When we talk about India’s diversity, we often celebrate languages, festivals, and cuisines. Yet, in the conversation about unity, we overlook one of the most vibrant and misunderstood regions of our nation — the North Eastern states. Comprising Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland, Tripura, and Sikkim, each of these states is a world of its own — distinct in culture, language, beliefs, and lifestyle. Sadly, stereotypes and ignorance have clouded how many perceive this region, leading to harmful assumptions and outright racism.
This column aims to challenge those narratives, highlight the richness of the North East, and ask: when will the rest of India truly embrace this beautiful part of our nation?
One Region, Eight Unique Stories
Let’s break a myth straight away — the North East is not a single culture or community. Every state has its own unique identity:
Arunachal Pradesh: Known as the Land of the Rising Sun, it’s home to over 26 tribes and more than 100 sub-tribes Famous for its stunning natural beauty, including misty mountains, green valleys, and rich biodiversity, including numerous species of orchids. Also known as the “Land of the Dawn-Lit Mountains” and is home to diverse tribal cultures and vibrant festivals Additionally, the state is renowned for it’s Buddhist monasteries, such as Tawang Monastry and adventure tourism opportunities like trekking and river rafting.. Its snow-capped mountains and rich tribal heritage offer a deep dive into ancient customs and oral traditions.
Meghalaya: Meghalaya is famous for its natural beauty including stunning waterfalls, lush green hills, and unique landscapes. Also known for it’s living root bridges, diverse flora and fauna, and rich cultural heritage and for being one of the wettest places on earth, numerous caves, adventure activities like trekking and caving. A state of rain and rock music, where Shillong — the Scotland of the East — blends modern youth culture with matrilineal roots. The village of Mawlynnong, dubbed Asia’s cleanest village, showcases the community’s environmental consciousness and civic pride.
Manipur: Manipur is known as “The Jewel of India” Renowned for classical Manipuri dance, rich martial arts, and being the birthplace of modern polo. It is renowned for it’s rich culture heritage, exquisite handloom and handicraft products. Also famous for it’s natural beauty, particularly Loktak Lake, the world’s only floating natural park Keibul Lamjao and its diverse flora and fauna It’s also seen rising popularity in fashion, athletics, and cinema.
Mizoram: Known for peace, highest literacy, and harmonious community life. It is often called the “Land of the Highlanders” and is famous for it’s scenic landscapes, including waterfalls, lakes, and dense bamboo forests. Young entrepreneurs and artists here are using digital platforms to amplify Mizo culture. Chapchar Kut (Mizoram) marks the jhum harvest season with music and dance.
Nagaland: Nagaland is known as “ Land of Festivals” known for it’s exquisite handlooms and handicrafts, reflecting the artistic skills of its people. Also known for it’s vibrant tribal culture rich biodiversity, and numerous festivals. Famous for its Hornbill Festival, which has become a national tourist magnet. It brings together Naga tribes to showcase music, crafts, and heritage. The state has embraced youth-led eco-tourism and start-ups in recent years. Hornbill Festival (Nagaland) brings together tribes for music, art, fashion, and cuisine, attracting both domestic and international tourists.
Assam: Assam is known as the “Land of Red River and Blue Hills”. It draws visitors with its Bihu celebrations,(Especially Rongali Bihu), Ambubachi Mela, Dehing Patkai Festival, Jonbeel Mela, “Ali-Ai-Legang , Me-Dam-Me-Phi and various tribal festivals, world-class tea estates, the majestic Brahmaputra river, lush green landscapes, rich biodiversity including the endangered one-horned rhinoceros. It also famous for golden Muga silk. Assam is a significant contributor to India’s crude oil and natural gas production. The state government has boosted tourism through river cruises and heritage site promotion. Rongali Bihu celebrates the Assamese new year with dance, feasts, and community bonding.
Tripura: Tripura is known as “Abode of the Gods”. It is known for its rich cultural heritage, beautiful landscapes and diverse wildlife. It’s famous for it’s ancient rock-cut carvings, particularly at Unakoti, and it’s Temples including the Tripura Sundari. Tripura is seeing growth in heritage tourism with sites like Neermahal. The Tirthamukh Festival draws spiritual tourists from across India.
Sikkim: Sikkim is known by many names, including “Land of Peace and Tranquility, “Land of Monasteries, and “Land of Hidden Valleys” The jewel of the Eastern Himalayas, Sikkim is India’s first fully organic state and a sustainability pioneer .It’s stunning Himalayan scenery, including the world’s third highest peak Kanchenjunga, lush forests, and beautiful lakes. It hosts the Losar and Pang Lhabsol festivals, drawing in tourists for its Buddhist rituals and natural beauty. The government has promoted homestays and trekking trails, making it a favorite among nature lovers and backpackers.
These festivals and tourist destinations are more than just cultural showcases — they are platforms for youth entrepreneurship, eco-tourism, community leadership, and digital storytelling.
State governments have supported these through tourism boards, infrastructure grants, and promotion campaigns. Central schemes like "Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat", North East Festival (Delhi), and DoNER ministry projects are also aimed at boosting connectivity, employment, and cultural exchange.
The Ugly Side of Ignorance
The comments that many from the North East hear daily are not just offensive — they are dangerous:
"Ye toh North East se hain kuch bhi kha lete ho."
"Chinki/Chinese"
"Corona carriers"
"Do you people eat dogs or humans?"
"North East mein 5G bhi hota hai?"
"Tumlog bhi Navaratri mein fast rakhte ho?
“Is there any vegetarian in North East? (with weird expression)
Where is Guwahati? (by so called educated people)
By visiting a remote village of the region they don’t refrain from generalize the whole region and passing derogatory comments like: North East is a very backward place full of uneducated, unemployed and poor people , far away from high tech and infrastructure and so on……
These are racial slurs and microaggressions that push people into isolation. Students, professionals, and tourists from the North East often face racism in other parts of India.
But here’s the truth: Those who’ve actually explored the North East rarely speak ill of it. It’s mostly those who’ve never been — yet feel entitled to pass judgment — who perpetuate these harmful narratives. Visitors are usually awed by the warmth, hospitality, nature, and vibrant culture.
The Journalist’s Lens: Meghalaya Honeymoon Murder Case
In May–June 2025, the tragic murder of Raja Raghuvanshi in Sohra, Meghalaya, took over headlines. His wife, Sonam Raghuvanshi, allegedly plotted the crime. But what followed was even darker — media spin, racism, and fake news, rather than focusing on the crime, anchors accused the region of promoting “tantra-mantra”, false rituals, and “backward culture” without evidence. An entire state was defamed based on misinformation.
In response, Meghalaya’s Chief Minister Conrad Sangma announced safety steps — including a Tourist Buddy App, emergency helplines, and awareness campaigns. Influencers like Chum Darang and locals condemned the stereotyping and called for fair treatment.
The Problem Isn't the North East — It's Our Mindset
Why are people from the region still seen as "outsiders" in their own country?
Why are they still mocked for their food, clothes, or accent?
Why are people who look different still asked for ID to "prove" they’re Indian? Despite facing constant othering, the people of the North East stand tall — as doctors, IAS officers, athletes, artists, and soldiers, scientist, authors and many more…They bring to India:
* Dowry free region
* High literacy and female empowerment (Ima Market,Imphal,Manipur is the only market in the world run entirely by women since 16th century)
* Deep respect for nature and ecology
* Strong music, fashion, and creative senses
* Real grassroots secularism and harmony
A Call to Action: From Government, Youth & Citizens
Governments must:
· Mandate North East history and culture in syllabus
· Train officials in cultural sensitivity
· Penalize hate speech in media and online spaces
· Improve road, rail, and air connectivity
UPSC & Education Boards should:
· Include NE-related topics in exams, essays, and debates
· Highlight local governance, tribal rights, and innovations
Youth & Influencers must:
· Speak up against racism, online or offline
· Follow, promote, and collaborate with NE creators
· Learn and celebrate NE culture through books, music, and art
Let the Festivals Be Your Gateway
The best way to understand the soul of the North East? Visit during its festivals:
Feel the beats of the 100 drums in Meghalaya’s Wangala.
Dance with joy during Assam’s Bihu.
Walk the bamboo trails during Nagaland’s Hornbill.
Light butter lamps in Sikkim’s monasteries during Losar.
When you celebrate with them, you learn to respect them. And you realize — this region isn’t “other” — it’s us.
Not Sympathy, but Solidarity
The North East doesn’t need our sympathy. It deserves our respect, recognition, and equal standing.
Let’s break the myth that “mainland India” is more Indian than its eastern frontier. Let’s reject the slurs, the giggles, the ignorance.
Let’s replace it with education, empathy, and experience.
Let’s stop asking, “Are they Indian?” and start asking, “How can I be a better Indian to them?”
The writer is Founder & Director of HomeLife Services Pvt Ltd (www.thehomelifeservices.com). She is an MA in Mass Communication & Journalism from Gauhati University. Views are personal.