The Nagaland Pradesh Congress Committee (NPCC), in collaboration with the All India Congress Committee (AICC) Media Department, on Saturday launched the National Talent Hunt programme in Nagaland, aimed at identifying and nurturing young talents to take up roles in media, research, and public communication at the national level.
Launching the programme at Congress Bhavan, Dimapur, AICC spokesperson Dolly Sharma said Nagaland possesses immense talent, including powerful voices, intelligent researchers, and creative media minds, but many young people go not get the right platform to grow and lead.
She emphasized that the initiative is not confined to politics alone but focuses on empowering the next generation through training and capacity building. “Through this talent, we aim to polish, train, and empower the next generation of spokespersons, researchers, and publicity coordinators. We want young people who believe in democracy, who believe in truth, and who want responsibility,” she said, adding, “Nagaland’s youth deserve opportunities, not just promises”.
According to her, the initiative will prepare participants to represent local issues at the national level. She urged youth with confidence, commitment, and courage to participate by applying through a QR code system, which allows applicants to directly submit their forms to the AICC Media Department headquarters. “Become the voice of change, help shape the future. This is your platform, this is your moment,” she said.
Sharma further stated that the Congress party has provided platforms for young individuals to showcase their abilities, and the National Talent Hunt is another step in continuing that tradition. She explained that one can just apply by scanning the OR code, which would reach All India Congress Committee Media Department. She also said that there are three posts—spokesperson, national panelist and a researcher.
Highlighting the significance of the initiative, Sharma said many issues concerning Nagaland and the Northeast often remain unaddressed at the national level, partly due to communication barriers and lack of representation. She said the programme is designed to bridge this gap by creating opportunities for youth to raise regional issues on national platforms. She also encouraged women and young professionals across the state to participate in the programme.
Responding to a query as to what would be the benefits for persons who get through the talent hunt, Sharma criticized the functioning of the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party alleging that voices critical of the government are often suppressed. She cited instances involving media personnel who have been jailed for speaking the truth and asserted that the Congress leadership, particularly Rahul Gandhi, has consistently raised issues concerning farmers, unemployed youth, women, and economically weaker sections. She urged the women of Nagaland to come forward and participate in the National Talent Hunt.
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Responding to queries regarding language barriers faced by people from the Northeast, Sharma said that participants can represent national debates in English, noting that many youths from Nagaland are proficient in the language. She added that spokespersons, panelists, and researchers from the state would be encouraged to raise local issues at the national level whenever necessary.
Stating that selected youths would be part of the AICC, Sharma also clarified that the programme is open to applicants from all districts of Nagaland and does not impose an age limit. However, she said applicants are expected to possess strong general awareness about national affairs, history, and public issues to effectively participate in the selection process. She informed that the registration process is expected to conclude by the end of February.
Speaking on the occasion, NPCC Working President Apok Jamir expressed appreciation to the AICC for launching the initiative in Nagaland and welcomed Sharma’s visit to the state to formally launch the programme. He said India’s strength lies in its unity in diversity and noted that the Northeast, despite its cultural diversity, remains united due to the commitment of its people.
Jamir said the National Talent Hunt would go a long way in strengthening and highlighting the problems and the demands of the youths of today, even in the national stage. He urged especially the youths who are eager to serve their people, who are eager to serve their nation, also participate.
He described the Northeast as a reservoir of talent, which has lots of talents and especially in Nagaland, such talents can be tapped and used in the national level to voice out the difficulties.
Announcing the initiative, NPCC Social Media Chairman, Kumjimong described the programme as a landmark step reflecting the party’s commitment towards empowering the youth of Nagaland.
