The National Institute of Technology (NIT) Manipur, in collaboration with the North Eastern Council (NEC), Shillong, and the Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region (DoNER), Government of India, has concluded the Ashtalakshmi Darshan Youth Exchange Programme 2026–27 aimed at promoting national integration and cultural exchange.
The 14-day programme, organised across various locations in Manipur, brought together around 40 students from Chandigarh and Puducherry to experience the state’s cultural heritage, history and traditions and interact with local communities.
The participants visited the Manipur Zoological Garden, Ima Keithel, Andro, Khongjom War Memorial Complex, Marjing Polo Complex and INA Memorial. They also visited the offices of the Deputy Commissioners of Thoubal and Kakching and interacted with district officials. The participants later visited Lok Bhavan and interacted with the Governor.
They also interacted online with DoNER Secretary Katikithala Srinivas.
NIT Manipur Registrar Prof Khumukcham Tomba Singh said the programme was organised to provide young people from different parts of the country an opportunity to understand the distinct cultural identities of the Northeast and strengthen national integration through cultural interaction.
NIT Manipur Director Prof DVLN Somayajulu expressed gratitude to all participating delegates and organisations for their support in making the youth exchange programme a success.