Youth from Across Northeast Gather for National Integration and Leadership Development
Guwahati, Assam, November 7, 2024: The East Zone Pre-Republic Day Parade Camp 2024 commenced on November 7 at Gauhati University, bringing together 200 National Service Scheme (NSS) volunteers and 10 NSS Programme Officers from nine states across Northeast India. This 10-day camp, organized by the Gauhati University NSS Cell in collaboration with the Regional Directorate of NSS, Northeast Region, and sponsored by the Ministry of Youth Affairs & Sports, Government of India, aims to prepare and select participants for the upcoming Republic Day Parade on January 26, 2025.Inaugural Ceremony Highlights The camp was inaugurated on November 8 by Chief Guest Lt. Gen. Rana Pratap Kalita (Retd.), who emphasized that such camps foster national unity by bringing together young people from diverse cultural backgrounds. He noted, "This camp serves as a vital platform for promoting national integrity and unity among the youth."
Vision of Unity and Development Chairing the ceremony as President, Prof. Nani Gopal Mahanta, Vice-Chancellor of Gauhati University, highlighted the value of such programs in youth personality development and national integration. “These camps instill a sense of participation and strengthen personal growth while fostering a spirit of unity,” he said.
Guest of Honor, Mr. Kausar J. Hilaly, IAS, Secretary, Department of Sports & Youth Welfare, Assam, emphasized that national-level camps like these cultivate essential soft skills and effective communication, promoting camaraderie and leadership. Prof. Utpal Sarma, Registrar (i/c) of Gauhati University, also underscored the importance of fostering unity and a sense of belonging among the participants.
Platform for Vikshit Bharat 2047 Mr. Jangjilong, Regional Director of NSS, NER, remarked that the camp aligns with the Government’s vision for Vikshit Bharat@2047, motivating young participants to contribute toward the nation’s progress. He encouraged volunteers to seize this opportunity to develop a dedicated sense of national service and civic responsibility.
Camp Benefits and Skill Development Dr. Ranjan Kr. Kakati, DSW of Gauhati University & Programme Coordinator of GU NSS Cell, in his welcome address, emphasized that the camp will not only facilitate the selection of participants for the Republic Day Parade but will also equip them with critical soft skills for personal and professional development.
The event concluded with a vote of thanks by Sri Nakul Deuri, Youth Officer, NSS, NER, while Dr. Anupa Lahkar successfully coordinated the ceremony, ensuring a smooth kickoff to the camp's schedule.
With a packed agenda of activities and training sessions, this camp promises to enhance the NSS volunteers' sense of unity, dedication, and leadership as they prepare to represent the Northeast in the Republic Day celebrations.