SHILLONG: Panel discussions concerning the North Eastern region and Southeast Asian countries will form the focus of discussions during the five-day youth camp titled ‘One’ which will be organised from September 17-21 in the city to commemorate the 150th birth anniversary of Swami Vivekananda.
The event is being organized by the city-based Asian Confluence in collaboration with Divya Jeevan Foundation, Indian Council for Cultural Relations, Department of Arts and Culture, Govt. of Meghalaya, North East Zone Cultural Centre, BSNL and the Ministry of DONER at Sri Aurobindo Institute of Indian Culture here.
The camp will be inaugurated by Governor Dr KK Paul on Sep 17 at 11 am.
The Governor will deliver the keynote address of the inaugural panel discussion ‘Setting the tone’ which will be chaired by RG Lyngdoh, Vice-Chancellor, Martin Luther Christian University and former Home Minister of Meghalaya.
‘Tracing a common history’, the second such panel will discuss the historical links at a social, political and anthropological level that tied the Northeast region and neighboring Southeast Asian countries together on the second day.
‘Managing conflict, finding common geographies and opportunities’ will educate the youth about the common natural resources available, an appreciation for them and their judicious management and finding ways to manage conflicts arising due to resource constraints, which will be organised on the third day.
The panel discussions will culminate on September 20 with ‘Finding means to bond hearts and share values’.
Keynote lectures will be delivered by Dr Balasubramanium, founder Grassroots Research and Advocacy Movement and Professor, Cornell University, USA and Adjunct Professor, University of Iowa, USA; Dr Gora Datta, group chairman, Cal2Cal Corporation and World Bank ICT Expert; Fr. VM Thomas, Director, Don Bosco Institute, Guwahati; Dr Karan Singh, Chairman, ICCR and Rajya Sabha Member and Dr Mukul Sangma, Chief Minister of Meghalaya.
The camp will be attended by youths from the entire Eastern Indian region (the NE states, West Bengal, Bihar, Jharkhand and Orissa), neighboring countries of Bhutan, Nepal, Bangladesh, Myanmar, Laos, Cambodia, Indonesia and Thailand.
Renowned classical vocalist Padma Vibhushan Pt. Jasraj will perform along with some local musicians in a unity concert, Geeta Mahalik and her troupe from Odisha will present the world famous Odissi dance, Hojagiri Dance Academy from Tripura and other troupes from the region will also participate. The five day camp will open each day with early morning physical activity, yoga and meditation. Sadhna Shrivastav, noted filmmaker from New Delhi will be the master of ceremonies.