Assam: Presidential Visit to Karbi Anglong Festival Derailed by Inclement Weather

KARBI ANGLONG: In an unfortunate turn of events, President Droupadi Murmu's anticipated visit to the Karbi Anglong district in Assam faced a setback as her chopper was grounded by inclement weather, prompting the cancellation of her appearance at the ongoing 50th Karbi Youth Festival (KYF) at Taralangso. The President was slated to grace the festival this afternoon, adding prestige to the Golden Jubilee celebrations.

The disruption unfolded on Wednesday when President Murmu, who had arrived in Meghalaya on Monday as part of her three-day Northeast visit, found herself waiting for four hours in Shillong. Her chopper, crucial for the scheduled journey to Karbi Anglong, was unable to take off due to adverse weather conditions, leading to the regrettable cancellation of the much-anticipated visit.

Addressing the sizable gathering at Taralangso, Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, who was present at the Golden Jubilee celebrations, conveyed the unfortunate news to the assembled audience. He shared, "The President could not come to the festival due to bad weather. Due to inclement weather conditions, I had to start at 4 am today." The Chief Minister also disclosed the challenges he faced personally, emphasizing the severity of the weather conditions that impacted the President's travel plans.

Despite the setback, Chief Minister Sarma assured the audience that President Murmu remains committed to the cultural significance of the Karbi Youth Festival. He expressed confidence that the President would grace the event next year, providing a silver lining to the disappointment faced by both organizers and attendees.

The cancellation serves as a reminder of the unpredictable nature of weather, impacting even the most meticulously planned events. It also highlights the dedication of leaders like President Droupadi Murmu, who, despite facing unforeseen challenges, maintain their commitment to engaging with the diverse cultural heritage of the regions they visit.

As the 50th Karbi Youth Festival continues its celebrations, the missed opportunity this year adds anticipation and excitement for the President's promised attendance in the coming year, reinforcing the festival's significance on the cultural calendar of the region.

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