Aizawl, February 10: The inaugural programme of the Ashtalakshmi Darshan Youth Exchange Programme was held on January 16, 2026, at the Guest House Conference Hall of Mizoram University, marking the beginning of a two-week cultural and academic exchange involving students from across the North Eastern Region and island territories.
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| Participants, faculty members, and officials pose for a group photograph during the inauguration of the Ashtalakshmi Darshan Youth Exchange Programme at Mizoram University on January 16, 2026. (Image: DIPR Mizoram) |
The programme was chaired by Dr. R. Lalchhanhima, Nodal Officer of the initiative and Dean of Students’ Welfare, Mizoram University. In his opening remarks, he welcomed the participants and underlined the importance of youth exchanges in fostering national integration and cultural understanding.
Dr. Lalhmingliana from the Faculty of Management presented an overview of the tentative schedule, which includes academic sessions, city visits, and rural immersion activities designed to expose participants to Mizoram’s social, cultural, and educational landscape. Faculty coordinators from Lakshadweep and the Andaman & Nicobar Islands described the exchange as a unique and enriching opportunity, given the cultural and geographical contrasts between their regions and Mizoram.
Mr. Midley B. M. Lyngdoh, Executive Engineer at the North Eastern Council (NEC) Secretariat, who was visiting Mizoram to monitor NEC-funded projects, delivered a brief address highlighting the Council’s support for youth-centric and development-oriented initiatives. He was followed by Prof. Pravakar Rath, Pro Vice-Chancellor of Mizoram University, who spoke on the academic value of such exchange programmes.
The Vice-Chancellor of Mizoram University, attending as Chief Guest, delivered the keynote address, welcoming the participants and sharing insights into Mizoram’s people, culture, and history. He encouraged students to make the most of what he described as a “once-in-a-lifetime” opportunity to experience the North-East. As a gesture of appreciation, the Vice-Chancellor felicitated Mr. Lyngdoh for attending the inaugural programme despite his busy schedule. The event concluded with a vote of thanks by Dr. B. Lalzarliana from the Faculty of Sociology.
NEC fund releases and development initiatives
Meanwhile, the North Eastern Council reported total fund releases amounting to ₹81.50 crore during January 2026 across Northeastern states, regional bodies, and other agencies, reaffirming its commitment to infrastructure development, livelihood enhancement, cultural promotion, research, and innovation.
Of this, ₹1.84 crore was released specifically for Mizoram for projects including the North East Service Hub, industry innovation infrastructure and livelihood initiatives at Lyngleng-I and Sialhawk, and the strengthening of food testing laboratories.
Additionally, ₹32.59 crore was disbursed to central, regional, and other agencies, including educational institutions and cultural organisations. Major interventions during the month covered a wide range of sectors such as education, tourism, bamboo and cane development, agriculture, cultural infrastructure, animal husbandry, and skill development across Manipur, Mizoram, Assam, Nagaland, Meghalaya, Tripura, and Arunachal Pradesh.
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Non-project activities included international and regional seminars, cultural festivals, youth exchanges, technology and innovation events, and sustainability-focused workshops, alongside major festivals and summits held across the region.
Key project completion in Mizoram
Among completed projects, the NEC announced the successful completion of the Saiha–Lungbun–Tluangnuam–Haka Road in Mizoram under the NESIDS (Roads) scheme at a cost of ₹45.15 crore. Spanning 13 km, the road benefits seven villages and around 17,500 people, significantly improving connectivity in a remote border area of Saiha district and strengthening access towards the India–Myanmar border.
The project is expected to boost socio-economic development, mobility, and economic opportunities in one of Mizoram’s most underdeveloped regions, underscoring the NEC’s focus on inclusive growth and strategic connectivity in the North East.
