ASSAM RIFLES AND NEASW SUCCESSFULLY CONCLUDES ‘UNITY UTSAV 2.0’ STRENGTHENING NATIONAL INTEGRATION THROUGH SPORTS AND CULTURE

New Delhi: The Assam Rifles and NEASW (Northeast Association for Social Welfare Foundation) successfully concluded Unity Utsav 2.0 based on theme “One Nation, One Dream”, a two-phase national initiative aimed at strengthening national integration by providing the youth of Northeast India a common platform for sports and cultural engagement. The event fostered social, emotional and cultural connectivity between the Northeast and the rest of the country.

Concept and Aim of Unity Utsav. Unity Utsav was conceptualised as an inclusive national initiative to empower the youth of Northeast India by offering them an opportunity to showcase their talent, identity and rich cultural heritage on a national stage. By leveraging sports and culture as unifying tools, the initiative promoted youth empowerment, mutual understanding and the spirit of national unity.

Unity Utsav 2025. The inaugural edition of Unity Utsav was held in February 2025 in New Delhi, with participation of over 1,000 youth from all eight Northeastern states. The four-day event culminated in a grand cultural programme at the Manekshaw Centre and received guidance and endorsement from the Hon’ble Union Home Minister & Minister of Cooperation, Shri Amit Shah, who had appreciated the Assam Rifles’ efforts in strengthening national integration.

Unity Utsav 2.0 – Phase I : Sports Tournaments. Phase I of Unity Utsav 2.0 was conducted from 09 to 12 February 2026 and featured sports competitions including football, volleyball, badminton and other disciplines. Youth participants from across Northeast India displayed exceptional discipline, teamwork, leadership and sportsmanship, reinforcing the role of sports in character building and national cohesion.

Unity Utsav 2.0 – Phase II : Grand Cultural Programme. The grand cultural programme of Unity Utsav 2.0 was held on 19 February 2026 at the Manekshaw Centre, New Delhi. The event showcased the vibrant traditions, folk dances and music of all eight Northeastern states, celebrating India’s unity in diversity and drawing great appreciation from the audience.

The event was graced by the Hon’ble Minister of State for Home Affairs, Shri Nityanand Rai, who lauded the Assam Rifles for its steadfast commitment to promoting cultural integration and strengthening the bonds of national unity through meaningful youth-centric initiatives.

On the occasion, the trophies to the winning teams of the sports competitions were ceremonially presented by the Hon’ble Minister of State for Home Affairs alongwith Lt Gen Vikas Lakhera, AVSM, SM, Director General Assam Rifles, marking a proud and inspiring moment for the young achievers and underscoring the spirit of excellence, teamwork and national camaraderie fostered by Unity Utsav 2.0.

Known as the “Friends of the Hill People”, the Assam Rifles continues to contribute beyond its core security mandate by actively promoting youth empowerment, social harmony and national integration.

Unity Utsav 2.0 marked a significant milestone in reinforcing the spirit of “One Nation, One Dream”through sports, culture and meaningful youth participation.