ITANAGAR, Nov 7: State Governor Lt General (Retd) KT Parnaik today interacted with a group of students from Goa and Uttarakhand at Raj Bhavan here. They are on the State tour as part of ‘Ashtalakshmi Darshan’, a vibrant youth exchange programme aimed at deepening national integration and strengthening bonds among young people from different regions of the country.
Appreciating the vision behind the initiative, the Governor described Ashtalakshmi Darshan as a “far-sighted programme” that unites the youth of the North Eastern region with the rest of India. He said such exchanges foster cultural understanding, mutual respect, and help nurture ‘youth ambassadors’ who embody the values of unity, diversity, and national harmony.
The Governor noted that programmes like this align closely with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of ‘Viksit Bharat’, where young minds drive progress with confidence, creativity, and shared purpose.
Addressing the students, the Governor urged them to become ideal citizens — educated, disciplined, motivated, and guided by strong moral values. He advised them to stay informed, uphold self-discipline, and embrace a selfless approach to life. Taking pride in one’s heritage, knowing one’s traditions, and nurturing a deep love for the nation, he said, are the qualities that shape character and leadership.
Sharing a personal mantra, the Governor told the students to remain externally calm and internally intense — a quality that enables leaders to stay focused and resilient in all circumstances.
Drawing from his extensive experience in the Indian Army, the corporate sector, and as a constitutional head, the Governor also spoke on leadership and nation-building. He highlighted Arunachal Pradesh’s steady progress, the growing excellence of its youth in sports, the widespread use of Hindi as a unifying language, and the deep respect for nature that defines the State’s ethos.
Adding a cultural touch to the interaction, students from Goa presented Gomantak Sanskruti, while the Uttarakhand team showcased traditional folk performances from the Kumaon and Garhwal regions. The host team from Rajiv Gandhi University (RGU) performed a colourful Diversity Dance, portraying the cultural richness of Arunachal’s many tribes.
The Ashtalakshmi Darshan 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 initiative is being hosted by Rajiv Gandhi University, Rono Hills, Doimukh, from November 1 to 14.