The Inter-State Youth Exchange Programme under My Bharat – Dimapur, organized by the Ministry of Youth Affairs & Sports, Government of India, was held on February 24 at Youth Hostel, Dimapur.
Sub-Divisional Officer, Dimapur, Wiridin, NCS welcomed the visiting youth from West Bengal to Nagaland. He described it as a privilege for Nagaland to host young minds from what he termed the “intellectual heart of India”. He expressed hope that the interaction would allow mutual learning and cultural exchange between the people of Nagaland and West Bengal.
Emphasizing India’s diversity, SDO said the country is home to people of different races, religions and cultures. “Unity in diversity is not just a slogan but a responsibility,” he remarked, also adding that national integration cannot be forced but must be built through understanding and interaction.
He pointed out that racial discrimination incidents in different parts of the country reflect a lack of cultural awareness and inter-state exchange. He felt that, increased cultural exchange programmes and youth interactions are essential to bridge misunderstandings and strengthen unity.
Encouraging the visiting youth to become “messengers of unity,” he urged them to build friendships across regions, break social barriers, and promote mutual respect. He stressed that national integration requires action, not just celebration, and called for meaningful collaboration between the people of different States.
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District Commandant Home Guards, Civil Defence and State Disaster Response Force, M Yingnyei Konyak, in his address highlighted on the disaster Response management in Nagaland. He informed the youth that disasters cannot be avoided but one can prepare to mitigate the consequences of the disaster by planning and exercises beforehand. He also noted that so far 700 volunteers are trained on disaster management in Nagaland.
The event featured a short address by My Bharat volunteer, Kizelie; special song by My Bharat volunteers, followed by National Anthem presented by participants from West Bengal, showcasing the spirit of inter-state unity and cultural diversity.
The programme began with the presidential address by District Youth Officer, My Bharat- Peren, Korada Manikanta, where he spoke about the objectives of the programme, highlighting the importance of youth engagement and cultural exchange in strengthening national integration. The formal proceedings concluded with a vote of thanks by Accounts & program Assistant, Nirendra Mushaharay.
