Tech can help Nagaland overcome geographical constraints, connect youth with global opportunities: CM Rio
Kohima, Aug 28 (IANS) Nagaland Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio on Friday said that technology can help the mountainous state overcome geographical constraints and connect its young talent with national and global opportunities without requiring them to leave the state, in line with the vision of Viksit Bharat 2047.
Inaugurating the two-day Tech X Gaming Expo in Kohima, Rio said that the expo marked the convergence of technology, gaming, innovation, education and the aspirations of Nagaland’s youth. He particularly highlighted the Kohima Time Trials of the F1 Sim Racing India Open 2026, saying it was the first time the national talent search had come to the Northeast. Rio said gaming and e-sports should not be viewed merely as recreational activities but as gateways to future careers in areas such as race engineering, game development, data analysis, streaming and digital content.
The Chief Minister highlighted several government initiatives in GIS, drone technology, e-sports, IT, start-ups and artificial intelligence, including the Software Technology Parks of India STPI centre in Kohima, the upcoming Nagaland Innovation Hub for Startups at Chumoukedima and the proposed AI Centre of Excellence.
Rio also underlined the important role of the Department of Information and Public Relations (DIPR) in the digital age, saying communication today is not simply about disseminating government information but also about telling Nagaland’s story to the world.
He said Nagaland has a remarkable story to tell through its culture, creativity, entrepreneurship, music, sports, innovation and young talent. Modern communication platforms, he said, must be used to ensure that the world sees not only the beauty and heritage of Nagaland but also the talent, innovation and aspirations of its people.
Directorate of Information and Public Relations (DIPR) is among the government departments working together with the Departments of School Education, Youth Resources and Sports, Information Technology and Communication, and GIS under Planning and Coordination to co-organise the Tech X Gaming Expo.
Rio said such collaboration demonstrates what can be achieved when different departments work towards a shared objective of preparing young people for the future.
The Chief Minister also welcomed the proposed collaboration with Google, involving an investment of more than Rs 100 million in school education, describing it as an important step towards strengthening learning outcomes and equipping students with 21st-century skills.
Addressing the youth, Rio urged them not to limit their dreams because of where they come from and encouraged them to explore fields such as gaming, coding, AI, music, design, robotics, sports and entrepreneurship, backed by discipline, hard work and continuous learning.
“Nagaland is no longer merely a spectator in the digital transformation. We are ready to participate. We are ready to innovate. We are ready to compete. And we are ready to lead,” Rio noted.
The two-day expo will include esports tournaments, gaming competitions, cosplay, digital art and AI creative challenges, a 48-hour Game Jam, workshops, panel discussions, technology exhibitions, live entertainment and food and vendor experiences.
–IANS
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