The President of India,Pranab Mukherjee has inaugurated the first ever event titled ‘Songs & Dances of Northeast’ organized by North-Eastern Council (NEC) and Ministry of Development of North-Eastern Region (DoNER), here today. The 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, the Chief Minister of Meghalaya, Dr. Mukul Sangma and other Governors and Chief Ministers of the eight North-Eastern States were present on the occasion. This event will be held by rotation in different parts of the country in collaboration with one of the eight States of the region.
Speaking on the occasion, the President said the states of North East are an important part of the country. Despite their small population, they have made immense contribution to the nation. The people of the region took active part in the freedom struggle. Many of their political personalities have enriched national life. Song, dance and music are part of the everyday life of the people of the region, who are known for their hospitality and courtesy. The region has rare flora and fauna, natural scenic beauty and rich cultural heritage. The festival showcasing the rich, cultural ethnicity and diversity of North East India will help bridge the gap between the people of the North-Eastern States and the rest of India.The President said the economic development taking place in the region will benefit not only the people of the area but also the entire country. Locational advantage and rich resource endowment of the North East makes it an ideal hub for dealing with India’s eastern neighbours. The region has a critical role to play in the implementation of the Government’s Act East Policy which seeks to build closer bonds with the ten countries of ASEAN who are amongst the fastest growing countries of the world.
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, at a much cost effective budget in the North Eastern region.
Speaking on the occasion, the Chief Minister of Meghalaya, Dr. Mukul Sangma 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.