At the Rising Northeast Investors Summit 2025, Union Minister Jayant Chaudhary delivered a heartfelt and visionary address, declaring that the Northeast is no longer a distant frontier but the very epicentre of India’s development journey. His words resonated deeply with the spirit of the region, which has long been known for its cultural richness and community strength, but is now emerging as a dynamic force in India’s economic and entrepreneurial landscape.
Speaking at one of the largest cross-sector investment summits ever held in the Northeast, Shri Chaudhary emphasized that the region’s potential lies not just in its resources, but in its people. From Mizoram’s remarkable achievement of 100% literacy to the innovative energy of young entrepreneurs across the region, he painted a picture of a Northeast that is vibrant, resilient, and ready to lead. His vision was not just aspirational—it was grounded in reality, citing inspiring stories of local leaders like Bhabhendra Mohan Borgohain, who united 500 tea growers into a thriving collective, and Merina Lahiri, whose work in Eri silk has empowered hundreds of women and preserved traditional, sustainable practices.
The Minister highlighted how the government is aligning its initiatives with the dreams of the people. He spoke about the upcoming ‘Skilling for AI Readiness’ programme, designed to prepare the youth for a future driven by artificial intelligence, by nurturing ethical innovation and indigenous talent. He stressed that for India to lead globally, its next generation—especially from regions like the Northeast—must be equipped with skills that match the scale of its ambitions.
Underscoring the need to move from isolated success stories to system-wide transformation, Shri Chaudhary reaffirmed the government’s commitment to structural reforms, world-class educational institutions, and investments in youth. He beautifully described the eight Northeastern states—the Ashta Lakshmi—not just as symbols of cultural wealth, but as engines of growth, urging the rest of India and the world to invest in their energy and promise.
The summit also showcased the powerful outcomes of the Skill India mission. A special pavilion titled Udyamita se Atmanirbhar featured local entrepreneurs trained by the Indian Institute of Entrepreneurship. Their stories—ranging from agro-processing to eco-tourism—offered living proof that with the right support, local talent can grow to meet national and global opportunities.
Since 2015, the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship has created over 49,000 apprenticeship opportunities in the Northeast and supported more than three lakh individuals through entrepreneurship programmes. Notably, women have led this wave of change, comprising over 75% of participants.
The Rising Northeast Investors Summit marked a turning point, bringing together policy, capital, and innovation in a way that honoured the region’s identity while opening doors to its future. From the tea gardens of Assam to the digital creators in Shillong, the Northeast is not just preparing for change—it is leading it.