The Northeast NSS Festival 2026, organized by the University of Science and Technology Meghalaya (USTM) under the theme “Empowered Youth for Viksit Bharat,” concluded on Saturday, marking the culmination of five days of intensive engagement, community service, cultural exchange, and youth empowerment at the USTM campus. The festival brought together NSS volunteers and programmer officers from across the Northeastern states, creating a dynamic platform for leadership development, national integration, and experiential learning.
A key highlight of the valedictory programme was the prize distribution ceremony, where Manipur was adjudged the Best State/contingent, in recognition of its outstanding performance, discipline and active participation throughout the festival. Earlier, the festival commenced with a grand inaugural ceremony marked by a colourful cultural procession and a ceremonial flag-off jointly conducted by the Chancellor of USTM, Mahbubul Hoque; former Assam Chief Secretary Kumar Sanjay Krishna; and Zikrul Hasan Fahad, Assistant High Commissioner and Head of Mission, Bangladesh.
During the festival, technical sessions and interactive discussions addressed key themes, including civic responsibility, national integration, sustainable development and digital awareness. Sessions like “The Invisible Thread: From Personal Success to Civic Duty,” “Bridges of Brotherhood,” and “Digital Fortitude” provided valuable insights into the role of youth in shaping a responsible and progressive society.
A major highlight of the festival was the village outreach programme at Jorbil, Ri-Bhoi, where volunteers actively engaged with the local community. Initiatives such as cleanliness drives under Swachh Bharat, community-based surveys on pressing social issues, and awareness-focused creative competitions underscored the spirit of grassroots engagement and social responsibility.
These activities reflected the core NSS philosophy of “Not Me, But You,” emphasising service above self. The festival also promoted environmental consciousness and experiential learning through an exposure visit to Umiam Lake (Barapani), where participants undertook shramdan activities, including plastic waste management and environmental awareness initiatives.
Cultural integration remained a central theme, with various competitions such as folk song, folk dance, thematic plays, and a unique State Team Dance segment encouraging cross-cultural appreciation and unity among participants. Wellness and discipline were integral to the daily routine, with fitness sessions including yoga and group activities reinforcing the principle of “Wellness Before Work, Discipline Before Duty,” highlighting the importance of physical and mental well-being in effective nation-building.
The festival concluded with a Unity Walkathon promoting national integration, followed by evaluation sessions and the formal valedictory ceremony held at the Central Auditorium. The ceremony featured the NSS Geet, felicitation of dignitaries, and a comprehensive report presentation by Dr Nibedita Paul, NSS coordinator, USTM.