NIT 2025: SEIL Experience Sharing Programme held at Raj Bhavan
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, March 28 2025:
A "Students' Experience in Inter-State Living (SEIL) Experience Sharing Programme" was successfully conducted at Raj Bhavan, Imphal today as part of the National Integration Tour 2025 .
The event was graced by Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla; Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP) North-East zonal organizing secretary, Kamal Nayan and SEIL Manipur in-charge, Deepak Ningombam as presidium members.
The SEIL initiative, led by ABVP, is a unique platform fostering national integration, cultural exchange, and unity among students from different regions of India.
It aimed to bridge the geographical and cultural divide by allowing students to experience and understand the diverse traditions, lifestyles, and heritage of various States, As per a release issued by ABVP, this year, 39 delegates from various communities of Manipur participated in the National Integration Tour (NIT), which spanned from January 23 to February 13, 2025.The students traveled across different States, immersing themselves in diverse cultural experiences and learning about the spirit of "Ek Bharat, Shreshtha Bharat".
Speaking on the occasion, Ajay Kumar Bhalla stressed the significance of such tours in shaping students' understanding of the country's diversity.
He noted that first-hand experiences of different cultures and people help instil a sense of unity and appreciation for India's vast cultural landscape.
He also emphasized that these initiatives play a crucial role in nation-building by fostering mutual respect, breaking stereotypes, and creating a generation that values inclusivity.
He also highlighted the importance of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat programme, which aims to strengthen national unity by enhancing interaction and promoting mutual understanding between people of different States and Union Territories through State/UT pairing.
The Governor also stressed the need for expanding similar programmes, encouraging a two-way exchange where students from across the country visit Manipur and other Northeastern States.
"Strengthening these connections, would deepen national integration and mutual understanding", said the Governor.
Kamal Nayan shared insights on how the SEIL tour was meticulously planned and successfully executed.
He reiterated that such initiatives are essential for strengthening national integration, especially in the North-East, by showcasing its rich culture and heritage to the rest of India.
The highlight of the event was the experience-sharing session by the delegates, where students from different tour groups narrated their experiences, cultural learnings, and the friendships they built during the journey.
They spoke about how the tour transformed their perspectives, helping them break stereotypes and develop a deeper appreciation for the cultural fabric of India.
The event concluded with a vote of thanks proposed by Prof Premlata Maisnam, president of ABVP Manipur.