The North-East National Service Scheme (NSS) Festival 2025 organised by the State NSS Cell, Department of Youth Affairs and Sports, Government of Manipur kickstarted on Thursday at Pettigrew College, Ukhrul. The festival will wind up on 28 September 2025. Delegations from Meghalaya, Assam, Nagaland and Manipur are participating in the ongoing festival.
Khashim Vashum, MLA of 45-Chingai AC kickoff the North-East NSS Festival 2025 in the presence of Naorem Praveen Singh (IAS) Secretary YAS, Government of Manipur, Asish Das (IAS) Deputy Commissioner of Ukhrul, Ningshem Vashum (IPS), SP of Ukhrul, Dr. Y. Suraj Singh (MCS), Director MOBC, Dr. M. Veto Singh (MCS) Director YAS, D. Carthigueane, Regional Director NSS Gauhati and Dr. Ringkahao Horam, Principal Pettigrew College, Ukhrul.
Speaking at the occasion, MLA Khashim Vashum stated “I am deeply honored and privileged to celebrate the North-East NSS Festival 2025 edition with you, right here at Pettigrew College, Ukhrul. I truly believe that this occasion is a God-sent opportunity.
“As we all know, our state was recently ravaged by conflict between communities, and everyone, young and old, was affected. Now, all stakeholders -the Government of Manipur, the Central Government, and CSOs across communities are doing their best to bring peace and normalcy back to the state.
“I implore all the youth present here from different parts of the North-East to become ambassadors of peace and harmony. There is no better opportunity and platform to advocate for and celebrate Unity in Diversity.”
Khashim Vashum added, “today, as we kick off the North-East NSS Festival 2025, I pray and wish that each and every volunteer and participants here experiences the joy and true meaning of Service to others.
“May you gain a deeper understanding of one another culturally and emotionally. and may you foster peace, unity, and development among our North-Eastern communities.
“As we live in this changing world, we must adapt to move forward with dignity and pride. The National Service Scheme (NSS) helps young people serve their communities through volunteer work.”
“I urge our young students to work hard and excel high. You are the future leaders and the backbone of our nation.To make a difference, we must lead by example. We should be role models in our communities, inspiring others to follow our path. By serving others, we can create positive change” added Khashim Vashum.
“True leaders serve others and rely on their own strength and determination. By facing challenges and volunteering, we can make a difference and become better individuals.
“I wish all the youth volunteers a bright future and hope to witness you all bring positive changes to your communities in the near future. I thank and appreciate the Department of Youth Affairs & Sports, Manipur, for giving me this opportunity and for organizing such a wonderful event at Pettigrew College, Ukhrul. I wish them grand success in all their future endeavors.”
Naorem Praveen Singh stated “the Ministry of Youth Affairs And Sports, Government of India approved the scheme for conducting the North-East NSS Festival 2025. This very project or programme was approved in the year 2022- 2023, but due to the crisis in Manipur it could not be conducted in time.
“We have chosen to host the NSS Festival in the hills district because Imphal has had the privilege of hosting so many functions. Hon’ble Governor was kind enough to accept the proposal put up by the YAS Department to host the programme at Pettigrew College, Ukhrul. The scenic beauty of Ukhrul and the warm hospitality is awesome and we are looking forward to having a very successful NSS Festival 2025.”
Each of the North-East states is unique, with its own languages, dances, festivals, and traditions. Yet it is through platforms like NSS that the youths come together to understand, respect, and learn from one another. Youth in traditional attire, a reminder that we must never forget our roots. Folk songs and folk dance performances echo the hall as a symbol of their roots and identity.
The festival will showcase various competitions in the field of education, arts and culture. It will also include activities like exploring the scenic beauty of Ukhrul Town and its surroundings. The delegation of Mizoram, Arunanchal and Tripura delegation could not attend this year’s edition.
