In 2014, when the government launched its Act East policy to bolster India's ties with its eastern neighbours, its catapulted the eight Northeastern states into the limelight. The promotion of economic cooperation, cultural ties and a strategic relationship with countries in the Asia-Pacific region meant enhanced connectivity to the North Eastern states and, at a more granular level, a greater interest in the day to day lives of the people of this region. There was suddenly a need to tell the stories of those who lived here, of places that needed to be explored, its cuisines that few outside of the region knew about and of an old and vibrant culture that bore similarities to not just other parts of India but also Southeast Asia and the Far East. This is what drove Founding Editor and Manipur’s own Hoinhu Hauzel to bring together a team of like-minded journalists who were keen to showcase the region and its people and to tell the rest of India that in our differences we were all the one. Hoihnu, Meenakshi Kumar, Abhilasha Ojha and Ninglun Hanghal have all written for some of India’s leading newspapers. They have travelled widely, experienced India’s syncretic and diverse culture and most of all, know how to tell a story. Their collective hearts beat for the Northeast.

NorthEast Stories wants to change the way the world sees this region – eight glorious states thrumming with entrepreneurship and creativity - and we will do that with the stories we tell. There will be success stories, impressions, travel tips, features on local cuisine, music, and art and, importantly the very people who create music and art, custodians of heritage and so many more, but never had an audience -- and whom mainstream media would never cover. With a simple ‘click’ of the mouse, The Northeast Stories hopes to unravel for its readers some heartfelt and amazing stories that will compel them to sit up and understand how culturally diverse this region is and how rich and abundant its land.

We welcome ideas on what we should cover and how The NorthEast Stories can be the best forum for showcasing talent and recording not just the region’s growth but also its success and prosperity. And finally, be a part of a larger ongoing discourse in the country.