New Delhi, Sep 24, 2014 – For the first time in India’s history, students from North India and Northeast India came together on a common platform to discuss bridging gaps and exchanging ideas. The event, held at India Habitat Centre on Thursday (25 Sept 2014), was part of a daylong initiative themed “YOUth DECIDE – Exchanging Opportunities: North India and North East India through Education, Employment, and Entertainment” and was organized by the Indian Chamber of Commerce (ICC), which has been active since 1925.
Addressing the gathering, Mr. M.K. Saharai, Chairman of the North Eastern Regional Council of ICC, highlighted the geographical and strategic importance of the Northeast region. “The Northeast is not merely in a corner of our country; it is at the center where three of the fastest-developing countries—China, South Asia, and Southeast Asia—meet India,” Saharai stated, emphasizing the region’s untapped potential for growth and development.
The event featured a panel of esteemed speakers, including:
- Bina Lakshmi Nepram, Founder of Manipur Women Gun Survivors Network
- Dr. Nirmal Kumar, Professor at Sri Venkateswara College
- Karma Paljor, Editor of Business & Special Features at CNN-IBN
- Alana Golmei, Founding Member & General Secretary of North East Support Centre & Helpline (NESCH)
- Peter Lavenstein Denjongpa, Principal of Taktse School, Gangtok
While prominent officials from the Ministry of Home Affairs and the Ministry of Skill Development were notably absent, the event proceeded with insightful discussions aimed at fostering closer ties between North and Northeast India.
During the first session, themed “Integrating North East with North of India – Experiences and Way Forward”, panelist Bina Lakshmi Nepram pointed out that the challenges faced by the Northeast are often a result of governance failures. “Although the region is home to over 72 armed groups, the majority of people in the Northeast desire peace,” she explained, questioning the continued enforcement of the Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA) in some of the most picturesque states in the Northeast.
Dr. Nirmal Kumar, a professor with over 27 years of teaching experience, shared his personal encounters with discrimination and expressed that cultural exchange, especially through food, can bridge divides. “Food is the best ambassador of our culture. We are planning a food festival in our college to send a meaningful message to the people,” he said.
Karma Paljor, a well-known media personality from the Northeast, encouraged students to step out of their cultural enclaves. “Break away from the ghettos and engage with the larger community. People have a soft spot for the Northeast,” he advised.
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| Dr. Alana Golmei, General Secretary, North East Support Centre & Helpline. Pic: MI/NESCH. |
Alana Golmei, co-founder of NESCH, raised critical questions about the relationship between North India and Northeast India. “Northeast India is a diverse region that needs to be explored and understood. Our future depends on what we do today,” she urged the audience.
In the second session, titled “Policy Ideas on Exchanging Opportunities between North East and North of India”, teams from various institutions competed to present innovative solutions for bridging regional gaps. The competition saw the Naga Students Union Delhi (NSUD) team take the top prize, with SRCC and NSIT securing second and third place, respectively.
The daylong event left participants hopeful about the future, with many expressing the belief that the discussions and ideas shared would lead to tangible outcomes in the days ahead.
North East Support Centre & Helpline, New Delhi
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