NEIR Fest 2026 was held on Tuesday at the College of Agricultural Engineering and Post Harvest Technology (CAEPHT), Ranipool, under Central Agricultural University, Sikkim, drawing enthusiastic participation from students, faculty members, and invited guests. The day-long programme aimed to promote cultural exchange, innovation, and a deeper sense of regional integration among young people from the Northeastern states.
The campus witnessed a vibrant atmosphere as students from different parts of the Northeast came together to share ideas, experiences, and traditions. 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 classrooms.
Faculty members stressed the importance of such platforms in nurturing confidence, creativity, and mutual respect among students. They noted that NEIR Fest has steadily evolved into a meaningful initiative that promotes unity, innovation, and a collective regional identity, particularly among the youth.
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 were also present on the occasion. Prof. Yadav formally welcomed the guests, while the college authorities expressed their willingness to extend full support to the NEIR initiative.
A special session on disaster management was organised as part of the festival, drawing keen interest from students and faculty. The session emphasised the importance of preparedness, communication, and community participation, particularly in a region prone to natural disasters.
Interacting with participants, Biswadeep Gupta spoke 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 aims to build bridges across the Northeast through youth engagement, education, and collaborative platforms.
Students described NEIR Fest 2026 as a valuable opportunity to learn from peers across state boundaries, break stereotypes, and foster lasting friendships. The programme concluded with a call to strengthen initiatives that blend education with cultural understanding and regional harmony. Certificates were distributed to participants, marking the successful conclusion of the festival.
