Akshar Foundation Showcases Northeast India's Development at UN Rights Council

At the UN Human Rights Council, Akshar Foundation's co-founder highlighted the significant development transformation in India's Northeast, driven by government investment in infrastructure like universities and bridges. He emphasized the region's rich cultural diversity of languages, tribes, and traditions. The foundation's work focuses on an innovative "learn and earn" education model that reintegrates dropouts through practical, community-focused learning. This model, inspired by Gandhi's philosophy, is now being scaled with government support under the National Education Policy.

Key Points: NE India Development Highlighted at UN Human Rights Council

  • Development in India's Northeast
  • Infrastructure and investment growth
  • Cultural diversity of the region
  • Akshar's "learn and earn" education model
  • Alignment with National Education Policy
2 min read

Akshar Foundation highlights Northeast India's development at UN Human Rights Council

Akshar Foundation highlights India's Northeast development & education model at UN, citing infrastructure growth and cultural diversity.

"focusing on the growing investments made by the Government of India in the Northeast over the past decade - Mazin Mukhtar"

Geneva, March 12

On the sidelines of the 61st session of the United Nations Human Rights Council, Mazin Mukhtar, Co-founder and Associate Director of the Akshar Foundation, highlighted development initiatives in India's northeastern region and urged global recognition of progress made in previously neglected areas.

In an exclusive interview with ANI, Mukhtar stated that focusing on the growing investments made by the Government of India in the Northeast over the past decade. According to him, the region had long faced neglect and underdevelopment, but recent years have witnessed a noticeable shift through infrastructure expansion and increased public investment.

Mukhtar noted that the Northeast has seen the establishment of new universities, hospitals, and bridges, which he said have strengthened connectivity and improved access to essential services for local communities. As an NGO working in Assam, Akshar Foundation said it has observed the impact of these initiatives firsthand while working with children and families from marginalised backgrounds.

He also emphasised the cultural uniqueness of Northeast India, describing it as one of the most diverse regions in the country. The area is home to a wide variety of languages, tribes, traditions, and cuisines, making it a distinctive cultural hub within India.

The Akshar Foundation representative also highlighted the organisation's work in the education sector. Established to help children living in poverty gain the skills needed to improve their lives, the foundation has focused on bringing school dropouts back into the education system.

Through its "learn and earn" model inspired by Mahatma Gandhi's Nai Talim philosophy, students at the foundation's schools participate in practical activities such as teaching younger children, recycling plastic, and growing food. According to Mukhtar, this approach allows students to learn through hands-on experiences while becoming active contributors to their communities.

He added that support from the Government of India has enabled the organisation to collaborate with government schools and train teachers to implement its model in line with the National Education Policy 2020.

- ANI

Share this article:

Reader Comments

R
Rahul R
Finally, the world is noticing the transformation! The connectivity projects like bridges and new highways have made a huge difference. My cousin is posted in Assam and says the change in the last 5-7 years is visible. Infrastructure leads to opportunity.
A
Aman W
The 'learn and earn' model sounds brilliant. Tackling plastic waste while educating children is a sustainable solution that more Indian NGOs should adopt. Hope the government supports scaling this up across all northeastern states.
S
Sarah B
While the development is commendable, I hope it's inclusive and doesn't come at the cost of the region's incredible ecological and cultural heritage. Progress should empower local communities, not displace them. The article is promising, but implementation is key.
K
Karthik V
As someone from the South, I've always wanted to visit the Northeast. This article makes me want to plan a trip even more! The diversity of languages and food is amazing. Development with preservation of culture is the perfect balance. 👍
N
Nisha Z
Bringing dropouts back to school is the most crucial work. Education is the real foundation for any region's progress. Glad to see the NEP 2020 being implemented in such innovative ways. Hope other foundations learn from this model.

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

Leave a Comment

Minimum 50 characters 0/50