Shillong, March 9 : The 9th batch of the Ashtalakshmi Darshan – Youth Exchange Programme was inaugurated on February 2 at the Indian Institute of Management (IIM) Shillong, marking the start of a 14-day initiative aimed at fostering cultural exchange and experiential learning about the North Eastern Region.
The programme, organised with the support of the North Eastern Council (NEC) under the Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region, brought together 20 students each from Delhi and Odisha, accompanied by two faculty mentors from each institution. The initiative is designed to promote cultural understanding and strengthen connections between the North East and the rest of the country through academic sessions, cultural interactions, and exposure visits.
The inaugural session was attended by Stander Kumar Bhalla, Secretary of NEC, who highlighted the vision of Viksit Bharat and emphasised the Government of India’s efforts toward holistic development of the North Eastern region. He noted that the rest of the country can learn valuable lessons from the region’s rich cultural heritage, strong community values, and resilience.
During the event, Sanjeev Ningombam presented an overview of the programme, emphasising its objective of enabling participants to experience the North East “in letter and spirit” through immersive engagement. Naliniprava Tripathy also highlighted the region’s natural beauty, cultural diversity, and emerging opportunities while stressing the institute’s role in promoting inclusive leadership and national integration.
Meanwhile, the North Eastern Council announced that it released a total of ₹67.41 crore in February 2026 to support development initiatives across the Northeast. The funds are intended for projects related to infrastructure development, livelihood generation, agriculture, education, tourism promotion, research, and cultural initiatives.
Among the beneficiaries, Meghalaya received support for key development projects, including the construction of an RCC bridge over the River Lunar connecting Khaddum to Brichyrnot village in East Jaintia Hills, aimed at improving rural connectivity and accessibility for local communities.
The NEC is also supporting the development of a Cultural Complex of Seng Khasi Ri Raid Laban at Lum Shat Sngi, Kenches Trace in Shillong, which will serve as a centre for preserving and promoting indigenous cultural heritage and traditions.
Additionally, ₹30.07 crore was released to regional institutions and implementing agencies for initiatives including sustainable agriculture, AI-based farming, entrepreneurship development, tourism promotion, research and innovation, sports infrastructure, and livelihood enhancement programmes across the region.
Officials said such initiatives will continue to strengthen regional connectivity, promote cultural preservation, and contribute to sustainable and inclusive development across the North Eastern Region.
