New Delhi, March 28 (NationPress) Union Minister for Communication and the Development of North Eastern Region (DoNER), Jyotiraditya Scindia, declared on Saturday that the Northeast serves as India's gateway to the Global South, acting as a significant bridge for both economic and cultural interactions.

While addressing the 15th NEtym 2026, the annual cultural festival organized by the Northeast Cell at Hindu College -- University of Delhi, Scindia underscored the increasing relevance of the Northeast in India's developmental journey.

He referred to the Northeast as the 'Ashtalakshmi' of India and praised the festival as a vital platform to highlight the region's rich cultural heritage, talent, and vibrancy.

Reflecting on his two-year tenure as DoNER Minister, Scindia noted that it has enriched his understanding of the region's potential, stating that it can be a crucial link connecting India to Southeast Asia and beyond.

During his remarks, he emphasized the Northeast's strong human capital, showcasing impressive literacy rates of approximately 93%, and stressed the crucial role of the youth in fostering growth across various sectors.

Scindia shared his personal connection to the Northeast, reminiscing about his visits to all eight states and commending the region's cultural heritage, which features deeply rooted and expressive artistic traditions.

He paid homage to renowned cultural icons like Bhupen Hazarika and Zubeen Garg.

Highlighting government initiatives, Scindia elaborated on various programs aimed at empowering the youth and boosting opportunities in the region.

Among these, the 'Northeast SPARKS' initiative, in collaboration with ISRO, offers exposure to space science and advanced technologies for about 800 students from the Northeast each year.

The Ashtalakshmi Darshan program promotes cultural exchange among students from the Northeast and other regions, having already reached over 1,200 students with plans for significant expansion in the future.

He also announced the upcoming launch of the Advancing NER portal, set for April 2026, which will function as a comprehensive digital platform providing job opportunities, career guidance, entrance exam information, and access to educational courses and institutions.

Scindia emphasized that under Prime Minister Narendra Modi's leadership, the focus on development in the Northeast has transitioned from mere intent to tangible implementation, centering on access, inclusion, and opportunity.

He encouraged the youth to play a pivotal role in shaping the future of the region, asserting that the political narrative should evolve to reflect the Northeast's growth and its contributions to a 'Viksit Bharat'.