Dimapur: Dimapur witnessed a rare moment of shared hope and unity during the Community Cultural Programme held on January 16 as part of NEIR Fest 2026. The event was organised by the North East Zone Cultural Centre at its Stone Sculpture Garden campus in Dimapur, Nagaland. People from different walks of life, cultures, and states came together with one clear message. Peace first. Progress next.

The programme turned into a powerful space for memory, emotion, and vision for the future of the North East.

Biswadeep Gupta, Managing Trustee and CEO of KRC Foundations, delivered one of the most heartfelt speeches of the day. Standing on the NEZCC campus, he called it his “second home.”

He shared that he studied from Classes 6 to 12 there and said the place carried deep personal memories. His bond with NEZCC, he said, also came from his family. His mother had organised many cultural events through the centre in earlier years.

Speaking about the rally, Gupta said it stood for the integration of brothers and sisters from all communities of the region. He made a strong appeal to end divisions. He said the time had come to move away from fights, chaos, and conflict. What the region needs now is peace to prevail.

He gave a clear call to elders and leaders of society. He urged them to stop fighting among themselves and instead focus on creating job opportunities for the youth. Young people, he said, should not be forced to beg for jobs.

They should be guided to become entrepreneurs. According to him, identity comes with employment. Dignity comes with work. Peace, progress, and prosperity can only grow when the youth are empowered.

Gupta stressed that the rally was not a class movement but a mass movement. It belonged to everyone. He also praised the six-member HAM Radio team for their dedication and service, calling their work valuable for the community.

During his address, Gupta also spoke on the immense contributions of NEIR advisor Prof (Dr) Sukamal Deb and advocate Kh. Gajendra Singh. He acknowledged their long-standing role in guiding social and cultural initiatives in the region.

Biswadeep Gupta said that NEIR and KRC Foundation will work closely together in Kolkata in the coming days. He spoke about strengthening collaboration for community work and youth engagement.

Adding strength to the message, Prof. A.K. Aditya lauded the organisers for their vision. He said organising such a rally to unite all the states of the North East was both bold and timely. He described the initiative as visionary and highly commendable, especially in a region known for its diversity.

Youth voices were also heard at the programme. Dimapur Lotha Students Union president Mhonbemo M. Kikon said he felt excited and inspired by the event. His brief words reflected the enthusiasm among young participants who see unity and peace as the way forward.

Kh. Gajendra Singh highlighted the serious drug problem facing the region. He said drug mafias cannot be fought alone and called for joint action by inter-state agencies to tackle the challenge.

Prof (Dr) Sukamal Deb praised the initiative taken by KRC Foundation. He also thanked NEZCC for its support and for showcasing the rich cultural heritage of Nagaland.

The Assistant Director of NEZCC felicitated the members of NEIR and said the programme marked the beginning of an initiative that will grow stronger in the future.

Waluniba Jamir, President of the Naga Students Union Kolkata, was also present at the programme.

The event featured vibrant and colourful cultural performances that captivated the audience. KRC Foundation also felicitated members of NEZCC and distributed participation certificates to the performing artistes.

The Community Cultural Programme at NEIR Fest 2026 was more than a celebration. It became a platform for reflection and resolve. Amid songs, speeches, and shared memories, one idea stood tall. A peaceful and united North East is possible when culture, dialogue, and opportunity walk together.

Promotional | North East Integration Rally