NSS Youth Festival 2026 begins in Sikkim with focus on service, leadership and cultural diversity

ADITI DUTRAJ

GANGTOK,: The NSS Youth Festival 2026 commenced in Sikkim under the aegis of the Sikkim State National Service Scheme (NSS) Cell in collaboration with the Ministry of Youth Affairs & Sports here on Friday.

The festival was organised with the aim of promoting youth leadership, national integration, cultural exchange and the spirit of community service.

The five-day festival has brought together nearly 300 NSS volunteers from the eight North-Eastern States, providing a platform for leadership development, learning, cultural exchange and community engagement.

The event forms part of the Ministry's broader initiative to encourage youth participation, leadership, cultural understanding and nation-building.

The inaugural programme was graced by Sports and Youth Affairs minister Raju Basnet, as the chief guest. The Minister formally declared the NSS Youth Festival 2026 open.

Among those present were Bikram Pradhan, Advisor, Sports and Youth Affairs Department; Rinzing Wangyal Chopel Bhutia, Chairman, Sikkim State Development Board; Basant Yonzone, Chairman, Sikkim Youth Development Board; the Regional Director, NSS Regional Directorate, Guwahati; Yangchen Doma Tamang, Secretary, Sports and Youth Affairs Department; Milan Kumari Pradhan, PCE; and R. B. Biswakarma, Director, Sports and Youth Affairs Department.

Besides cultural and competitive events, the festival features a series of expert-led technical sessions designed to enhance the knowledge, skills and awareness of participating volunteers.

The inaugural session was followed by colourful cultural performances celebrating the rich heritage and traditions of the North-Eastern region. Dance performances by contingents from Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Manipur and Meghalaya showcased the region's unique cultural identity and artistic traditions.

Addressing the gathering, theregional director, NSS Regional Directorate, Guwahati, underscored the importance of youth festivals as platforms for experiential learning, cultural exchange and national integration.

In his address, minister Raju Basnet said the North-East's rich diversity of cultures and traditions strengthens the spirit of unity, as its people share a common aspiration of building a stronger and better India. Describing the NSS Youth Festival as a valuable platform for learning, service, friendship and cultural exchange, he urged volunteers to uphold the NSS motto, “Not Me but You," by practising compassion, responsibility and selfless service.