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Dr. Jitendra Singh[/caption]
Dimapur, Aug. 12 (EMN): Union Minister of State for Development of North Eastern Region (DoNER) Dr. Jitendra Singh has encouraged the youths to explore the untapped potential of Northeast by utilising the benefit of venture funds for start-ups in Northeast region.
Addressing as the chief guest at the “North East Youth and Students Peace Assembly” organised on the occasion of the United Nations International Youth Day in New Delhi on Monday, the minister said Northeast has unexplored potential for tourism, handlooms, and other areas, which the youth should explore, Press Information Bureau (PIB) said
The event was organized by the Youth and Students for Peace-India, an initiative of the Universal Peace Federation (UPF), and the North East MPs’ Forum.
The DoNER minister said when the government gives impetus to the Act East policy; it will be the Northeast region that will be benefited, due to its proximity to these neighbouring countries.
This will not only enrich the region, but will also enrich whole India, he added.
Singh maintained that there is much more to learn from Northeast youth.
“Earlier the connectivity used to be a barrier for development, but now government’s focus on rail, road and air connectivity has led to the physical proximity, which has in return broken the psychological barriers,” he said.
The minister echoed that Prime Minister has encouraged giving special focus to the Northeast region.
“The focus has been on bringing the rest of India closer to Northeast as compared to the earlier focus of bringing only North East India closer to the mainstream. This has helped in the integration and development of this region,” he noted.
Singh mentioned that the DoNER Ministry has taken various initiatives for the security of the students of north-eastern who are studying in Delhi and other parts of the country.
He also informed that a hostel for the north-eastern girl students of Bangalore University was inaugurated by the Prime Minister recently. He also said that the work for building a hostel for Northeast students in JNU has started. Another hostel in Rohini is also coming up for the students studying in institutions affiliated to Delhi University.
Singh said that more than 70% of the population in India is below the age of 40 years and they have tremendous power and capacity that needs to be channelized, he said.
This huge youth power has proved to be a decisive power, he added.
Earlier, addressing the gathering after inaugurating the function, MoS for Youth Affairs and Sports (I/C) and Minority Affairs KirenRijiju said that it is the role of every individual to contribute to the society and its well being.
“Participation of the youth is very important for the success of these initiatives. It doesn't matter if we belong to different sections of society, we have to be united and strive for peace,” he said.
Rijiju said that India must start sending more volunteers to the United Nations and contribute much more to the initiatives of UN.
The youth population is our most important asset and their energies should be utilised in right direction, he added.