New Delhi, October 4, 2025: The eighth edition of the North East Students’ Festival, NESt. Fest 2025, came to a close today at Talkatora Indoor Stadium in New Delhi after two days of celebration, cultural pride and meaningful exchange. Organised by My Home India, the festival drew over twenty five thousand students, policymakers, artists and leaders from across India and overseas. This year’s edition carried added significance as it coincided with twenty years of My Home India’s work in promoting national integration.
The theme for this year was From Culture to Climate: The Youth Mandate. Over the two days, students had the chance to share their views with senior leaders, while the audience experienced the cultural richness of all eight North Eastern states along with Odisha and Chhattisgarh and other states. Dance and music groups from these regions brought their folk traditions to the stage, drawing long applause from the audience for the variety and colour they presented. Once the cultural segments ended, the focus shifted to the music stage. Performances by Rito Riba, Shankuraj Konwar, Angelia Marwein, Lilac and Jacks, KL Pamei, Tete Sapam and others kept the stadium on its feet late into the evening.
The programme also included Arunodaya, the flagship technical session, where students presented practical ideas on sustainability, entrepreneurship and environmental resilience. The participation of senior dignitaries such as Smt. Rekha Gupta Ji, Hon’ble Chief Minister of Delhi; Gen. V. K. Singh Ji (Retd.), Hon’ble Governor of Mizoram; His Excellency Prof. Anil Sooklal Ji, Hon’ble High Commissioner of South Africa in India; Shri Sunil Deodhar Ji, Former National Secretary of BJP and Founder of My Home India; Shri Harsh Malhotra Ji, Hon’ble Union Minister of State for Corporate Affairs and Road Transport and Highways; Shri Girish Yadav Ji, Hon’ble Minister of Sports and Youth Affairs, Uttar Pradesh along with Bansuri Swaraj, Member of the Lok Sabha, gave the festival the stature of a true confluence of culture, policy and youth aspirations.
Day One of the festival featured a special tribute to legendary artist Zubeen Garg, whose music has left a lasting mark on the cultural identity of the North East and continues to inspire young performers across the country.
Smt. Rekha Gupta Ji, Hon’ble Chief Minister of Delhi, said, “NESt. Fest is a festival of friendship, culture and youth energy. I feel proud that Delhi gets to host so many young people from the North-East who bring their ideas, their talent and their traditions here. Delhi is your city as much as it is anyone else’s. You have every right to study here, to grow here and to shape its future. The Delhi government will always be with you, whether it is education, opportunities or your safety. From the next edition, we will celebrate this festival together with the Delhi government in an even bigger way, so that the pride and contribution of the North-East is recognised the way it truly deserves.”
Shri Sunil Deodhar, Founder of My Home India, added, “As we bring NESt. Fest 2025 to a close, I would like to once again pay a heartfelt tribute to Zubeen Da. I would say that one of the most inspiring takeaways from this event has been the confidence and clarity displayed by our young participants. They are not waiting for change; they are ready to lead the change, whether it is protecting the environment, strengthening national unity or keeping cultural traditions alive. Their spirit, integrity and determination give us tremendous hope that India’s journey towards becoming a Viksit Bharat will be guided by responsible, aware and committed citizens.”
He further said, “This spirit has found renewed energy under the dynamic leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, whose unwavering commitment to national integration and inclusive development has transformed the Northeast from a region once considered distant into a vibrant and is now one of leading region of India’s growth story. His government’s focus on connectivity, cultural recognition, and empowerment in the Northeast has not only bridged physical distances but also strengthened emotional bonds. Initiatives like NESt. Fest is a testament to this new India—united in diversity, and moving forward together with pride and purpose. It is a proud tribute to Janajatiya Gaurav Varsh, as envisioned by Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi Ji.”
Gen. V. K. Singh Ji (Retd.), Hon’ble Governor of Mizoram and Chief Guest, said, “Festivals like NESt. Fest remind us that the strength of our nation lies in its people. They are young, creative, ambitious and deeply rooted in their identities. What stood out over these two days was not only the talent of the performers but also the conviction of the students who spoke about climate, sustainability and growth with such clarity. This combination of cultural pride and civic responsibility gives me great confidence that the youth of India are prepared to shoulder the challenges of tomorrow.”
About My Home India
My Home India is a national voluntary organisation, working since 2005 to promote national integration and youth empowerment, with a special focus on students and communities of North-East India and other neglected regions of our country, such as Janajatiya hills, forest areas, and remote border regions. It serves as a vital bridge between the North-East with every other Bharatiya, fostering understanding, tolerance, oneness, brotherhood, unity, and cultural harmony.
Key initiatives include ‘Sapno Se Apno Tak’, which has reunited over 3,800 children—separated due to various circumstances—with their families (including child trafficking and child labour) and ‘Rashtrawad Par Manthan’, a platform that fosters inclusive and responsible nationalism among the youth.
Through its North-East Helpline, the organisation has supported over 5 lakh beneficiaries, providing timely assistance in matters such as safety, legal aid, and medical emergencies. It also extends consistent support to North-Eastern students in metro cities, ensuring they feel secure, connected, and valued.
Events like NESt. Fest and cultural exchanges continue to celebrate India’s diversity which has come out from interim unity while nurturing the national belonging. With a strong volunteer network and a mission rooted in service, My Home India remains committed to build a united and empowered Bharat.
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