Uttarakhand CM Pushkar Singh Dhami Praises NESt Fest as a Boost for Northeast Youth

On a breezy Saturday in New Delhi, Uttarakhand’s Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami made his way to the 9th edition of the North East Students’ Festival (NESt Fest). The event, now a well‑known gathering for students from the eight Northeastern states, gave Dhami a chance to mingle with young minds and hear their aspirations firsthand.

“It’s a good platform for students from the Northeast to come together and build confidence,” Dhami told reporters after the programme. He added that the “Home India” initiative, which has been nurturing this festival for over two decades, deserves applause for its consistency and vision.

While the festival buzzed with cultural performances and academic discussions, the day also coincided with India’s Teacher’s Day. Dhami used the moment to reflect on the legacy of former President and Bharat Ratna laureate Dr. Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan. “His life continues to inspire education, culture, and human values across the nation,” the chief minister said, noting that Radhakrishnan’s ideals still guide teachers and students alike.

He went on to thank teachers everywhere, emphasizing that they shape the younger generation with knowledge, values and life‑skills, thereby playing a “vital role in nation‑building.” The reminder resonated especially with the student audience, many of whom see their mentors as pillars of support.

Teacher’s Day, observed on September 5, marks Radhakrishnan’s birth anniversary and is celebrated across India with ceremonies, flowers, and heartfelt messages to educators. Dhami’s remarks, though brief, underscored the timeless importance of honoring those who light the path for tomorrow’s leaders.

As the festival drew to a close, the sentiment was clear: platforms like NESt Fest, paired with the reverence for educators, are essential threads in the fabric of a progressive India.