New Delhi:Once a strife torn region insipid with insurgency, North-east India has on Thursday ushered into a land synonymous with music, sports and fashion.
Delhites will get a chance to witness the diverse culture and rich heritage of the eight north-eastern states as the second edition of the North East Festival is scheduled to kick-start here from November 7.
The four-day festival themed ‘Insurgence to Resurgence’ aims to attract investment and tourism promotion in the region. “This year, the theme is ‘Insurgence to Resurgence’ with focus on highlighting the positive stories of entrepreneurship and development. The objective is to present people of Delhi to understand North East India in one platform, to encourage tourism to NER,” said Organiser-in-Chief, North East Festival, Shyamkanu Mahanta.
The event will be a power packed show which is expected to be inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and will see the participation of a host of stalwarts including Rajnath Singh, VK Singh, Smriti Irani, Nitin Gadkari, Piyush Goyal, Kiren Rijiju, Sarbananda Sonowal and Jewel Oram.
In the backdrop of racial attacks in the capital, two serious discussion sessions “Alienation feeling in the North East” and ‘Implementation of Bez-baruah Committee Recom-mendation’ will be held on the opening day.
. A session “Integrating North East India through Education” will be held on November 9 where top officials of HRD ministry will be present.
North East icons like MC Mary Kom, Adil Hussain, Everester Anshu Jemsenpa are all expected to be present at the festival. Around 30 bands from the different north-eastern states will perform day and night during the entire length of the fest. Some of the artists and bands who are lined up include singer Zubeen Garg, Akhu- Imphal Talkies, Tetseo Sisters, Vinyl Record, Soulmate and The Local Train among host of other performers.
A potpourri of events including photography and painting exhibition, film festival, fashion show and exhibition of food, handloom and handicraft items will take place on different days from Nov 7 to Nov 10 at the Indira Gandhi National Centre for Arts here. (PTI)
