Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation Amit Shah attended the ‘Unity Utsav – One Voice, One Nation’ event, organized by Assam Rifles in New Delhi, as the chief guest today. Several dignitaries, including the Director General of Assam Rifles, were present at the occasion.
In his address, Amit Shah emphasized the significance of unity for the North-East, noting that for years after independence, the region felt physically and emotionally distant from Delhi. He credited Prime Minister Narendra Modi with bridging this gap through enhanced connectivity, stating that the North-East now belongs to all of India, and vice versa. Shah highlighted the Modi government’s increased budget allocations for the region—three to four times higher than before—adding that by 2027, all eight North-Eastern states will be linked to Delhi via rail and air.
Shah described the North-East as “Ashtalakshmi,” a term popularized by Modi, symbolizing the region’s eight states and their potential to enrich India across various fields. He pointed to vast opportunities for North-Eastern youth in economics, culture, security, sports, and research, noting that the government has opened doors in sectors like tourism, technology, agriculture, entrepreneurship, and more.
The Home Minister celebrated the region’s diversity, with over 220 ethnic groups, 160 tribes, 200 dialects, 50 unique festivals, 30 traditional dances, and 100 cuisines—calling it a treasure of rich heritage for India. He stressed that India and the North-East are incomplete without each other.
Reflecting on the event’s theme, “One Voice, One Nation,” Shah praised India’s unity in diversity as its greatest strength. He commended the five-day Unity Utsav for showcasing the North-East’s unity in Delhi. Describing Assam Rifles as India’s oldest paramilitary force and a “Friend of the North-East,” he lauded its role in rescuing the region from crises and showcasing its cultural strength to the nation and the world through this event.
Shah noted that 212 teams and 1,500 students participated in the sports competitions, with over 150 students involved in cultural programs. He highlighted Manipur’s dominance in securing most prizes, underscoring the state’s sporting culture.
Citing this, he mentioned Modi’s decision to establish India’s first sports university in Manipur, with initiatives like “Sports for All” and “Sports for Excellence” driving development. Shah expressed confidence that India will host the 2036 Olympics, aiming for a top-10 finish, with the North-East playing a pivotal role.
Under Modi’s leadership, Shah said, the North-East has seen a dramatic improvement in law and order over the past decade, particularly the last five years. Violent incidents and security personnel deaths have dropped by 70%, and civilian casualties by 85%, signaling a new era of peace and development. Since 2014, over 10,500 militants have surrendered, and 12 peace accords have been signed between 2019 and 2024. Shah urged youth engaged in violence to lay down arms and join the mainstream, promising abundant opportunities.
The Home Minister affirmed that today, every part of India embraces the North-East, and its people hold a special place in the hearts of all Indians. He encouraged the region’s states to contribute to national development, noting that the North-East now seeks peace and aims to thrive as an integral part of India. (Edited)