Hyderabad, 25 November (H.S.): The Second Phase of the Telangana–North East Connect, a Techno-Cultural Festival aimed at strengthening collaboration between Telangana and the eight North Eastern states, was inaugurated on Monday evening at Raj Bhavan by the Governor of Telangana, Jishnu Dev Verma.

The festival seeks to promote partnership in sectors including culture, technology, innovation, start-ups, education, and human development, celebrating the growing synergy between the two regions. The Governor welcomed the visiting delegation and appreciated the success of Phase One, which featured significant participation in sessions on women’s empowerment, cinema, painting, photography, and sports. He said that the Second Phase builds upon this momentum and further deepens the relationship between Telangana and the North East.

Calling Hyderabad a natural hub for such initiatives, Governor Verma, described the city as a centre for technology, pharmaceuticals, innovation, and forward-thinking ideas. He emphasised that the Connect is not merely a cultural exchange programme but a meaningful contribution to the national vision of Viksit Bharat.

“Such platforms help regions grow together, create opportunities for youth, and build bridges of understanding across India,” the Governor said. Quoting former President Dr A. P. J. Abdul Kalam, he urged the gathering to “let their dreams speak,” and reminded them that true dreams are those that inspire continuous effort.

He said the North East today represents development, energy, and confidence, and added that Telangana can play an enabling role by sharing resources, experience, and institutional strength. Referring to his visits to T-Hub and WE-Hub, he noted that such institutions have the potential to support start-ups, generate employment, and create entrepreneurial ecosystems beneficial to young people from both regions.

Earlier, Principal Secretary to the Governor, M. Dana Kishore, IAS, delivered the welcome address and said the initiative reflects a sense of shared responsibility and an expanding partnership rooted in institutional collaboration and collective aspiration.

Addressing the gathering, the Minister for IT, Industries, and Legislative Affairs, D. Sridhar Babu, shared his recent interaction with students from Nagaland. He said the students appreciated Hyderabad for its inclusivity, remarking, “No one asks us where we are from; they just accept us.” He said this spirit reflects the essence of Hyderabad and the vision of the Governor.

Calling the initiative “a connection of hearts,” the Minister said Telangana and the North East share deep values, including respect for tradition, love for nature, and warm human relationships. He expressed confidence that the coming decade would be the “decade of the North East,” full of new opportunities across sectors. Highlighting Telangana’s progress in digital learning through TSAT, he said the State is dedicated to building “one generation of skilled youth, one brick and one skill at a time.”

He outlined Hyderabad’s aspiration to become a global leader in pharmaceuticals by 2047 and said the T-Fiber internet connectivity model could be effectively implemented in the North Eastern states, particularly to improve healthcare delivery. “Telangana wishes to walk with the North East not as a distant partner, but as a trusted one,” he said.

Health Secretary Christina Z. Chongthu, IAS, commended the Governor’s vision in launching the Connect, calling it a strong bridge linking Telangana and the North Eastern states. She said shared learning and collaboration are essential for building a healthier and more resilient future.

The event was attended by diplomats, senior government officials, industry leaders, and representatives from the innovation and start-up ecosystem. Among those present were the British Deputy High Commissioner to Telangana and Andhra Pradesh, the Deputy Consul General of Iran, and prominent corporate leaders including V. Rajanna, President (Technology & Software), TCS, and Mahima Datla, Managing Director of Biological E Ltd., along with several CEOs from the IT, ITES, healthcare, and pharmaceutical sectors.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Indrani Sarkar