Jyotiraditya M. Scindia addresses the Northeast cultural festival of Hindu College, Hails Northeast as India’s growth engine

Union Minister for Communications and Development of North Eastern Region (DoNER), Jyotiraditya Scindia, addressed the 15th edition of NEtym 2026, the annual cultural festival of the Northeast Cell at Hindu College, University of Delhi, marking a significant milestone in celebrating the spirit, talent, and potential of the Northeast region.

Thanking the organisers and students for the invitation, the Union Minister lauded NEtym as a dynamic platform that reflects the capability, energy and cultural richness of the Northeast that is reverentially referred to as the ‘Ashtalakshmi’ of India. He noted that over the past two years, his tenure as DoNER Minister has deepened his understanding of the region’s immense potential, not only for India but as a strategic bridge to Southeast Asia and the wider global landscape.

Speaking at an institution with a rich legacy as it approaches its 125th year, the union minister r highlighted the exceptional human capital of the Northeast, pointing to its remarkable literacy levels, averaging nearly 93% and emphasised that the region’s youth must lead India’s growth story across sectors.

Recalling his deep personal connection with the Northeast, Shri Scindia spoke about his familial ties to the region and his frequent visits to all eight states, which continue to inspire and energise his vision for its development. He also reflected on the cultural depth of the region, describing performances from Assam and other states as “mantramugdh,” where every gesture and movement carries generations of tradition and meaning. He paid tribute to cultural icons such as Bhupen Hazarika and Zubeen Garg, noting that the Northeast remains a repository of unparalleled artistic and cultural wealth.