Telangana–Northeast Connect: Building Cultural, Economic and Literary Bridges

It was a gathering of a different kind — a first in India — when the Governor of Telangana, His Excellency Jishnu Dev Varma, who hails from the Northeastern state of Tripura, organized the Telangana–North East Connect, a Techno-Cultural Festival, in Hyderabad. The festival was held in two phases, with Phase I commencing on November 20 and concluding on November 22, 2025. Phase II was held from November 25 to November 27, 2025. Phase I consisted of Fine Arts, Performing Arts, Literature, Women Empowerment, a Film Festival, and Sports. Phase II comprised a Health Care Conclave, Pharma and Life Sciences, and IT & ITES.

The very nomenclature of the festival — Telangana–North East Connect — clearly indicates that Telangana seeks to forge close bonds with the Northeast and sees the advantage of presenting Telangana to the Northeastern region. These objectives could benefit and serve both regions well. In a message, A. Revanth Reddy, Telangana’s Chief Minister, says:
“The North Eastern Region of India, with its unmatched splendor, natural beauty, amazing resources and extraordinary people, culture, arts, diversity, is a jewel of India. Telangana feels a special connect with the North Eastern States and we celebrate and cherish our shared heritage and diversities.”

With such an unpretentious but powerful message, the Chief Minister could not have wooed the Northeast in a more eloquently subtle manner. And those of us from the Northeast who attended the TG–NE Connect Festival had the pleasure, honour, and privilege of accepting Telangana’s hospitality, exchanging views on shared existential issues, and finding commonalities despite our numerous diversities through the subjects discussed in Phase I of the festival.

All eight Northeastern states were represented in one category or another in Phase I, and indubitably in Phase II as well. From Nagaland, we had representation in Literature (Monalisa Changkija), Women Empowerment (Pritpal Kaur, IPS, SP Phek, and Chenithung Humstoe), and Naga designer Vilhousa Movi in Performing Arts (Theatre and Music). Under the Literature category, one panel discussion was also held on Media. I had the privilege of speaking at the panel on “To See a Heaven in a Wild Flower: Poetry and Perspective” and at the panel on “The Media is the Medium.”

Panelists in the Literature category opined that too much had been packed into too little time — but it is a complaint common in all literary festivals and events. After all, writers, poets, and authors deal with words rooted in experience, observations, and opinions, ergo tend to speak a lot and sometimes get overly academic. This is not a bad thing in itself because it is always illuminating and educative to learn from fellow writers’ perspectives.

There were musical performances, dances, films, and art and cultural exhibitions. It was a pity that Nagaland did not see any representation in these categories because we have enormous talent in these fields — definitely a missed opportunity, because far away from the Northeast, people actually want to know us and learn about us. But perhaps all roads for our talents led to the Hornbill Festival and the dates simply didn’t work out. This underscores that when hands are stretched out to us to forge bonds, reciprocation is needed — after computing priorities and getting out of our heads.

The TG–NE Connect Festival was probably the first time a Governor of an Indian state actually conceptualized, initiated, and organized an event of this magnitude, and clearly his government was totally supportive in every way. It was also apparent that Hyderabad has all the required infrastructure to host around 600 invitees from the Northeast. The most convenient was the huge HITEX Complex, where all categories of the festival were held simultaneously, allowing invitees to attend any event without having to go to other venues.

Indubitably, the Government of Telangana has envisaged the state playing a very prominent role in all aspects of culture, literature, visual and performing arts, sports, and national and international events across sectors. This is an investment that will bring huge returns to the Government and people of Telangana — and not only in monetary terms. Telangana clearly sees Hyderabad as a hub for numerous activities and events and is prepared to host them. It is notable that the HITEX Complex is extremely well constructed, with all requirements for festivals, events, and activities well in place. Such a venue in any Northeastern state remains an aspiration, a dream, a prayer, and a hope. One gets the sense that Hyderabad’s HITEX Complex is more a matter of unambiguous vision and political will than merely the availability of funds.

Hyderabad also has first-rate medical facilities, educational institutions, a robust hospitality sector, and employment opportunities in both the public and private sectors — all the requirements the Northeast lacks and is searching for. So, it makes good sense for Telangana to bring the Northeast to the state and let us see for ourselves what it has to offer. Already, a large number of Northeasterners have been working, studying, and living in Hyderabad and possibly in numerous parts of Telangana. I am informed that some even own small and medium businesses. To me, the TG–NE Connect Festival was not only a hard sell of Telangana but also the opening of a door and a heartfelt welcome to the state. And what better way, as the Governor said during his inaugural speech, than to begin with the opening of minds and the exchange of ideas?

In terms of wealth, no Northeastern state can hold a candle to Telangana — probably not even all Northeastern states put together — though Telangana is comparatively new. So, very few Northeastern states would be able to host a TG–NE Connect–type festival except perhaps Assam. Even so, any Northeastern state could host such an event by inviting one or two neighbouring states, because while we are neighbours, we remain strangers in many ways despite our geographical proximity, historical ties, and cultural commonalities. A very simple truism is this: business becomes lucrative when minds and hearts are opened and shared, similarities celebrated, trust earned, and bonds forged. Ultimately, it is political will that wins the day, opens markets, and earns the paisa. It is also the people’s keenness to open hearts and minds to welcome everyone and become friends and business partners.

It must be mentioned here that while the Telangana Governor visited every session across categories on the first business day, he actually came to a literary session, sat down, spoke, and shared his mind. Not surprising, because Jishnu Dev Varma himself is a noted writer and aficionado of culture. It makes a huge difference to any state to have such a personality as Governor — and it shows. Governorship, after all, demands much more than politics and parroting governments’ lines. With times a-changing, so much is expected of Governors, because there is so much they can do to enhance their governments’ performance and productivity, thereby enriching people’s lives.