Ashtalakshmi Darshan Programme Strengthens National Integration as Youth Experience Northeast India Firsthand

Union Minister for Communications and Development of North Eastern Region (DoNER), Shri Jyotiraditya M. Scindia, has reaffirmed the government's commitment to fostering national unity and cultural understanding through youth engagement, during a virtual interaction with participants of the flagship Ashtalakshmi Darshan – Youth Exchange Programme.

The interaction, held on 22 April, brought together students from Batches 13, 14, and 15 of the programme, currently hosted at premier institutions including IIT Guwahati, Assam University, and Tezpur University. Senior officials, including DoNER Secretary Sanjay Jaju and Joint Secretary Niraj Kumar, also attended the session.

Youth Exchange Programme Builds Bridges Across India

The batches comprised 100 students drawn from five states—Chhattisgarh, New Delhi, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, and Goa, with each state represented by 20 participants. The exchange programme ran from 15 March to 10 April 2026, offering students an immersive experience of the North Eastern Region (NER).

Through structured visits, academic sessions, and cultural engagements, participants explored the region's rich heritage, biodiversity, and socio-economic landscape—an experience widely described as transformative.

Students Share Firsthand Experiences of the Northeast

During the interactive session, students highlighted how the programme reshaped their perceptions of the region.

Participants spoke about:

• Exposure to diverse landscapes and cultural traditions

• Visits to Air Force stations and interactions with security forces

• Learning about local practices such as terrace farming and bamboo housing

• Experiencing the region's hospitality, cuisine, and tribal heritage

One participant from Chhattisgarh noted that the visit helped her understand why the region is referred to as "Ashtalakshmi"—symbolising its richness and diversity—while others described the experience as "insightful," "memorable," and "deeply enriching."

A particularly engaging moment came when students from Goa performed a song in Assamese, reflecting the cultural exchange and emotional connection fostered through the programme.

Minister Urges Youth to Become Ambassadors of Unity

Addressing the participants, Minister Scindia praised the initiative as a powerful platform for strengthening national integration and mutual understanding among young Indians.

He encouraged students to act as ambassadors of the North Eastern Region in their respective states, carrying forward the knowledge and experiences gained during the programme.

The Minister reiterated that the initiative aligns with Prime Minister Narendra Modi's vision of enabling youth to experience the authentic culture, traditions, and people of Northeast India, thereby building a stronger sense of unity and shared responsibility.

Flagship Initiative Driving Cultural and Emotional Integration

The Ashtalakshmi Darshan – Youth Exchange Programme, launched on 1 November 2025, is a flagship initiative of the Ministry of DoNER, implemented by the North Eastern Council (NEC). It aims to:

• Foster emotional integration across regions

• Strengthen people-to-people connections

• Enhance awareness about the North Eastern Region

• Promote cultural appreciation and mutual understanding

The programme envisions participation from all 28 States and Union Territories, offering 14-day immersive exposure visits that include academic engagements, heritage tours, and community interactions.

Growing Impact and Participation

The initiative has already demonstrated strong momentum, with over 530 students participating across 15 batches during the 2025–26 financial year. Participants have visited all eight North Eastern states and engaged with 11 universities and institutions, reflecting the programme's expanding reach and impact.

Secretary Sanjay Jaju, in his closing remarks, commended the students and partner institutions for contributing to the programme's success, noting that it reflects a growing spirit of national integration and youth-driven engagement.

He urged participants to carry forward their learnings and continue promoting awareness about the Northeast across the country.

A Step Toward a More Connected India

As India continues to prioritise inclusive development and unity in diversity, initiatives like the Ashtalakshmi Darshan programme are playing a crucial role in bridging regional gaps and fostering a deeper sense of national identity among the youth.

By enabling firsthand experiences and meaningful cultural exchanges, the programme is not only reshaping perceptions of the Northeast but also strengthening the foundations of a more connected and cohesive India.