Sikkim: 8th North East Youth Festival begins in Gangtok with grand celebrations

The 8th North East Youth Festival 2025 commenced with grandeur at Paljor Stadium, Gangtok, on Sunday, marking a vibrant celebration of youth, culture, and regional unity. The Governor of Sikkim, Om Prakash Mathur, graced the occasion as the Chief Guest and officially inaugurated the four-day-long festival.

A colorful cultural parade by contingents from all North Eastern states, along with participants from the National Service Scheme (NSS) and Nehru Yuva Kendra Sangathan (NYKS), set the tone for the event. Hosting this prestigious festival for the second time, Sikkim welcomed over 1,500 young participants from across the region, promising an enriching exchange of ideas and traditions.

The North East Youth Festival, organized annually in different states, serves as a platform for young minds to engage in competitive and collaborative activities. This year’s theme, "Empowered Youth, Empowered Region – My Bharat, Viksit Bharat," aligns with India's vision of progress through youth participation. The festival is jointly organized by the Sports and Youth Affairs Department, Government of Sikkim, and the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, Government of India.

In his keynote address, Governor Mathur expressed his delight in being part of the festival and emphasized its role in fostering regional unity and youth empowerment. He lauded the contributions of North Eastern youth in shaping the nation, citing sports icons such as Bhaichung Bhutia, Mary Kom, and Phurkit Lhamu as examples of excellence and dedication.

Highlighting the special focus of the Central Government on North East India, he acknowledged Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s initiatives aimed at uplifting the region. The Governor encouraged the youth to actively participate in the nation’s development and envisioned a self-reliant and progressive North East as part of Viksit Bharat 2047.

Yangchen D. Tamang, Secretary, Sports and Youth Affairs Department, called the festival a "historic moment" for Sikkim, as it coincides with the state’s 50th year of statehood. She highlighted the significance of hosting the festival once again and expressed gratitude to the Governor for his support in Sikkim’s developmental journey. She further stressed that the event would help mold young minds toward self-reliance and national progress.

The inaugural ceremony was marked by a spectacular showcase of traditional dances from Arunachal Pradesh, Manipur, Meghalaya, Nagaland, Sikkim, and Tripura, reflecting the rich cultural diversity of the North East.

The event was attended by several dignitaries, including Mingma N. Sherpa, Speaker of the Sikkim Legislative Assembly; Arun K. Upreti, Minister of Rural Development and Cooperation Departments; Tenzing N. Lamtha, MLA and Advisor, Forest and Environmental Department; Delay N. Barfungpa, MLA and Advisor, Food and Civil Supplies and Urban Development Departments; Tshering Palden Bhutia, Deputy Mayor, Gangtok Municipal Corporation (GMC); Kuber Bhandari, State Information Commissioner and President, Sikkim Olympic Association; Dr. R.B. Bishwakarma, Additional Director, S&YAD; and Madhavi Mohanti, Deputy Secretary, Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, Government of India.