The Cultural Exchange Program was organized by East Dimapur Youth Organization (EDYO) on Saturday the 3rd of December 2022 at the Kachari Community Playground, Darogajan-Khushiabill under the theme “Unity Beyond Own Communities.”

The Guest of honor for the event was Smti. Hekani Jakhalu, founder of YouthNet, Nagaland. Hekani Jakhalu in her speech stated that how it dates back to the times after the Second World War when nations understood the need to come together culturally, politically and economically emerging out of past divisions and hatred. She further stated that the tradition of Cultural Exchange programs is now popular around the world - not only among governments, but also among people in various platforms.

Hekani lauded the East Dimapur Youth Organization (EDYO) for its initiative in organizing the program. She called it “timely” and “the need of the hour”, and also congratulated them for bringing different communities together with their vision. She called East Dimapur a mini-Nagaland for its evident diversity, also with a reference to all the different cultural performances of the evening. She called upon all to uphold this cultural diversity as an example and inspire others. She further said that everyone should have a vision for their community, a vision that extends ten years or twenty years down the line. And that it is the youth of the communities who should have the vision, and the responsibility to fulfil them. She then stressed on the vital need to strengthen our young population towards the larger vision of taking our communities forward, and that we’re all in it together. While praising the efforts of the EDYO for their first successful program, she reminded that it too needs to have a long-term clear vision.

Hekani called upon the youth to stay focused, work hard and stand on their feet and value the sacrifices of their parents. She reiterated that the young population of Nagaland is filled with talent but they’re often at a disadvantage because of an unfavourable ecosystem; that it is difficult for young people to avail facilities, proper connectivity, infrastructure and loans, something she has been fighting for most of her life.

Hekani concluded her address by sharing her dream - her vision for Nagaland to be the number one state in the northeast. She explained that her dream is inextricably linked to the dreams of each one of us, and it will only be meaningful when all our individual dreams are fulfilled.
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