NEW DELHI: A cultural festival ‘Songs and Dances of the North East’ was inaugurated by President Pranab Mukherjee over the weekend.

The festival was organised by the Meghalaya Government and sponsored by the North Eastern Council. 

The President said the states of North East are an important part of the country. Despite their small population, they have made an immense contribution to the nation and the people of the region took active part in the freedom struggle.

Song, dance and music are part of the everyday life of the people of the region, who are known for their hospitality and courtesy. The region has rare flora and fauna, natural 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 North-Eastern States and the rest of India.? 

Mukherjee said the economic development taking place in the region will benefit not only the people of the area but also the entire country. Locational advantage and rich resource endowment of the North East makes it an ideal hub for dealing with India’s eastern neighbours. 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 countries of ASEAN who are amongst the fastest growing countries of the world. 

This initiative is one of the outcomes of the recommendations of the M.P. Bezbaruah Committee on the North East set up by the Home Ministry to work out modalities for building a strong social bond between the people of North East and the rest of the country.

The festival showcased the rich cultural ethnicity and diversity of North East India. Assam, Mizoram, Meghalaya, Tripura, Arunachal Pradesh, Sikkim, Nagaland and Manipur set up their stalls and display a plethora of products. Leading music bands of the North East performed. There was a tourism exhibition, food festival and free dance lessons for those interested in learning dances of the North East.