AGARTALA: Linking the North-East’s progress to the larger goal of Viksit Bharat 2047, Tripura Cadre IAS officer Sonal Goel outlined how the region has moved from the shadow of insurgency and cross-border security concerns toward deeper national integration. She was speaking at a panel discussion held during Shiksha Mahakumbh 6.0, the sixth edition of the national education summit, hosted at the National Institute of Technology (NIT) Hamirpur in Himachal Pradesh from October 9 to 11.
The three-day summit was organised jointly by NIT Hamirpur, the Central University of Himachal Pradesh, IIT Mandi, Vidya Bharati and the Samagra Shiksha Department, under the theme “Shiksha, Prakriti aur Pragati” (Education, Nature and Progress), aligned with the National Education Policy 2020 and the government’s Viksit Bharat 2047 vision.
Punjab Governor Gulab Chand Kataria was the chief guest at the inaugural session, while Himachal Pradesh Governor Kavinder Gupta, the guest of honour, later addressed the gathering, calling the summit a platform for “reflection, dialogue and exchange of ideas.” More than 367 research papers were presented over the course of the event, organisers said.
Goel, who joined the Tripura cadre in 2009, drew on her administrative experience in the state, which shares an international border with Bangladesh, to reflect on the North-East’s changing security landscape. “Having joined the Tripura cadre in 2009, I have had the privilege of witnessing first hand the North-East’s evolving journey, from challenges of insurgency and border security to greater peace, connectivity and development,” she said.
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According to her, tackling insurgency and cross-border security concerns in the region required a mix of approaches over the years. “Addressing challenges such as insurgency and cross-border security concerns has required coordinated security measures, effective border management, peace initiatives and sustained engagement with local communities,” she said.
She further pointed to visible improvements across sectors. “Over the years, the region has also witnessed significant progress in road and rail connectivity, civil aviation, infrastructure, education, healthcare and digital connect,” Goel said, adding that these developments, along with focused governance initiatives, have expanded access to essential services and opened new avenues for opportunity, growth and inclusion.
However, Goel was clear that development and security alone do not complete the picture. “But true national integration goes beyond security and infrastructure,” she said. “It is heartening to see the trust, participation and a deep sense of belonging; the aspirations of the people of the North-East are being recognised as an integral part of India’s shared future.”
“There is a strong emotional, psychological connect of the North-East with the nation,” she added, before concluding, “A peaceful, connected and empowered North-East is integral to our collective vision of Viksit Bharat 2047.”
A 2008-batch IAS officer, Goel has previously served as Resident Commissioner, Government of Tripura, in New Delhi, and is the author of “Nation Calling.” She shared her reflections on the panel discussion on her official X handle.
