Union Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia urged students from Goa and Uttarakhand visiting Arunachal Pradesh under the Ashtalakshmi Darshan Exchange Programme to strengthen cultural unity and uphold the vision of ‘Ek Bharat, Shreshtha Bharat’ through learning, friendship, and shared experiences.
Union Minister for Development of North Eastern Region (DoNER) Jyotiraditya Scindia on Wednesday virtually interacted with the first batch of students participating in the Ashtalakshmi Darshan Exchange Programme in Arunachal Pradesh, urging them to uphold the spirit of ‘Ek Bharat, Shreshtha Bharat’ through unity, learning, and cultural understanding.
The inaugural batch brought together 39 students — 19 from Goa and 20 from Uttarakhand — who began their cultural journey through the scenic and vibrant landscapes of the Northeast. The initiative offered them a first-hand experience of the region’s cultural, linguistic, and ecological richness.
Organised and funded jointly by the Ministry of DoNER and the North Eastern Council (NEC), the Ashtalakshmi Darshan Exchange Programme is one of the largest inter-state student initiatives ever undertaken. It aims to engage 1,280 students from 28 States and Union Territories, divided into 40 batches, each visiting all eight Northeastern States to deepen inter-regional understanding and appreciation of India’s diversity.
Highlighting the purpose of the programme, Scindia said the initiative reflects the vision of Prime Minister Narendra Modi to promote emotional integration, unity in diversity, and youth empowerment. “The Ashtalakshmi Darshan is not just a cultural tour but a journey of the heart,” Scindia remarked, adding that the students’ experiences would help bridge perceptions between the Northeast and other parts of India.
The DoNER Minister noted that while designing the programme, the government consciously ensured gender inclusivity, with equal representation of boys and girls. “This inclusivity reflects our collective resolve towards empowerment and equal opportunity,” he said.
Scindia described the Ashtalakshmi Darshan as a distinctive cultural and educational exchange initiative that allows participants to immerse themselves in the languages, traditions, and lifestyles of the eight Northeastern States, helping them appreciate the unity that underlies India’s vast diversity.
Recalling his recent visit to Ziro Valley in Arunachal Pradesh, Scindia spoke warmly about the region’s serenity and natural beauty. “It felt like time slows down just enough for you to listen to the Earth,” he said, inspiring students to connect deeply with the environment and local communities.
During his interaction, the Minister personally engaged with several students, inviting them to share their observations and insights.
When asked if she would return to Arunachal with her family, Saumya Bisht from Uttarakhand responded, “Both — my family and friends,” earning applause from the audience.
In another interaction, Rucha Parab from Goa discussed the region’s diverse climates, prompting Scindia to recall his own sports days, saying, “The stamina required in water is different from the ground, and altogether different in the mountains,” switching briefly to Marathi to connect with her.
Deepani from Goa described her experience in Ziro Valley as “deeply positive and memorable,” while Aviral from Haldwani reflected on India’s cultural depth, to which Scindia replied, “It is the responsibility of this generation to pass on this spirit to the next.”
Students also offered suggestions to enrich the programme. Navneet Rawat proposed including more field visits alongside lectures, and Evangeline Menoka suggested exploring more tribes and lifestyles across Arunachal for a broader learning experience.
Students from Rajiv Gandhi University, including a My Bharat Awardee (2023–24), shared their experiences of hosting participants from Goa and Uttarakhand, describing the interaction as a “mutual exchange of ideas and friendships.”
In his concluding remarks, Scindia lauded the enthusiasm of the participants, calling them the “first batch and alumni of the Ashtalakshmi Darshan journey.” He said, “You are the torchbearers of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of ‘Ek Bharat, Shreshtha Bharat.’ Carry this experience with you, nurture these friendships, and continue to be ambassadors of unity and understanding.”
He encouraged students to share their experiences with their communities, adding, “The Northeast does not only need tourists but friends who understand and celebrate its culture.”
The Ashtalakshmi Darshan Exchange Programme stands as a powerful testament to India’s commitment to national unity, youth engagement, and cultural integration. It reinforces the message that India’s diversity is its greatest strength, aligning with the government’s vision of a Viksit Bharat 2047.
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Meanwhile, on November 7, Arunachal Pradesh Governor Lt. General K.T. Parnaik (Retd.) met with the visiting students from Goa and Uttarakhand at Raj Bhavan, Itanagar. Commending the initiative, he described the programme as a “far-sighted effort” to bring the youth of the Northeast and the rest of India closer together through learning, friendship, and mutual respect.
