A CORRESPONDENT
HOJAI: The long awaited 49th Karbi Youth Festival, one of India’s oldest ethnic festival kicked off at the Karbi Peoples’ Hall (KPH), Taralangso in Diphu on Thursday.
The festival was declared open by Karbi Anglong Autonomous Council CEM Dr. Tuliram Ronghang in presence of MLAs, and all the elected representatives from all constituencies, DC, SP, and leaders of different political parties and delegations.
The annual festival commenced with a grand procession called Rongketong taken out by 27 KCS (Karbi Cutural Society) zones including cultural troupes from Meghalaya and Morigaon district. This was immediately followed by hoisting of KCS flag and speech by president Chandra Sing Kro. He welcomed all guests, delegations, participating zones, leaders of various political parties and organisations and expressed gratitude to the founders of the ethnic festival.
This was followed by speech by Karbi Anglong Council CEM Dr. Tuliram Ronghang who also expressed gratitude to the KCS founders including Roy Enghi and Lunse Timung who were present at the ceremony. He also recited poetry on the KYF and calling for unity and brotherhood urging leaders of all political parties to work together for the preservation of the rich culture and traditions. He also called upon all the parties to not politicize culture and not to lose hope on statehood.
“Elections will come and go, but what matters most is our people and our land. We could achieve Hemprek Kangthim if we join and work together,” CEM said. Further, the CEM also informed that the KAAC have also decided to place a budget of Rs. 10 crore for the Golden Jubilee of the Karbi Youth Festival next year. He also informed that all officers have been directed to fully commit their time and effort for the jubilee.
During the event, Dhoniram Tisso, filmmaker and producer of the International Film Festival winning film ‘Mirbeen’ was felicitated with a Karbi jacket, poho and citation by the KCS at the hands of CEM Dr. Tuliram Ronghang. In addition to this, six books including the KYF souvenir were also released by the guests including Deputy Commissioner, Superintendent of Police and KAAC Principal Secretary among others.
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