North-East NSS Festival 2025 kicks off at Pettigrew College

The much-anticipated North-East National Service Scheme (NSS) Festival 2025 commenced on Thursday at Pettigrew College, Ukhrul, with vibrant cultural displays and a strong call for peace, unity, and community service. The five-day festival, organized by the State NSS Cell under the Department of Youth Affairs and Sports (YAS), Government of Manipur, will conclude on September 28, hosting delegations from Meghalaya, Assam, Nagaland, and Manipur.
The inaugural ceremony was attended by MLA Khashim Vashum of Chingai AC as chief guest, along with Naorem Praveen Singh, Secretary YAS; Asish Das, Deputy Commissioner Ukhrul; Ningshem Vashum, SP Ukhrul; Dr. Y. Suraj Singh, Director MOBC; Dr. M. Veto Singh, Director YAS; D. Carthigueane, Regional Director NSS Guwahati; and Dr. Ringkahao Horam, Principal of Pettigrew College.
Addressing the gathering, Khashim Vashum described the festival as a “God-sent opportunity” for youth to rise above divisions, referring to recent ethnic conflicts in Manipur. H
e urged participants to become “ambassadors of peace and harmony” and emphasized that the NSS is a platform to build character, leadership, and service-oriented citizenship.
Naorem Praveen Singh highlighted that the festival, approved by the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports in 2022-23, had been delayed due to the Manipur crisis. He praised Ukhrul for its natural beauty and warm hospitality.
The inaugural session featured folk songs and dances, reflecting the rich cultural diversity of the North-East. Participants will engage in competitions in arts, education, and culture, alongside excursions to Ukhrul’s scenic landscapes. While delegations from Mizoram, Arunachal Pradesh, and Tripura could not attend this year, organizers expressed optimism for broader participation in future editions.
With its theme of “unity in diversity,” the North-East NSS Festival 2025 aims to inspire young volunteers to serve communities with dignity, foster mutual understanding, and promote lasting peace across the region.