Agartala, Sept 24: Chief Minister Prof. (Dr.) Manik Saha officially inaugurated the North East NSS Festival-2024 at Agartala Town Hall today. The event, organized by the Tripura State NSS Cell of the Department of Youth Affairs and Sports and the NSS Regional Director Guwahati of the Union Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, will continue until September 27.
In his address, Chief Minister Saha emphasized the importance of the National Service Scheme (NSS) and the National Cadet Corps (NCC) in the curriculum of school and college students. He highlighted their roles in fostering social service, patriotism, brotherhood, solidarity, and higher consciousness among the youth. He noted that about 65 percent of the country’s human resources are youth, who are the main driving force of the nation. The Chief Minister also mentioned Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of building a developed country with the active participation of the youth.
Chief Minister Saha remarked on the significant economic and overall development in the North Eastern states since Narendra Modi became Prime Minister in 2014. He credited the successful implementation of the ‘Hira’ program for improvements in education, health, and communication systems in the region, linking it to the national development mainstream. He also mentioned the signing of 12 peace accords, including three in Tripura, to maintain peace in the North Eastern states.
Youth Affairs and Sports Minister Tinku Roy spoke about the country’s progress towards building a new and prosperous India, as envisioned by Prime Minister Modi. He highlighted the abundant natural resources in the North Eastern states and expressed hope for their future self-reliance.
The event featured speeches from various dignitaries, including the Secretary of the Youth Affairs and Sports Department, PK Chakraborty, and Regional Director Zhangjilong of the Guwahati-based NSS Regional Directorate. NSS volunteers collected a draft of 2,11,887 rupees for the welfare of soldiers and their families, which was handed over by (Major) Kakli Dhar. Awards were also presented to the best NSS Program Officers and Volunteers for their outstanding performance in the 2023-24 NSS program, and a souvenir was unveiled on the occasion.
