AZADI KA AMRIT MAHOTSAV
Ministry of DoNER and NEC organize North East Festival
ALA Speaker Biswajit Daimary inaugurates the festival at Khanapara
Dispur April 28: The week-long Northeast Festival was inaugurated today at the Veterinary College Ground in Khanapara. The Festival is being organized by the Ministry for Development of North Eastern Region (DoNER) and the North Eastern Council covering entire Northeast as a part of Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav. It will run till May 4, 2022. Assam Legislative Assembly (ALA) Speaker Biswajit Daimary inaugurated the festival today in the presence of representatives of almost all the states of the Northeast. The Sports and Youth Welfare Department of the Government of Assam acts as Nodal Department and organized the inaugural event in collaboration with the Department of Cultural Affairs and Transport, Govt of Assam. Half marathon, Cyclothon and Walkathon were organized today to mark the inauguration of the festival. The three events were flagged off by the Speaker, ALA Daimary, Retired Air Marshal and North Eastern Council’s member Anjan Kumar Gogoi and Additional Chief Secretary to Govt of Assam Pawan Borthakur. Approx. 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 as the Chief Guest of the Inaugural Ceremony, Shri 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 are there 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. At a time, when the country attains 75 years of independence, the Union Government led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi has taken all measures to ensure drinking water, food and home for all so that everyone can live with dignity, he said. Further he said that Assam government has also implemented schemes like Arunoday for the same purpose. He also expressed hope that everyone will continue to make efforts for ensuring the dignity of the country as an independent citizen of independent India. He thanked the organizers for holding the inaugural event of the festival in Assam. 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 and welcomed and greeted everyone on behalf of the North Eastern Council and the Ministry of DoNER and wished a grand success of the festival. Colourful folk dances of Assam like Bodo, Missing, Karbi, Tiwa, Rabha, Hajong, Jhumur of Tea Community, Bihu Husari mesmerized all participated in the event. The programmes of Transport Department showcasing the road safety measures through Bihu Husari, Street Play and Mime to sensitise people were another attraction of today 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, 2022.