Northeast Now Known for Opportunities, Not Distance from Delhi: Vice President Radhakrishnan

New Delhi | 7 March 2026 C. P. Radhakrishnan, Vice President of India, said on Saturday that the Northeast India is no longer identified by how far it is from New Delhi but by the growing opportunities emerging in the region. He made these remarks while addressing the 20th convocation ceremony at Mizoram University in Aizawl, Mizoram. Speaking at the event, the Vice President highlighted the significant development the region has witnessed over the past decade. He credited the central government’s Act East Policy for helping the Northeast connect more closely with the rest of the country and international markets. He pointed to infrastructure developments, including the recently inaugurated Bairabi–Sairang railway line, along with government initiatives like UDAN and PM-DevINE, which aim to improve connectivity and promote regional development. Congratulating the graduating students, Radhakrishnan encouraged them to see themselves as the "architects of Viksit Bharat." He said that institutions like Mizoram University, located in the peaceful hills of Aizawl, represent how education can play a powerful role in shaping society. He also urged young people in the region to move beyond the idea of only seeking jobs and instead focus on creating new opportunities for others. The Vice President identified several sectors where the Northeast has strong potential for global growth, including tourism, bamboo-based industries, organic farming, handicrafts and digital services. At the same time, he expressed concern about the "menace of drug abuse" among youth and called on students to adopt disciplined lifestyles and actively work to address the problem in their communities. He also encouraged responsible use of social media and urged young people to use digital platforms for positive social impact. Radhakrishnan further praised Mizoram for its environmental awareness and appreciated the efforts of Mizoram University to operate largely on solar energy. The event was attended by Vijay Kumar Singh, Governor of Mizoram and Chief Rector of the university, Lalduhoma, Chief Minister of Mizoram, and Vice Chancellor Dibakar Chandra Deka. Northeast Now Known for Opportunities, Not Distance from Delhi: Vice President Radhakrishnan C.P.Radhakrishnan, Vice President of India, said that the Northeast India is now being recognized for its growing opportunities rather than its geographical distance from New Delhi. He made these remarks while addressing the 20th convocation ceremony of Mizoram University in Aizawl, Mizoram. He highlighted the transformation the region has witnessed in recent years and credited the central government’s Act East Policy for boosting development and connectivity. According to him, projects like the Bairabi–Sairang railway line and schemes such as UDAN and PM-DevINE are helping integrate the region with the national mainstream. Congratulating the graduating students, Radhakrishnan encouraged them to see themselves as the "architects of Viksit Bharat." He urged the youth to focus not only on seeking jobs but also on creating employment opportunities, especially in sectors like tourism, bamboo industries, organic farming, handicrafts and digital services. The Vice President also raised concern about the "menace of drug abuse" among youth and called on students to lead efforts to tackle the issue. The event was attended by Vijay Kumar Singh, Lalduhoma and Vice Chancellor Dibakar Chandra Deka.