Telangana Guv launched North-East Connect Association (NECA) in Telangana

Governor of Telangana Jishnu Dev Varma officially launched the formation of North East Connect Association, (NECA) Telangana at the closing ceremony of Telangana North East Connect 2025 festival held at Raj Bhavan in Hyderabad on Thursday. The Techno-Cultural Festival initiated by the governor and supported by the government of Telangana, was highly successful, being first of its kind in the country, with signing of several MoUs between the entrepreneurs and institutions of North East and Telangana.
This new civil society platform the North-East Connect Association brings together the diverse Northeast communities in the state, to promote collaborative engagement and a constructive addressal of shared concerns. Aimed at creating a catalyst platform for the Northeast Indian Community in Telangana, the Association act as bridge between the North East communities and Telangana Government and civil society.
Speaking of the importance of supporting North East communities in Telangana, governor Jishnu Dev Varma stated that the launch of NECA marks a significant step to continued work of integration of these communities in reflecting the spirit of unity and diversity that defines our nation.
The platform will serve as a bridge between communities and help strengthen the relationship between the people of Telangana and the Northeast Indian community, President Paparao Biyyala and Vice President Gautam Sawang said in a statement received here on Friday.
The founding members of this society come from distinguished backgrounds in public service, health, law, academia, sports, entrepreneurship, and well connected with the North Eastern states. President
Paparao Biyyala, a distinguished Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officer was a former Policy Advisor to Telangana Government, also served as Home Secretary, Assam. Vice President D. Gautam Sawang – a former IPS officer, retired as Director General of Police (DGP), Andhra Pradesh. Born in Assam, with roots in Arunachal Pradesh and raised in several North Eastern states, has a deep and lifelong cultural bond with the region. On the other hand one of its members Dr. S. Sahariah hails from Mangaldai in Assam is a Padma Shri Awardee and renowned transplant surgeon in the country. He is also the founder Director of KIMS, he has been championing healthcare access and community support for Northeastern people for decades. Another member
Prof. Ajailiu Niumai, a Professor of Sociology, University of Hyderabad and Hails from Manipur. He is a leading authority on Northeast India, and has dedicated her academic leadership to advancing research and visibility for Northeast communities. Member, Stephen Sen is an accomplished lawyer based in Hyderabad, with family ties through marriage and connections with the Northeast, his understanding of their legal and social challenges runs very deep.
Dr. K. Rajeswara Rao – A distinguished IAS officer of Tripura Cadre,1988 batch, has vast administrative experience in the North East and on creating opportunities for marginalized sections of society is inspiring.
Sridhar Muppidi – An accomplished entrepreneur and technology leader. With family ties through marriage and professional initiatives in the region, he has long supported youth and community development in the Northeast.