Bengaluru, January 20, 2026: Mizoram Health Minister Lalrinpuii participated as the Chief Guest at Libernum 2026, an international conference organised by Christ University, focusing on “Northeast India at the Crossroad: Inclusion, Culture and a Sustainable Future.”
 |
| Image: DIPR Mizoram |
The conference witnessed the participation of eminent university professors, scholars and experts from across India and different parts of the world, engaging in discussions on the socio-economic, cultural and developmental trajectory of the Northeast.
Addressing the gathering, the Minister urged the youth to move away from describing the Northeast as “landlocked” and instead view it as “land-linked,” highlighting improved connectivity through projects such as the Agartala–Akhaura railway line, the Kaladan Multi-Modal Transit Transport Project and the Asian Highway network.
She emphasised that the rich cultural heritage of the Northeast should not be confined to museums alone, but recognised as valuable intellectual property in the global economy. Traditional knowledge, indigenous practices and medicinal plants of the region, she said, are increasingly gaining global relevance and economic value.
Speaking on digital democracy and technology-driven inclusion, Lalrinpuii noted that the expansion of 4G and 5G networks has bridged gaps between remote regions like Mizoram and metropolitan centres such as Bengaluru. This digital access, she said, reflects the true essence of inclusive governance by enabling equal access to knowledge and skills.
The Minister further remarked that true development and well-being extend beyond healthcare infrastructure, stressing the importance of sustainable livelihoods and entrepreneurship. Citing examples of young entrepreneurs exporting products from Aizawl to global markets such as London, she described them as symbols of meaningful development.
ALSO READ: Muanpuii Saiawi Appointed India’s Next High Commissioner to New Zealand
Highlighting the ecological significance of the Northeast as India’s “green lung,” she called for a development model aligned with environmental sustainability. Eco-tourism, carbon credits and clean energy initiatives, she added, should form the backbone of the region’s future growth.
The conference also saw participation from LushAITech, a Mizoram-based artificial intelligence initiative, which collaborated with Christ University as an official AI Partner, underscoring the growing role of the Northeast in emerging technologies.
