North East India comes closer to Delhi through first ever North East Festival

North East Festival, a two day carnival to be held in New Delhi on 8th& 9th of November, 2013 will showcase the cultural & traditional heritage as well as present a case for the future of the region. North East India a hitherto lesser known part of the country, will bring all its varied flavours alongwith serious discussions about the future of the region which is greatly intertwined with the future of the country.

The two day event, biggest ever event on North East to be celebrated outside of the region,  will showcase all the eight states, their success stories, ethnic dances, top musical talents, tourism potential created by private tour operators, a photographic journey to the region known as ‘Paradise Unexplored’. The event, to be made part of Delhi’s annual event calendar, will be held at Indira Gandhi National Certre of Arts (IGNCA), Janpath, New Delhi. 

People visiting the event can expect festivity of the region by getting a first hand experience through traditional food stalls, cultural performances, literary & academic discussions, presenting successful entrepreneurs and their views on  doing business and growth potential of the region as well as initiatives & possible developmental agendas by the states. All these would happen in a lively environment wherein traditional musicians and dancers would be performing various ethnic dances and music throughout the day in an open stage.

There would also be discussion on Skill development vis-a-vis development of Northeast to be attended by Mr. Montek Singh Ahluwalia during the event.

An Icon speak session which will be attended by Mary Kom, Adil Hussain, Arnab Goswami, Neil Nongkhrith etc who, hailing from Northeast, made a mark for themselves in national and international arena in their respective fields. In this session other opinion makers like, Ranjan Mathai, Victor Banerjee, P C Halder, GK Pillai, Shekhar Gupta, Kaveree Bamzai, Rajdeep Sardesai etc would discuss critical issues faced by the region including internal security, peace process with insurgents, North East as central focus of India’s Look East Policy and progress made so far.

Mr. Shyamkanu Mahanta, the Organiser- in- Chief, North East Festival said, “The event is organized by Trend MMS, the leading cultural trust of the region in collaboration with Ministry of DoNER, GoI, North East MP’s Forum and IGNCA, Ministry of Culture, Govt of India and with support from North East India Image Managers (NEIim), comprising  Delhi based Communication professionals working voluntary for promotion of North East, all student associations of North East India based in Delhi are also partnering the event. This would be an annual event, henceforth. This year, the emphasis is on Tourism & Culture, Skill Development and Entrepreneurship. It is an attempt to connect to people of various ethnicities and to encourage investment and progress.”

The event would be attended by Chief Ministers to discuss the development initiatives of States, parliamentarians, bureaucrats, among other dignitaries. Icons of North East like Mary Kom, Adil Hussain, Arnab Goswami, Bhaichung Bhutia, Neil Nongkrynth, Ratan Thiyam and other known personalities like Victor Banerjee, Shekhar Gupta, and others are likely to be present at the event. The confirmed performers so far are – Zubeen Garg, Shillong Chamber of Choir, Mami Varte, Kalpana Patowari, Papon, Guru Rueyben Masang, Lama Tashi etc.

Commentinng on this, Olympian MC Mary Kom said “I am coming to IGNCA, New Delhi on 8th and 9th November, 2013 to promote unique culture of North East, please come and join this unique festival of connecting people.”AdilHussain, Life Of Pi and English Vinglish fame actor, who hails from Assam, opined that North East Festival is about celebrating the region, its vibrant culture, sporting achievements, tourism, prospects and to build bridges. Mr. HS Brahma, Election Commissioner of India and key Adviser of the event said, “It would be a great platform for discussion about North East and to create awareness about the North East amongst the Delhites.” Dr. JayantaMadhab, eminent Economist and Adviser opines, “This is an attempt to reach out as well as to build bridges amongst the people of North East as well as rest of India.”  Mr. D.S Poonia, former Chief Secretary, Manipur and Adviser said, “The event would discuss issues of Aptitude, skill development in the North East and would showcase some skill development initiatives apart from showcasing the Entrepreneurial success stories.”Mr. Larsing Ming, owner of Lajong Club and a part of organizing team informs that this is a great platform to celebrate the success of North East and would boost tourism.

North East India is bestowed with abundant natural resources, unmatched beauty, immense potential, talent and creativity, one of the most culturally diverse region with over 150 tribal groups as inhabitant with different dialects and languages. The region surrounded by China, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Nepal, Myanmar has tremendous geographical importance to India. However, general lack of understanding and misconception has created a sense of alienation among the people of this region.