New Delhi. Union Communications and North Eastern Development Ministry Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia said at the North East Cultural Festival that the North Eastern region is the growth engine of India and it can become the country’s gateway to the Global South. Eight states have extraordinary potential and with about 93 percent literacy, this region can play a leading role in the development of the country.
Jyotiraditya Scindia, while addressing the 15th edition of the North East Cultural Festival (NETIM) 2026 organized at the Hindu College of Delhi University here, described it as a powerful platform showcasing the talent, energy and cultural richness of the North-East.
Describing the North-East as ‘Ashtalakshmi’, he said that his tenure as Minister in the last two years has given him the opportunity to understand more deeply the immense potential of this region. The region is a strategic bridge not only for India but also to South East Asia and the global arena.
Praising the human resources of the North-East, Scindia said that the literacy rate here is about 93 percent. He appealed to the youth to lead the country’s development journey. He also mentioned his personal connection with the North-East and said that his visits to all eight states had given new energy to his outlook.
Referring to the cultural heritage of the region, he remembered artists like Bhupen Hazarika and Zubin Garg. He said that the art and culture of the North-East is unique and the depth of tradition is visible in every presentation.
The minister said that the eight states of the North-East are natural bridges between India and the Global South, which can give a new direction to economic and cultural exchanges. He also mentioned the key initiatives of the Ministry to empower the youth.
He informed that the Advancing NER portal will be launched in April 2026. It will be an integrated digital platform, which will provide information on more than 1000 employment opportunities, more than 300 career options, more than 200 entrance exams and more than 3000 courses.
Scindia said that under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the vision of development of the North-East has moved beyond intentions to implementation. He said that opportunities are now being defined on the basis of access and inclusion.
The program was enthusiastically participated by students, artists and teachers and showcased the cultural diversity and potential of the North East.
It is noteworthy that under the NE SPARKS program, every year 800 students are being trained in space science and modern technology in collaboration with ISRO. Cultural exchange between students from the North East and other parts of the country is being promoted through the Ashtalakshmi Darshan programme, which has so far involved 1280 students and aims to take it to 8000 students by 2030.
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