Rich cultural diversity of NE can boost Atma Nirbhar Bharat mission

GUWAHATI: The culture, diversity and vivacity of North East will provide a catapulting impetus to 'Atma Nirbhar Bharat', opined experts in a webinar organized by Press Information Bureau (PIB), Guwahati here. Experts from industry, entrepreneurial fraternity, government sector along with academicians deliberated about the potential of North East from the socio-economic growth, development and policy perspectives.

Padma Shri Yeshe Dorjee Thongchi from Itanagar (Arunachal Pradesh) and Advisory Board Member of the Sahitya Akademi, opined that the Northeast will be the 'Engine' of India's growth and development. With reference to the rich culture and diversity of North East, Thongchi said that Human Resource Development and education of the North East youth is going to drive and propel the growth and socio-economic development. He added that the North East region of India is experiencing a rapid growth in all aspects including the hydro power projects as well as connectivity and also in the infrastructure sector. Thongchi also said that the culture and development of North East has to be seen in the context of growth potential and its immense capability. In this context, he suggested that constant encouragement and invitation should be given to the start-ups from various places of India to move into the Northeast and tap the huge potential of the region in a 'WIN-WIN' scenario for all in the value-chain of development.

Referring to the success stories of growth and development in North East, Padma Shri Naresh Chander Lal pointed to the numerous government initiatives to encourage inflow of entrepreneurs into the Tourism sector. With reference to promoting the rich cultural diversity of the region, he emphasised on culinary, tourism and entrepreneurship. He also said that better infrastructure projects such as roads and flight connectivity are encouraging. Lal also said that there are huge potential in various other sectors like Sports, Youth and Culture in North East, and added that these need to be leveraged for 'Atma Nirbhar Bharat' and the overall development of the country.

Theatre and drama personality from Guwahati, Anup Hazarika said that significant progress has been made in the arena of culture. He added that the theatre of the region depicts the cultural attitude of the place and people of North East. He also said that the cultural vivacity and diversity is an add-on to the success of the region.

Dr Rajesh Bhowmik, Associate Professor and Head of the Department of Fine Arts and Prof. Sunil Kalai, Department of Journalism and Mass Communication, Tripura University (a Central varsity) at Suryamaninagar, said that the Human Resources (HR) potential among the students of North East should be leveraged for the region's as well as the country's growth and development.

LR Sailo, Regional Director, IIMC, Aizawl and Prempal Sharma, former Joint Secretary, Ministry of Railways, said that communication and connectivity of the region with other places of the country plays a pivotal role in development. They also said that the role of media and awareness should be tapped adequately, stated a release.

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