GG News Bureau
New Delhi, 12th Nov: Union Minister for Communications and Development of North Eastern Region, Jyotiraditya M. Scindia, on Wednesday interacted virtually with the first batch of students participating in the Ashtalakshmi Darshan Youth Exchange Programme — an initiative aimed at promoting national integration through inter-state youth interactions.
The inaugural batch comprises 39 students — 19 from Goa and 20 from Uttarakhand — currently visiting Arunachal Pradesh, hosted by Rajiv Gandhi University. The programme is organised and funded by the Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region (MDoNER) and the North Eastern Council (NEC).
Speaking during the interaction, Minister Scindia said the programme was designed to strengthen emotional and cultural bonds between young people across India, inspired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of ‘Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat’. He added that it reflects the government’s commitment to inclusivity, ensuring equal participation of boys and girls to promote empowerment and representation.
Scindia described Ashtalakshmi Darshan as a “distinctive cultural and educational exchange initiative” that helps students experience the North East’s languages, traditions, and community life. “It is the responsibility of this generation to pass on this bhawna to the next,” he told the participants, encouraging them to spread awareness about the region’s beauty and culture.
Recalling his recent visit to Ziro Valley, Scindia shared that its serenity makes one “listen to the earth.” His reflections resonated with students who expressed similar feelings about Arunachal Pradesh. During the session, he engaged directly with several participants, including Saumya Bisht from Uttarakhand and Rucha Parab from Goa, switching briefly to Marathi in a warm exchange that delighted the students.
Participants shared their experiences of exploring Ziro Valley, Itanagar, and local tribal communities, describing the journey as enriching and transformative. Students from Rajiv Gandhi University also highlighted the value of interacting with peers from other states, calling it a meaningful cultural exchange.
In his closing remarks, Scindia said, “You are the first batch and alumni of the Ashtalakshmi Darshan journey, the torchbearers of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat. Carry this experience with you, keep these friendships alive, and continue to be ambassadors of unity and understanding.”
He urged the students to share their experiences with friends and families, emphasizing that the Northeast “needs not only tourists but friends who celebrate its culture.”
The Ashtalakshmi Darshan Programme, involving 1,280 students across 40 batches, continues to embody the spirit of Viksit Bharat 2047, fostering national unity through youth engagement and cultural immersion.
