SHILLONG: 'Destination North East-2020', an annual event for promoting tourism in North Eastern Region (NER) of India, was inaugurated via virtual platform on Sunday. Organized on the theme 'Emerging Delightful Destinations', the event is being held from September 27 to 30, 2020.
The Inaugural event was graced by Union Minister of Home Affairs Amit Shah, Union Minister of State, Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region (DoNER) Dr Jitendra Singh, the Chief Ministers of the north-eastern States, DoNER Secretary Dr Inderjit Singh, NEC members Prof Biman Kumar Dutta and Air Marshal Anjan Kumar Gogoi, and NEC Secretary K Moses Chalai among 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 the 'Voice of Nagaland' and the '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, he informed that previously 'Destination North East' used to be held in different places to exchange culture and heritage of NER with the rest of India, but the virtual event held this year is expected to provide an even wider coverage. He 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.
Minister of State DoNER, Dr Jitendra Singh 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 Northeast has much to offer. He was optimistic that after the corona-pandemic eases, tourists — who were earlier holidaying in Europe — would flock to the North East part of India. This will help in unlocking the potential of the region so that it becomes the 'New Engine of Growth' for the country, as envisaged by the Prime Minister of India, he added.
Addressing the inaugural programme as the Chief Guest, Union Home Minister Amit Shah appreciated the sincere endeavour and untiring efforts taken by the Minister of DoNER for the uplift of NER. He also acknowledged the presence of the Chief Ministers of the region, who are key to the development of this 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.
Union Home Minister Shah referred to the growing peace in the North East Region under the leadership of the Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his commitment towards development of NER. Highlighting the multi-fold increase in investment by the Government of India along with the rise in budgetary support, infrastructure creation and institutional building in the NER by the Government of India, he was optimistic that the NER will be an important doorway in the 'Act East Policy' and different regions in North East will also emerge as new hubs of business, tourism, organic farming and culture.
The inaugural event concluded with a vote of thanks by CH Kharshiing Planning Adviser, North Eastern Council (NEC), stated a release.
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