GUWAHATI | Former Army chief General Upendra Dwivedi (Retd) on September 25 described the Northeast as India’s “true gateway” and urged young people to combine technological skills with adaptability, ability and a strong grounding in Indian values. Dwivedi was speaking at Namami Bharatam, a collective singing programme organised by Vidya Bharati Northeast Region at the Srimanta Sankaradeva International Auditorium in Guwahati to mark the 150th anniversary of Vande Mataram.

Addressing students and educators, Dwivedi said the Northeast should not be viewed as the geographical end of India but as the region from which the country begins.“The Northeast is not the place where India ends, but the place from where India begins. It is the true gateway to the nation,” he said.

Dwivedi said he was addressing the gathering not only as a former Chief of Army Staff but also as an alumnus of Saraswati Shishu Mandir. He urged students to play an active role in nation-building and prepare themselves for the challenges of a rapidly changing world. He identified attitude, adaptability and ability as three key qualities for young people as India works towards its goal of becoming a developed nation by 2047.

Dwivedi encouraged students to focus on finding solutions rather than merely identifying problems. He also advocated a continuous cy cle of “learn, unlearn and relearn”, while stressing the importance of understanding emerging technologies without losing touch with Indian values.He suggested a daily “Zero-Ten” routine, asking young people to spend the first 10 minutes of each morning away from mobile phones. The time, he said, could be used to reflect on personal goals, express gratitude and set priorities for the day.

The Namami Bharatam programme brought together students, teachers, alumni and members of civil society for a synchronised rendition of Vande Mataram.Vidya Bharati Northeast organisational secretary Dr Pawan Tiwari said the national song reflected India’s cultural unity and highlighted the historical and cultural contributions of the Northeast.Tiwari referred to the spiritual traditions associated with Maa Kamakhya and Srimanta Sankaradeva and the military legacy of Ahom general Lachit Borphukan while emphasising the region’s place in India’s national consciousness.