Tripura Governor Indrasena Reddy Nallu inaugurated the North Eastern Students’ National Integration Movement (NESNIM) 2026 at Holy Cross School, Agartala, on Friday last, bringing together 660 students and 100 animators from 31 schools across Tripura, Meghalaya and Mizoram.

The four-day programme, being organised from August 14 to 17 by the Holy Cross Educational Foundation (HCEF), marks the 25th anniversary of NESNIM, which was launched in 2001 with the objective of bringing young people from diverse communities and cultures together through friendship, learning and national integration.

Addressing the gathering as the chief guest, Governor Nallu stressed the importance of nurturing young minds and urged the participating students to make the best use of opportunities provided through programmes such as NESNIM.

He emphasised the values of education, discipline, unity, mutual respect and responsible citizenship, and encouraged the students to grow into responsible leaders who can make positive contributions to society and the nation.

On the second day of the programme, Tripura High Court Judge Justice Arindam Lodh attended the 80th Independence Day flag-hoisting ceremony as the chief guest.

Addressing the students, Justice Lodh recalled the contributions and sacrifices of freedom fighters from Northeast India and urged the young participants to uphold the Constitution and the values of democracy, unity and national integrity.

He said the future of the country rests in the hands of the younger generation and called upon them to become responsible citizens and future leaders. He also highlighted the importance of digitalisation, not merely in terms of technology but also in developing the mindset and human values needed to address contemporary challenges, in keeping with the theme of NESNIM 2026.

Welcoming the participants, Fr. George Jacob, CSC, Secretary of HCEF, said NESNIM was much more than a student gathering. He said the movement aims to bring young people together across cultural, linguistic and geographical boundaries, promote friendship and mutual understanding, develop leadership qualities and inspire them to become responsible citizens and builders of a peaceful and united society.

Fr. K. J. Abraham, CSC, President of HCEF and Provincial Superior of the Holy Cross Fathers, Northeast India Province; Fr. Alfred D’Souza, CSC, Province Administrator; Fr. Jilson Tom, CSC, Principal of Holy Cross School, Agartala; along with heads of various educational institutions, priests, religious and other dignitaries, were present at the programme.

The 2026 edition of NESNIM is being held under the theme “The 5G Mindset: Building Leaders for Tomorrow”, focusing on five qualities considered essential for young people—Grit, Growth, Goals, Greatness and Guarding.

The programme includes interactive sessions, cultural exchanges, sports, thematic presentations, creative competitions and other activities aimed at developing confidence, resilience and leadership among students while fostering mutual respect and appreciation of the rich cultural diversity of Northeast India.