Mizoram’s Sports & Youth Services Minister Shri Zodintluanga today graced the inaugural function of the North East NSS Youth Festival at the Multipurpose Hall of Mizoram University in Tanhril.

Speaking on the occasion Shri Zodintluanga said “unity in diversity is our strength. India is home to many cultures, people, groups and tribes. And India can only shine brightest when all these different cultures and people work together and unite”. He spoke on the need to embrace cultural, political and religious differences and work for national integration so the nation can further progress. He dwelt on the need by young people from the region to continue to work for the integration of the country even when there are forces against them.

Pointing to the fact that only a handful of young people from the north east are joining the all India services and other central services, he said ‘we need to step up and give our best shot at civil service examinations, for through this, there is so much you can do for the region’. He further said that even though there are quotas to enter the civil services, we must put in more hard work so as not to rely on these quotas. He also expressed confidence in the youth of the North east and said that what others can so can boys and girls from the region and the only need is putting in more hard work and being more confident.

Shri Zodintluanga called upon the NSS volunteers to learn from each other and work together for peace and development of the region. He said that NSS can play an important role in the implementation of Swachh Bharat and requested Programme Officers of NSS in the region to include it as one of the activities under the NSS.

Mizoram University, Vice Chancellor Prof. R Lalthantlaunga who also spoke on the occasion said that unless there is peace development cannot progress and called upon the NSS volunteers to learn from each other and be ambassadors of peace in the region. Sports & Youth Services Department Secretary Shri Zothankhuma dwelt on the potential of agro-based industries and adventure tourism in the empowerment of youth and employment generation in the North East.

More than 300 NSS volunteers and Programme Officers from all the eight North Eastern states are participating in the four day Festival which will conclude on the 19^th February.