IMPHAL, NOVEMBER 28: Telangana Governor Jishnu Dev Varma launched the North East Connect Association, (NECA) Telangana at the closing ceremony of Telangana North East Connect 2025 festival held at Raj Bhavan in Hyderabad on November 27. The Techno-Cultural Festival initiated by the Governor and supported by the Government of Telangana, was highly successful, being first of its kind in the country, with the signing of several MoUs between the entrepreneurs and institutions of North East and Telangana, organisers of the event said today.
This new civil society platform, the North-East Connect Association brings together the diverse Northeast communities in the state, to promote collaborative engagement and a constructive addressal of shared concerns, the organisers also said. “Aimed at creating a catalyst platform for the Northeast Indian community in Telangana, the association acts as a bridge between the North East communities and Telangana Government and the civil society”, they further said.
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Speaking of the importance of supporting North East communities in Telangana, Governor Jishnu Dev Varma stated that the launch of NECA marks a significant step to continued work of integration of these communities in reflecting the spirit of unity and diversity that defines “our nation”.
The platform will serve as a bridge between communities and help strengthen the relationship between the people of Telangana and the Northeast Indian community, NECA president Paparao Biyyala and its vice president Gautam Sawang said in a statement.
The founding members of this society come from distinguished backgrounds in public service, health, law, academia, sports, entrepreneurship, and are well connected with the North Eastern States, they also said.
Paparao Biyyala is a distinguished Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officer and was a former Policy Advisor to Telangana Government, also served as Home Secretary, Assam, while D. Gautam Sawang is a former IPS officer, retired as Director General of Police (DGP), Andhra Pradesh. Born in Assam, with roots in Arunachal Pradesh and raised in several North Eastern states, has a deep and lifelong cultural bond with the region.
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One of the NECA leaders is Dr. S. Sahariah who hails from Assam. He is also a Padma Shri Awardee and renowned transplant surgeon in the country. Founder Director KIMS, he has been championing healthcare access and community support for Northeastern people for decades.
Another prominent NECA leader is Prof. Ajailiu Niumai, professor of Sociology, University of Hyderabad. Hailing from Manipur, is a leading authority on Northeast India, and has dedicated her academic leadership to advancing research and visibility for Northeast communities.
Stephen Sen is another NECA member. He is an accomplished lawyer based in Hyderabad, with family ties through marriage and connections with the Northeast, his understanding of their legal and social challenges runs very deep.
Another distinguished member of NECA is Dr. K. Rajeswara Rao who is an IAS officer of Tripura cadre,1988 batch, and has vast administrative experience in the North East and on creating opportunities for marginalized sections of society is inspiring.
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The statement then mentioned one more NECA member – Sridhar Muppidi – who is an accomplished entrepreneur and technology leader. With family ties through marriage and professional initiatives in the region, he has long supported youth and community development in the Northeast.