From Bhupen Goswami
GUWAHATI: Union Home Minister Home Minister Amit Shah on Sunday inaugurated the ‘Destination North-East 2020’ test on the occasion of World Tourism Day. In the program, Shah has described the development work done by the Modi government in the Northeast for the last six and a half years as a major achievement. Describing the Northeast as the ornament of Indian culture, the Home Minister said that India cannot be imagined without the imagination of Indian culture.Several issues that have been pending for years, such as the India-Bangladesh Land Boundary Agreement, the ending of the Manipur blockade, the Bru-Reing Agreement, the Bodo Agreement and the surrender by about 644 cadres of 8 extremist organizations, are the Narendra Modi government’s priority for the Northeast.
Has been These efforts have changed the appearance of the Northeast. Shah further said that as Home Minister, I would like to tell all the CMs and people of all the Northeast that the remaining problems will also be resolved by the Central Government before 2024.Destination North East’ 2020, an annual event for promoting tourism in North Eastern Region of India, was inaugurated on 27th September 2020 on virtual platform. Organized on the theme “Emerging Delightful Destinations”, the event is being held from 27 th to 30 th September 2020.
The Inaugural event was graced by Shri Amit Shah, Union Minister of Home Affairs, Dr Jitendra Singh, Union Minister of State, Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region (DoNER), the Chief Ministers of the North Eastern States, Dr Inderjit Singh, Secretary DoNER, Members NEC Prof Biman Kumar Dutta and Air Marshal Anjan Kumar Gogoi, Shri K Moses Chalai, Secretary NEC and others. Setting the tone with the theme song “This is the land and its people” by Shillong band “Summer Salt”, the inaugural programme also witnessed Choir Presentations by Voice of Nagaland & Cardinal Choir from Mizoram besides an audio visual presentation on the tourism themes and cultural mosaic of North East India. While delivering the welcome address, Secretary NEC indicated that even under difficult circumstances, it was decided to go ahead with the programme with the belief that the event will spark a renewal in the Tourism sector of the NE Region.
In his speech, Secretary DoNER informed that previously ‘Destination North East’ used to be held in different places to exchange culture & heritage of NER with the rest of India, but the virtual event held this year is expected to provide an even wider coverage. In his speech, Secretary DoNER mentioned the different important tourism destinations which NER has to offer and extended a welcome for all to experience their beauty in the post pandemic days ahead. Page 2 of 2 Dr Jitendra Singh, Minister of State DoNER explained that the main aim behind the Destination North East event is to bring the rest of India closer to the North Eastern Region.
He indicated that with its rich handloom and handicraft traditions, cultural heritage and high literacy rate, the North East has much to offer and was optimistic that, when the Corona pandemic eases, tourists who were earlier holidaying in Europe would flock to the North East, bring prosperity, thereby unlocking the potential of the region so that it becomes the New Engine of growth for the country, as envisaged by the Hon’ble Prime Minister of India. Addressing the inaugural programme as Chief Guest, Shri Amit Shah, Union Home Minister, appreciated the sincere endeavor and untiring efforts taken by the Minister of DoNER for the upliftment of North East Region.
He also acknowledged the presence of the Hon’ble Chief Ministers of the North East Region, who are key to development of the region. He explained that the legacy, cultural heritage and beauty of North East India have not only been a vital ingredient for attracting tourist worldwide but also has been an important jewel of Indian culture. Shri Shah shared about the growing peace in North East Region under the leadership of the Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi and his commitment towards development of North East Region.
Highlighting the multi-fold increase in investment by Government of India along with the rise in budgetary support, infrastructure creation and institutional building in North East Region by the Government of India, he was optimistic the North East Region will be an important doorway in the Act East Policy and different regions in North East will also emerge as new business, tourism, organic farming and cultural hubs. The inaugural event concluded with a vote of thanks by Shri C H Kharshiing Planning Adviser, North Eastern Council.