Excelsior Correspondent
NEW DELHI, Apr 11: In yet another new initiative, possibly the first of its kind, North-Eastern Council (NEC) and Ministry of Development of North-Eastern Region (DoNER) today introduced the practice of holding Northeast related cultural and social events by rotation in different parts of the country in collaboration with one of the eight States of the region. The maiden event in this sequence titled “Songs & Dances of Northeast”, hosted jointly by NEC and Government of Meghalaya was formally inaugurated here today by President Pranab Mukherjee in the presence of Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) of the Ministry of Development of North-Eastern Region (DoNER), MoS PMO, Personnel, Public Grievances,Pensions, Atomic Energy and Space, Dr Jitendra Singh and Chief Minister of Meghalaya Dr Mukul Sangma at Indira Gandhi Indoor Stadium. Also present on the occasion were Governors and Chief Ministers of the eight North-Eastern States.
Speaking on the occasion, President Pranab Mukherjee appreciated the innovative approach of DoNER Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh and the idea to hold an event like this. He also appreciated the enthusiasm of Meghalaya CM Dr. Mukul Sangma to have come forward and co-hosted the event. He said, he was particularly impressed by the timing of the event which was being held along with the 64th Plenary Meeting of NEC in New Delhi.
Referring to the richness and beauty of Northeast, Pranab Mukherjee said, this is the part of the country which is unique in several ways. In addition to scenic beauty, there is lot of potential for other avenues, including trade and business.
Pranab Mukherjee assured the Ministry of DoNER and NEC of all the support to undertake such constructive initiatives in future as well, so that the Northeast can be projected before the world in the manner that it deserves.
Dr Jitendra Singh, while speaking on the occasion, said this is just a beginning and more such events will follow in the months to come in other parts of the country as well. He said, an event like this is not a substitute, but in fact, a supplement to all the activities that the DoNER Ministry has started on fast-track in the North-Eastern region during the last four months. The purpose of holding events like this is to showcase the various facets of Northeast to people living outside Northeast, he added. By involving one of the eight States by rotation in each of these events, Dr Jitendra Singh said, another purpose that will be served is that of sense of participation by the State government even though the entire funding and budget will be borne by NEC.
The theme of future events in this series, Dr. Jitendra Singh said, will be determined on the basis of the characteristics of whichever State is hosting the event and the city in which it is being held. This initiative will also help in convincing potential investors and visitors, including producers from film industry, to “Look East” and “Act East” at a much cost effective budget.
Speaking on the occasion, Chief Minister of Meghalaya said that he was very delighted at the initiative of NEC and appreciated the efforts of DoNER Minister Dr Jitendra Singh. He said, he had personally persuaded all the artists and also the people living in the Union Capital to come forward and participate in this event. He requested the President to personally bless such events in future also.
By showcasing the culture and assets of Meghalaya before the rest of the country through an event like the one held today, Dr. Sangma said, it would be possible to bring mainstream India closer to Meghalaya and also elicit support and patronage from rest of India for the development of Meghalaya.
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