The Director General of Assam Rifles, Lieutenant General Vikas Lakhera, AVSM, SM, conducted a two-day visit to the National Integrity and Educational Development Organisation (NIEDO) Centres in Nagaland on March 5 and 6, 2026, underscoring the Indian paramilitary force’s ongoing commitment to youth empowerment and educational development in the Northeast region. During his itinerary, Lt Gen Lakhera visited the NIEDO facility at Ghaspani and the centre located at Chieswema Garrison near Kohima. The centres form part of a collaborative initiative between the Assam Rifles, NIEDO, a Kanpur-based public charitable trust and premier NGO specializing in value-based education for underprivileged youth in conflict-affected and remote areas, and supporting partners. These Centres of Excellence focus on providing compensatory education, career-oriented coaching, and holistic development to prepare students, particularly from economically disadvantaged backgrounds, for competitive examinations and future opportunities.
At both locations, the Director General engaged directly with students and staff members. He commended their discipline, dedication, and pursuit of academic and competitive excellence, urging the young aspirants to approach their goals with unwavering determination, self-confidence, and a spirit of service to the nation. Lt Gen Lakhera encouraged them to take pride in contributing to India’s progress while maintaining personal integrity.
He conducted a thorough review of the infrastructure and facilities at the centres, stressing the critical need to create a nurturing and supportive environment for students preparing for various competitive exams. The DG highlighted the broader significance of education as a cornerstone for national development, intertwined with patriotism and well-rounded growth. He emphasized the importance of balancing academics with participation in sports, extracurricular activities, and character-building initiatives to foster complete personal and societal advancement.NIEDO’s work in Nagaland aligns with its mission to operate in challenging regions, offering quality mentoring and guidance to youth who might otherwise face limited access to advanced educational resources.
Through partnerships with security forces like the Assam Rifles, such centres have become vital platforms for empowering local communities, promoting stability, and building a pipeline of motivated, skilled individuals ready to serve the country in diverse capacities.Lt Gen Vikas Lakhera’s visit reflects the Assam Rifles’ broader “Sentinels of the Northeast” ethos, which extends beyond security operations to include community welfare, education, and youth development programs aimed at long-term peace and progress in the region.
contact: drrajeshjauhri@gmail.com
Dr Rajesh Jauhri is a Journalist with an experience of over 25 years in Indian and foreign media, a Social Scientist, an Ac-complished Author, a Political & Strategic Analyst, a Marksman (Rifle & Pistol), an Orator, a Thinker and an Educationist. He holds a Ph.D. degree on “Impact of colonial heritage on Indian police”. He runs an NGO dedicated to the social and eco-nomic uplift of tribal communities in MP and two decades back, he established a school in a village of Indore district, providing education and moral values to children belonging to underprivileged and minority families. Has received multiple awards in various fields.
