Union Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia Interacts with First Batch of Ashtalakshmi Darshan Youth Exchange Programme
Union Minister for Communications and Development of North Eastern Region, Jyotiraditya M. Scindia, interacted virtually with the inaugural batch of students participating in the Ashtalakshmi Darshan Youth Exchange Programme. The initiative aims to promote national integration and strengthen bonds among young people from different parts of India.
The first batch includes 39 students — 19 from Goa and 20 from Uttarakhand — who are currently visiting Arunachal Pradesh. Rajiv Gandhi University, a Central University in the state, is hosting the students. The programme is organized and funded by the Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region (MDoNER) and the North Eastern Council (NEC).
The Ashtalakshmi Darshan Youth Exchange Programme is designed to foster inter-regional understanding, promote cultural appreciation, and advance the vision of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s “Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat”. It involves 1,280 students from 28 states and union territories, divided into 40 batches, each visiting one of the eight Northeastern states.
Highlighting inclusivity, Scindia noted that the programme ensures equal participation of boys and girls, reflecting the government’s commitment to gender equality and empowerment. He described Ashtalakshmi Darshan as a cultural and educational bridge allowing participants to explore languages, traditions, and community life across the Northeast, deepening their understanding of India’s diversity.
Recalling his visit to Ziro Valley, Scindia spoke of its serene beauty, saying it felt like “time slows down just enough for you to listen to the earth.” Students shared similar impressions from their experiences in Ziro and Itanagar. Saumya Bisht from Uttarakhand mentioned she would love to revisit Arunachal Pradesh with her family and friends, while Deepani from Goa described her visit as deeply memorable. During the session, the Minister also engaged in light conversation with participants, including speaking in Marathi with Rucha Parab from Goa.
Aviral from Haldwani reflected on India’s cultural diversity, to which the Minister responded that it is this generation’s duty to preserve and pass on such values. Students suggested including more field visits and exploring other tribes in future batches. Rajiv Gandhi University students, including a My Bharat Awardee (2023–24), shared that the exchange was a valuable platform for learning and friendship.
In his closing remarks, Scindia encouraged the students to share their experiences widely, calling them “the first alumni and torchbearers of the Ashtalakshmi Darshan journey under Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat.” He urged them to promote Arunachal Pradesh’s culture and traditions among their communities, emphasizing that the Northeast needs not just visitors but friends who understand its people and heritage.
The Ashtalakshmi Darshan initiative stands as a testament to the government’s focus on cultural integration, youth engagement, and national unity, reflecting the broader goal of building a Viksit Bharat by 2047.
Review Meeting Held on Matabari Tourism Circuit Development in Tripura
Union Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia also chaired a review meeting on the development of the Matabari Tourism Circuit in Tripura, alongside Chief Minister Prof. (Dr.) Manik Saha. The session discussed detailed plans to transform Tripura into a major cultural, spiritual, and eco-tourism hub.
Presentations highlighted initiatives such as enhancing international connectivity at Agartala airport, redeveloping key sites including Neer Mahal, Tepania, Jampui Pura, and Udaipur, and developing the Dumbur islands through a Public-Private Partnership model to attract private investment and ensure sustainable growth.
Scindia emphasized the importance of integrating civil conservation architecture and building local capacity across seven verticals, such as training local tourist guides and related services, to generate employment and skill development opportunities within the tourism sector.
He urged officials to study successful global models, citing examples from Lakshadweep, Andaman & Nicobar Islands, and Kevadia, to ensure a world-class visitor experience. The Minister reiterated that under Prime Minister Modi’s vision, each Indian state must become a global tourism destination. The government remains committed to unlocking Tripura’s potential and promoting its cultural and spiritual heritage to the world.