District Youth Officer (DYO), Dimapur, K. Manikanta, along with Principal of Pranab College Dr. Santosh Kumar and National Service Scheme (NSS) Programme Officers from participating colleges finalized the preparations for the nationwide “Khelo India Samvad – Khel Ki Baat PM Ke Saath”, on August 27 at Pranab College, Dimapur.
Speaking during the briefing, DYO, K Manikanta stated that the initiative would provide an opportunity to observe grassroots sports facilities and identify areas requiring improvement.
He said the observations would help in preparing a model action plan for strengthening sports infrastructure, with additional capital and external funding expected to be made available for infrastructure development from the following year.
The Khelo India Samvad is being organised with the broader objective of promoting sports among youth and contributing towards India’s target of securing 36 Olympic medals at the 2036 Olympics.
In Dimapur, Pranab College, Regional Institute of Management College and Technical College have been selected to participate in the initiative. Manikanta stated that this would be the first time such an interaction was being organised under the programme.
The programme will also feature felicitation of local sports achievers, including those who have won medals, secured government employment through sporting achievements and attained high ranks at national-level sporting events.
A dedicated session on careers in sports will also be organised, featuring interactions with local sportspersons and coaches. The session will provide youth with an opportunity to learn about career prospects in sports and seek guidance from experienced personalities.
The programme is being organised in collaboration with the Sports Department and local authorities, with activities aimed at motivating youth and encouraging greater participation in sports.
Manikanta also highlighted various youth engagement activities, including registration drives across districts and competitions based on current affairs and other themes. These activities are intended to create greater awareness among youth and encourage their participation in national institute.
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Speaking on the occasion, NSS Programme Officer of Pranab College, Ulla Lauren Fernandez, thanked the District Administration, State NSS Office and concerned officials for providing the institution an opportunity to participate in the initiative. She expressed hope that the programme would create greater awareness among youth and encourage their participation in sports.
The coordination meeting brought together NSS institutional leaders responsible for student mobilisation across Dimapur, Chumoukedima and Niuland districts. Those present included Ulla Lauren Fernandez, NSS Programme Officer, Pranab College; Letsol Thakro, Coordinator and NSS Programme Officer, Tetso College; Hepitoli Y Sumi, NSS Programme Officer, Platinum College; and Khriesalie, NSS Programme Officer, Patkai Christian College.
During the meeting, the NSS leadership launched physical posters and digital banners across the participating institutions. Students will also be encouraged to access the official MY Bharat portal through QR codes installed on the campuses and submit their feedback and suggestions towards India’s 2036 Olympic roadmap.
The participating institutions have completed preparations, including arrangements for digital projection facilities and dedicated auditoriums. The campuses will host the nationwide live-stream of the programme from 2 p.m. on August 27.
The organisers said the initiative would provide a platform for direct interaction with youth while also helping identify grassroots-level infrastructure gaps and develop a roadmap for strengthening sports facilities and nurturing sporting talent.
