Agartala , Sep 24, 2024, TRIPURATIMES Desk
Agartala Sept 24: The 4-day long North East NSS Festival-2024 was formally inaugurated on Tuesday by Chief Minister Dr Manik Saha at Agartala Town Hall.
The festival, organized by the Tripura State NSS Cell of the Department of Youth Affairs and Sports in collaboration with the NSS Regional Director Guwahati of the Union Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, will continue until September 27.
In his inaugural address, the Chief Minister emphasized the importance of the National Service Scheme (NSS) and the National Cadet Corps (NCC) in the curriculum of school and college students.
He highlighted their role in fostering social service, patriotism, brotherhood, solidarity, and a higher consciousness among the youth.
Commending the relentless efforts of the NSS Volunteers, Dr Saha encouraged them to persist in their noble endeavours.
He also expressed gratitude for their voluntary services and their unwavering enthusiasm to contribute to the nation’s betterment.
The Chief Minister underscored that the primary objective of student life should be to become true human beings and to strengthen inherent talents.
He noted the significant role of the youth in building a beautiful society and stressed the need for a positive attitude.
He also pointed out the special role of NSS volunteers in creating a drug-free, plastic-free, and pollution-free society.
“Approximately 65 percent of the country’s human resources are youth, who are the main driving force of the nation. Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of building a developed country with the youth at its core. He always maintains direct interactions with students on various national issues”, said the CM.
Highlighting the developmental works done in the state in these recent years with Narendra Modi as the prime minister, the chief minister said, “Prime Minister Narendra Modi has given a new dimension to the North eastern state. Referred to as Astalakshmi, Tripura as a Northeastern state has seen successful implementation of HIRA model, which has led to significant improvements in education, health, and communication systems in the North East, including Tripura. This progress has integrated the region into the mainstream development of the country, overcoming decades of neglect”.
In his address, Dr Saha also highlighted the signing of 12 peace accords to maintain peace in the North Eastern states, including three in Tripura. He expressed hope that the festival would strengthen relationships and foster a sense of brotherhood among the North Eastern states.
Youth Affairs and Sports Minister Tinku Roy, speaking on the occasion, emphasized the role of the youth in building a new and prosperous India, as envisioned by Prime Minister Modi.
He highlighted the abundant natural resources of the North Eastern states and expressed optimism that these resources would lead to self-reliance in the future.
Secretary Youth Affairs as Sports Department PK Chakraborty, Regional Director Zhangjilong of the Guwahati-based NSS Regional Directorate. SB Nath, Director, Youth Affairs and Sports Department, Major Kakali Dhar, Deputy Director of the Soldier Welfare Directorate, among others remained present at the program.
During the event, NSS volunteers collected a draft of Rs 2,11,887 for the welfare of soldiers and their families, which was handed over by Major Kakali Dhar.
Besides, awards were presented to the best NSS Program Officers and NSS Volunteers of the State for their outstanding excellence in the NSS program for the year 2023-24. A souvenir was also unveiled on the occasion.