Manipur festival in Imphal promotes peace and integration among youth

The seventh edition of Northeast National Service Scheme (NSS) Festival was recently organized in Manipur with an aim to promote peace and integration among the youth. The festival witnessed enthusiastic participation by the youth of the region.

"Not me, but you" - was the theme of the festival held at the Khuman Lampak Sports Complex in Manipur.

Over 300 participants from the northeast participated in the eight-day-long festival.

The objective was to bring people of diverse cultures and regions onto a single platform to make them understand the cultural and ethnic diversities.

The event was held under the aegis of Department of Youth Affairs and Sports Government of Manipur in association with the Department of Youth Affairs Government of India.

"We are organizing this NSS festival with an aim and objective to bring peace and unity," said Sumati, one of the organizers

"This is my first experience and it's very good. It is a good opportunity to meet our brothers and sisters from different states and it's a good experience to know different culture, religion. We meet together; we talk together so it's quite good," added a participant from Arunachal Pradesh, Leena Sora.

During the festival, a discussion was held on talent building for the youth. Students displayed their ability through cultural shows and plays. Traditional dances of northeastern states were performed by the participants.

"I feel good to be a part of this festival. I learnt many new things especially about national integration," said a participant from Tripura, Gracy Darlong.

"From this festival, I have learnt how to maintain punctuality, discipline and how to interact with different people from different tribes and communities," added Assamese participant Pynshngainlang Rattane.

Such festivals unite the youth of various ethnicities and promote integration.