New Delhi: The North East Conference–2026, organised by North East Sanstha, concluded successfully at the Constitution Club of India in New Delhi on Thursday. The event brought together scholars, policy experts, social leaders and cultural practitioners to discuss the diverse aspects of Northeast India.

The day-long conference featured several thematic sessions focusing on the region’s cultural heritage, customary traditions, development, policy perspectives and future opportunities. Speakers and participants discussed the historical importance of the Northeastern region and the changes taking place in recent years.

In the inaugural session, former IAS officer and former Secretary in the Ministry of Tourism Madan Prasad Bezbaruah highlighted the unique character of the Northeast and its gradual integration with the rest of the country.

Bikram Banerjee, Additional Solicitor General of India, spoke about the importance of customary laws in protecting indigenous identity and maintaining social balance in the region.

Narendra Thakur, Akhil Bharatiya Sah Prachar Pramukh of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), reflected on the long civilizational history of the Northeast, linking it to narratives from the Mahabharata era.

Samudragupta Kashyap, Chancellor of Nagaland University, highlighted the contribution of freedom fighters from the region to India’s national movement.

In another session, Delina Khongdup, member of the National Commission for Women, spoke about prominent personalities from Meghalaya who contributed to the region’s cultural landscape.

Social worker Premananda Sharma from Manipur spoke about the Northeast’s achievements in sports, while Oinam Bhagat, professor at Jawaharlal Nehru University, discussed the colonial legacy that shaped narratives about the region.

Arun Sharma, Director General of the North East Centre for Technology Application and Reach (NECTAR), highlighted recent development in the region, pointing to improved infrastructure, connectivity and new policy initiatives.

The valedictory session was addressed by senior journalist and Padma Bhushan awardee Ram Bahadur Rai, president of the Indira Gandhi National Centre for the Arts (IGNCA). He spoke about historical factors shaping present-day Northeast India and noted the increasing development focus on the region.

Poonam Gunindra, Vice-Chancellor of Manipur University of Culture, highlighted expanding connectivity through road, rail and air networks linking the Northeast with the rest of India. Sunil Mohanty, Northeast Prachar Pramukh of the RSS, stressed the importance of social harmony for sustainable economic growth in the region.

During the event, individuals from different Northeastern states were honoured with the North East India Achievers 2026 awards for their contributions in areas such as arts, agriculture, education and social service.

Among the awardees were Tana Yami from Arunachal Pradesh for sustainable agriculture, Ananya Talukdar from Assam for promoting Sattriya dance among underprivileged communities, Leimapokpam Lakpati Singh from Manipur for performing arts, Laltlanzauva from Mizoram for preserving indigenous Mizo traditions, Yose Chaya Angami from Nagaland for promoting Angami Naga cultural heritage and Dhammapiya from Tripura for contributions to education and community development.

The conference ended with a collective call to strengthen national integration, cultural pride and sustainable development initiatives aimed at ensuring holistic progress of the Northeastern region. Participants noted that the Northeast continues to emerge as an important pillar of India’s cultural diversity and developmental future.