integration and strengthen bonds between young people from different regions of the country.
Parnaik appreciated the vision behind the programme, describing Ashtalakshmi Darshan as a far-sighted initiative that brings together the youth of the North Eastern Region and the rest of India. He said it promotes cultural understanding and mutual respect and also nurtures ‘youth ambassadors’ who carry with them the values of unity, diversity, and national harmony. Programmes like this, he added, play a significant role in advancing Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of Viksit Bharat, where young minds drive progress with confidence and shared purpose.
Advising the students on their responsibilities as future leaders, the Governor said that every young person must strive to be an ideal citizen, educated, disciplined, motivated, and rooted in strong moral values. He encouraged them to stay well-informed, uphold self-discipline, and adopt a selfless approach in life. Taking pride in one’s cultural heritage, knowing one’s traditions, and nurturing deep love for the nation are qualities that, he said, build character and strengthen leadership.
The Governor also shared a simple but powerful mantra with the students. He advised them to be externally calm and internally intense, a balance that helps leaders stay focused and resilient.
During the interaction, the Governor spoke about leadership, drawing from his vast experiences in the Indian Army, the corporate world, and his present role as a constitutional enabler. He also highlighted the remarkable development taking place in Arunachal Pradesh, the widespread use of Hindi as a connecting language, the State’s growing excellence in sports, and the deep respect for nature that shapes the local way of life.
Adding colour and warmth to the programme, the Goa team presented Gomantak Sanskruti, while the Uttarakhand students showcased the rich folk traditions of the Kumaon and Garhwal regions. The host RGU team presented a vibrant Diversity Dance, portraying the beautiful cultural vibrancy of the many tribes of Arunachal Pradesh.
The programme is organized by the North Eastern Council (NEC), Shillong, under the Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region (DoNER), Government of India. The first edition of the Ashtalakshmi Darshan initiative is being hosted by Rajiv Gandhi University, Rono Hills, from November 1 to 14.

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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
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