Students from Goa and Uttarakhand explore Arunachal Pradesh under Ashtalakshmi Darshan

Jyotiraditya M. Scindia, today virtually interacted with the first batch of students participating in the Ashtalakshmi Darshan Youth Exchange Programme. The session was also attended by the Secretary, DoNER, Joint Secretary, DoNER, and the Acting Vice Chancellor and Registrar of Rajiv Gandhi University (RGU).

The inaugural edition of the programme brought together 39 students — 19 from Goa and 20 from Uttarakhand — who are visiting Arunachal Pradesh as part of the first batch. Rajiv Gandhi University, a Central University in Arunachal Pradesh, is hosting the first batch.

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 aims to strengthen youth-to-youth connect, foster inter-regional understanding, and promote cultural appreciation in line with the vision of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi’s “Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat” initiative. This exchange programme involves 1280 students in 40 batches from 28 states/UTs visiting and experiencing all North Eastern States.

The Minister shared that while conceptualizing this programme, it was the government’s conscious resolve to ensure equal participation of boys and girls, reaffirming the commitment to inclusivity and empowerment. He described Ashtalakshmi Darshan as a distinctive cultural and educational exchange initiative under Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat, designed to strengthen emotional and cultural bonds between youth across India and the eight Northeastern states. The programme allows students to immerse themselves in the region’s languages, traditions, environment, and community life, helping them see India in its full diversity and unity.

Recalling his recent visit to Ziro Valley, Scindia spoke fondly of its serene charm, saying it felt like “time slows down just enough for you to listen to the earth.” His reflections resonated with the students, many of whom shared similar impressions from their own travels through the valley and Itanagar.

During the interaction, the Minister engaged with several students on their experiences and learnings. He asked Saumya Bisht from Uttarakhand whether she would bring her family or friends to Arunachal Pradesh next time, to which she replied with a smile, “Both.” Speaking with Rucha Parab from Goa about the contrasting climates, he also briefly switched to Marathi in a warm exchange that surprised the students. Deepani from Goa described her experience in Ziro Valley as deeply positive and memorable.