Nagaland Governor Nand Kishore Yadav on Tuesday, 29 September urged the state's youth to acquire practical skills, embrace entrepreneurship and actively contribute to building a self-reliant Nagaland, speaking at the State Level Youth Festival 2026 held at Indira Gandhi Stadium in Kohima. Addressing young participants from across the state, he also stressed the vital importance of preserving Nagaland's rich cultural heritage, describing folk songs, dances and traditional art forms as direct reflections of the state's identity, history and collective memory.

Festival Theme and the Governor's Core Message

This year's festival, organised by the Department of Youth Resources and Sports, carried the theme 'Youth, Skills and a Self-Reliant Nagaland' — a framing that Governor Yadav embraced fully in his address. He said that talent alone is insufficient and must be reinforced by knowledge, practical skills, discipline and a commitment to continuous learning.

Yadav encouraged participants to explore opportunities across diverse fields including digital technology, entrepreneurship, agriculture, tourism, handicrafts and other emerging sectors. He noted pointedly that government employment alone cannot fulfil the aspirations of every young person, stressing the need to explore varied pathways to livelihood and economic independence.

Culture, Heritage and Creativity

The Governor called upon young Nagaland residents to learn about their heritage, respect the traditions of others and use creativity to present traditional art and culture in new, meaningful ways. He described the youth festival as far more than a competition — characterising it as a platform for learning, interaction, creativity and personal growth.

Governor Yadav encouraged participants from different districts to build friendships, exchange ideas and appreciate one another's cultures and talents, framing inter-district cultural exchange as central to the event's purpose.

Skills, Sports and Responsible Citizenship

Yadav also appreciated the 'Skill-Based Economic Sustenance Initiative of I.G. Academy Students' under the Department, specifically highlighting the display of handmade products and creative works by students of the State Sports Academy. He observed that sport instils discipline, teamwork, perseverance and leadership, while urging sportspersons to develop skills beyond the field of play.

Participants in Declamation, Poetry Writing and Painting were encouraged to read widely, think critically and use technology responsibly. The Governor stressed the importance of distinguishing reliable information from misinformation — a skill he described as essential to becoming informed, responsible and engaged citizens.

Viksit Bharat Vision and Nagaland's Strengths

Referring to the national vision of Viksit Bharat @2047, Governor Yadav placed Nagaland's youth at the centre of India's future, highlighting the state's strengths — its talented youth, rich cultural traditions, natural beauty and strong community bonds — alongside opportunities in tourism, agriculture, entrepreneurship, sports and creative industries.

He expressed confidence that with education, skills, discipline and perseverance, Nagaland's youth can overcome challenges, create opportunities and contribute meaningfully to society. The Governor congratulated all participants and appreciated the Department of Youth Resources and Sports and the organisers for their efforts, expressing hope that the festival would continue to grow as a platform for recognising the talent, ideas and aspirations of Nagaland's youth.