Mizoram Governor General Vijay Kumar Singh met with 40 students and 4 teachers from Andaman & Nicobar Islands and Lakshadweep on Tuesday at Lok Bhavan, Aizawl, as part of the “Ashtalakshmi Darshan Youth Exchange Programme.” The Governor welcomed the group, urging them to take advantage of their time in Mizoram to gain insights into Northeast India. He noted similarities between Mizoram and the visiting regions, highlighting Mizoram’s scenic beauty, low population density, minimal large-scale industries, and extensive forests that contribute to its favorable climate.
Singh pointed out that Mizoram is a fully literate state, preparing to establish its own State University in line with the National Education Policy 2020. He reflected on the development and peace that has followed the signing of the Mizoram Peace Accord in 1986, asserting that Mizoram is now one of India’s most peaceful states. He cited the recent inauguration of the Bairabi-Sairang railway line and mentioned plans to extend railway connectivity further south, linking it with the Kaladan Multi-Modal Transit Transport Project (KMMTTP). Furthermore, he stressed Mizoram’s agricultural and horticultural potential, particularly in aromatic plants, predicting considerable economic growth with enhanced supply chains and market connections.
The Ashtalakshmi Darshan Youth Exchange Programme, managed by the Ministry of Development of Northeastern Region (DoNER), aims to foster national integration by facilitating cultural exchanges among students from various Indian regions. The group arrived on January 15, 2026, and will be based at Mizoram University, where they will participate in lectures on Northeast India’s history and culture until their departure on January 28, 2026.
