Festival will encourage new generation, says Biswajit Daimary
HT Bureau
GUWAHATI, April 28: The week-long North East Festival was inaugurated on Thursday at the Veterinary College Ground in Khanapara. The festival is being organised by the Ministry for Development of North Eastern Region (DoNER) and the North Eastern Council covering the entire Northeast as a part of Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav.
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The Assam Legislative Assembly (ALA) Speaker Biswajit Daimary inaugurated the festival in the presence of representatives of almost all the states of the North East.
The Sports and Youth Welfare Department of the Government of Assam acted as Nodal Department and organised the inaugural event in collaboration with the Department of Cultural Affairs and Transport, Govt of Assam.
Half marathon, Cyclothon and Walkathon were organised on Thursday to mark the inauguration of the festival.
The three events were flagged off by Daimary, Retired Air Marshal and North Eastern Council’s member Anjan Kumar Gogoi and additional chief secretary to government of Assam Pawan Borthakur.
Approximately 100 delegates from other north-eastern states and more than two thousands of sportspersons and sports lovers from Assam participated in these events.
Extending his warm greetings to all the participants, Daimary said that Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav is a significant initiative of the Government of India to make the people understand how far India has come while passing 75 years of independence and what is still to be done.
Stating that many players from North East including Mary Kom and Lovlina have represented the country in the international sports event, he also added that involvement in sports too helps in maintaining good health.
He expressed hope that the North East Festival will encourage the people, especially the new generation, in this regard.
Earlier, Aanjan Kumar Gogoi, who was the guest of honour of the event, expressed happiness over the sporting spirits shown by the new generation to participate in the festival.
Colourful folk dances of Assam like Bodo, Missing, Karbi, Tiwa, Rabha, Hajong, Jhumur of Tea Community, Bihu Husari mesmerised all participated in the event.
The programmes of the Transport Department showcasing the road safety measures through Bihu Husari, Street Play and Mime to sensitise people were another attraction of Thursday’s cultural events. Various placards were also displayed with the messages of road safety and environment protection.
Principal secretary, Government of Assam Archana Verma, joint secretary Dr Chadnek Singh, Transport commissioner Adil Khan, Planning advisor to North Eastern Council Calvin Harrish Kharshiing were also present on the occasion as distinguished guests.
It may be mentioned that various sports events of the festival will be held in Manipur and the valedictory function will be held in Guwahati on May 4.
