Nagaland Governor Nand Kishore Yadav has urged young people to look beyond government jobs and develop skills for entrepreneurship and other livelihood opportunities. Speaking at the State Level Youth Festival 2026 in Kohima on September 29, Yadav said government employment alone cannot meet the aspirations of every young person.
He encouraged youth to explore digital technology, agriculture, tourism, handicrafts, creative industries and other emerging sectors. He also highlighted a skill-development initiative that has trained 80 athletes in alternative livelihood skills.
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Key Facts
- Event: State Level Youth Festival 2026
- Date: September 29, 2026
- Location: Indira Gandhi Stadium, Kohima
- Governor: Nand Kishore Yadav
- Theme: “Youth, Skills and a Self-Reliant Nagaland”
- Age group: 15 to 29 years
- Athletes trained: 80
- National event: New Delhi, January 2027
Governor Calls for Greater Focus on Skills
Addressing the youth festival, Governor Nand Kishore Yadav said young people should consider career options beyond government employment. He said skills, enterprise and self-reliance can create additional livelihood opportunities.
Yadav encouraged youth to explore fields such as digital technology, entrepreneurship, agriculture, tourism, handicrafts and creative industries.
He also stressed the importance of discipline, continuous learning and perseverance. According to the Governor, young people can develop practical skills through education, experience, mentorship and hard work.
Focus on Alternative Livelihoods for Athletes
The Governor also highlighted a skill-based economic sustenance initiative launched by the Youth Resources and Sports Department.
Under the initiative, 80 athletes have received training in skills including crochet, floristry, pickle-making, baking and mobile phone repairing.
Yadav also praised handmade products and creative works displayed by students of the State Sports Academy. He said athletes should develop additional skills that can support them after their sporting careers.
He noted that sports help young people develop discipline, teamwork, perseverance and leadership. However, athletes can also benefit from practical skills outside the sporting field.
Youth Encouraged to Turn Ideas Into Action
Advisor to the Youth Resources and Sports Department S Keoshu Yimkhiung said Nagaland’s youth have creativity, courage, energy and a strong sense of community.
He called for greater emphasis on knowledge, practical skills, discipline and confidence. Furthermore, he encouraged young people to identify problems in their communities and develop solutions through their skills and ideas.
Youth Resources and Sports Secretary Anthony Ngullie said the department designed the athlete skill initiative to provide alternative livelihood options after athletes complete their sporting careers.
State Youth Festival to Lead to National Event
The Department of Youth Resources & Sports organised the State Level Youth Festival under the theme “Youth, Skills and a Self-Reliant Nagaland.”
The festival is open to young people between 15 and 29 years of age. District-level competitions preceded the state-level event.
Meanwhile, winners from the state-level competitions will represent Nagaland at the national-level event scheduled to take place in New Delhi in January 2027.
The festival features activities such as folk songs, folk dances and declamation competitions.
Governor Highlights Nagaland’s Cultural Heritage
Yadav also urged young people to preserve Nagaland’s rich cultural heritage. At the same time, he encouraged participants to use creativity and new ideas to present traditional art forms to wider audiences.
He described the youth festival as more than a competition. According to him, it provides opportunities for learning, interaction, creativity and personal development.
Participants from different districts can also use the event to build friendships and learn from one another.
Questions and Answers
What did the Nagaland Governor tell young people?
Nand Kishore Yadav encouraged youth to explore skills, entrepreneurship and alternative livelihood opportunities instead of relying only on government employment.
Where was the State Level Youth Festival held?
The event took place at Indira Gandhi Stadium in Kohima.
How many athletes received skill training?
The initiative has trained 80 athletes in skills such as baking, floristry, crochet and mobile phone repairing.
What is the theme of the youth festival?
The theme is “Youth, Skills and a Self-Reliant Nagaland.”
When will the national-level event take place?
The national-level event will take place in New Delhi in January 2027.
Nagaland and Northeast Context
Kohima, the capital of Nagaland, serves as an important centre for youth, cultural and administrative activities in the state. Skill development, entrepreneurship and alternative livelihoods remain relevant areas for expanding opportunities for young people across Nagaland and the wider Northeast.