Sports & Youth Services Minister of Mizoram Robert Romawia Royte graced the Inaugural function of the North East NSS Festival 2023 held at Seminar Hall, Pachhunga University College (PUC) in the capital Aizawl today. NSS Volunteers from all North East States except Manipur are participating in this year’s festival.
Speaking on the occasion, the Minister extended his heartiest welcome to the NSS Volunteers particularly those from outside the state and wished them a pleasant stay in Mizoram. He further said that one of North East’s most prestigious Institution, Pachhunga University College, hosting the North East NSS Festival made it all the more valuable. As the festival is an opportunity for learning the traditions and cultures of the different states, he urged the NSS volunteers to learn and understand the unique identity and practices of the North East region. Regretting the absence of Manipur, the Minister also spoke on the need to embrace cultural, political and religious differences and work towards national integration so that the nation can further progress. He dwelt on the need by young people from the region to continue to work for the integration of the country, particularly for the North East region even in the face of adversity.
Robert Romawia Royte urged the NSS Volunteers to be more careful about the misuse of various social media platforms and appealed them to use only in a positive way. He highlighted that there are several laws in India which will prevent them from social media abuse and invited them to learn more from the existing IT Act and cyber laws. As North East had produced many successful athletes representing India, he urged the youth to follow their success stories and to value the athletes from the regions. As Mizoram had scenic natural beauty, and recently being named as the ‘Happiest State’ in the country, he asked the volunteers to come back again with their families and friends to explore more of the ethnic culture and rich natural diversity that Mizoram had to offer.
In his report, F. Sangvuana, State NSS Officer, NSS Cell, Mizoram stated that NSS was first established in PUC itself in 1972 and the Mizoram State NSS Cell was started in 1988. During the year 2022-2023, NSS Mizoram had conducted 88 voluntary blood donation camps, where 6002 units of blood were donated to the needy. Apart from blood donations, they also engaged in planting trees, cleaning of public places, conducting awareness campaigns and creating various public assets.
The inaugural programme was chaired by Dr. Lalzarmawii, Programme Officer, NSS Govt. Aizawl North College and special items were presented by Mizoram, Assam and Sikkim teams. Dr. K. Vanlaldinpuia, Programme Officer, NSS, PUC proposed a vote of thanks to conclude the programme.
This is the fifth time NSS Mizoram will be playing host to North East NSS Festival which will be held from 13th -17th June, 2023.