NE's contribution to tion building immense: President

FROM A CORRESPONDENT

NEW DELHI, April 11: President Prab Mukherjee iugurated a cultural festival 'Songs and Dances of the North East' here on Saturday. The event is being organized by the Meghalaya government and sponsored by the North Eastern Council (NEC).

Speaking on the occasion, the President said the states of the Northeast are an important part of the country. “Despite their small population, they have made immense contributions to tion building. The people of the region took active part in the freedom struggle. Many of their political persolities have enriched the tiol life. Song, dance and music are part of the life of the people of the region, who are known for their hospitality and courtesy,” he said.

“The region has rare flora and fau, tural 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 Northeast and the rest of India,” he added. The President further said the economic development taking place in the NE region will benefit not only its people but also the entire country. Locatiol advantage and rich resource endowment of the Northeast makes it an ideal hub for dealing with India’s eastern neighbours, he said.

“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 ASEAN countries which are amongst the fastest growing countries in the world,” the President said.