IMPHAL: The North East Integration Rally (NEIR) which began in Kolkata on January 4 reached Sikkim on January 6. Upon reaching Sikkim, the NEIR Fest 2026 was held on Tuesday at the College of Agricultural Engineering and Post Harvest Technology, Ranipool, under the Central Agricultural University, Sikkim, drawing enthusiastic participation from students, faculty members, and invited guests, according to Biswadeep Gupta, the main organiser of the event.
The day-long programme was designed to promote cultural exchange, innovation, and a deeper sense of regional integration among young people from the North Eastern states, Gupta stated.
The campus witnessed a vibrant atmosphere as students from different parts of the Northeast came together to share ideas, experiences, and traditions, Biswadeep Gupta also said. A series of interactive sessions, cultural presentations, and collaborative activities highlighted the region’s diversity while underlining the shared heritage that binds the eight states together. Traditional art forms, music, and creative expressions transformed the academic setting into a lively space of learning beyond textbooks and classrooms, Gupta added.
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Faculty members of the institution stressed the importance of such platforms in nurturing confidence, creativity, and mutual respect among students. They observed that NEIR Fest has steadily grown into a meaningful initiative that encourages unity, innovation, and a collective regional identity, especially among the youth, Gupta stated.
The programme was attended by Prof. Dr. Sukumal Deb, advisor to the NEIR; Biswadeep Gupta, founder of KRC Foundations and CEO of the NEIR; noted sports personality and human rights activist Kh. Gajendra Singh; and six members of the Tripura HAM Radio Club. Prof. S.I. Yadav and Dr. Rakesh Raina was also present on the occasion. Prof. Yadav formally welcomed the guests, while the college authorities expressed their happiness and willingness to extend full support to the NEIR initiative, Gupta further added.
A special session on disaster management was organised as part of the festival, drawing keen interest from students and faculty alike. The session underlined the importance of preparedness, communication, and community participation, particularly in a region prone to natural disasters.
Interacting with the college authorities and participants, Biswadeep Gupta spoke in detail about the journey of the NEIR, its objectives, and its broader vision. He recalled that the initiative was inaugurated in Kolkata on January 4 and has since aimed to build bridges across the Northeast through youth engagement, education, and collaborative platforms. He also shared plans for expanding NEIR activities in the coming years.
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Students described NEIR Fest 2026 as a valuable opportunity to express themselves, learn from peers across state boundaries, and gain exposure to cultures beyond their own. Many noted that such interactions help break stereotypes and foster lasting friendships and understanding.
The programme concluded with a collective call to continue and strengthen initiatives that blend education with cultural understanding and regional harmony. Certificates were distributed among the participants, marking the successful conclusion of NEIR Fest 2026, Gupta stated.