RONO HILLS, Mar 3: Rajiv Gandhi University (RGU) successfully concluded the 12th batch of the Ashtalakshmi Darshan Youth Exchange Programme, a fourteen-day national integration initiative organized by the North Eastern Council (NEC) under the Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region (DoNER), Government of India.
Hosted at RGU from February 18 to March 3, the programme brought together student delegates from Jharkhand and Pondicherry for a meaningful academic, cultural, and experiential exchange. Conceived as a visionary initiative, the Ashtalakshmi Darshan seeks to promote national integration, foster cultural understanding, and strengthen mutual respect between the North Eastern Region and the rest of India by nurturing young ambassadors of unity and harmony.
The programme commenced with orientation and context-setting sessions, followed by nine days of intensive academic lectures delivered by eminent scholars, subject experts, and policymakers. The sessions focused on the eight Ashtalakshmi states—Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland, Sikkim, and Tripura—and explored themes such as geography, biodiversity, ethnic diversity, governance, sustainable development, industry, tourism, and environmental challenges. Complementing the academic component, participants engaged in sports, yoga, recreational activities, and vibrant cultural performances representing both the host and visiting states, fostering camaraderie and intercultural appreciation.
A major highlight of the programme was the extensive field exposure arranged for the delegates. Participants had the privilege of meeting the Governor of Arunachal Pradesh and visiting the State Legislative Assembly, gaining valuable insights into governance and public service. As part of experiential learning, delegates explored the ecological heritage of Ziro, the cultural and historical significance of Malinithan, and undertook rural immersion and community interactions. They also visited Itafort and Ganga Lake in Itanagar to appreciate the region’s historical and spiritual legacy, along with exposure to tea cultivation and processing practices. During an interaction with the students, Union Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia encouraged the youth to become ambassadors of Arunachal Pradesh and uphold the spirit of Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat, urging them to contribute to national progress with unity, friendship, and a shared commitment toward the vision of Viksit Bharat.
The valedictory ceremony, held on Monday at the RGU premises, marked a vibrant culmination of the programme and was graced by distinguished dignitaries, senior university administrators, Deans, HoDs, faculty members, and resource persons.
In his address, RGU Vice Chancellor Prof S K Nayak emphasized the importance of understanding and embracing the rich cultural diversity of Arunachal Pradesh and encouraged students to document and disseminate their experiences for wider academic and cultural enrichment.
Papum Pare Deputy Commissioner Vishakha Yadav, the special invitee, shared her experiences as a civil servant in the region and motivated delegates to consider public service as a meaningful avenue to contribute toward Viksit Bharat 2047.
RGU Registrar Dr N T Rikam urged students to carry forward the values of leadership, cultural respect, and national unity cultivated during the programme.
The event was coordinated by Dr. KaushalendraPratap Singh, Nodal Officer of the programme.
The ceremony featured a colourful cultural segment symbolizing the spirit of exchange and integration, with delegates from Jharkhand and Pondicherry performing dances based on popular Arunachali songs, while RGU students presented performances inspired by Pondicherry’s musical traditions.
Academic awards were presented to top performers based on assessments conducted during the programme, with Shrinithi S securing the overall top position, followed by Angeleena Roy from Pondicherry in second place, while Shivangi Mishra secured first position among delegates from Jharkhand. Certificates of Participation were distributed to all delegates in recognition of their successful completion of the programme.
At the end, RGU Dy Registrar Gomar Basar extended gratitude to all concerned for making the event a resounding success.