Cultural Festivities are opportunities to experience ‘Ek Bharat Shrestha Bharat’, experts opined in a Webinar organised by Press Information Bureau, Guwahati on the topic ‘Economic Value-adds of Festivals of North Eastern States to Society and its prosperity' here today. Experts from Industry, entrepreneurial fraternity, Government sector along with academicians deliberated and discussed about the potential of North East from cultural, socio-economic growth, development and policy perspective.

Ms Anupoma Das, former senior official, Regional Outreach Bureau, Guwahati said that the Jonbeel Mela in Assam during Magh Bihu exemplifies the economic trade and commerce activities of communities. She said that it is a very strategic place so that all the people come together for the mela and the place is beside Jagiroad in Morigaon district. She said that ambience and environment is so enthusiastic that experience of talking of people adds to cultural vivacity. She said that Bihu celebration in Assam after the harvesting of crops is salubrious environment for employment opportunities. She said during the Bihu, the dances with Mekhela adds to the vibrance and joy of the occasion. She further said that Muga Silk cultivated in Assam has utilisation in various textile which are another arena which is employment intensive.

Talking about ‘Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat’ where Assam and Rajasthan are grouped together, Shri Hemanta Rabha, senior official, Indian Institute of Entrepreneurship, Guwahati said that just as the festivals in Rajasthan, be it Camel festival in Pushkar, Udaipur Mewar Festival, Teej festival or Desert Festival in Jaisalmer, the festivals in Assam such as Rongali or Bohag Bihu, Kongali or Kati Bihu and Bhogali or Magh Bihu demonstrate the zest and zeal of people. He said that training and employment opportunities are vital aspect in this cultural and societal festivities. He said that these are opportunities for eco-tourism and festival or cultural tourism which provides means to appreciate others culture.

Beauty Pageant winner Mrs India East IAB (2019), Ms Swagata Paul, said the festivals are demonstrates the structured connect which people of this country has for each other citizens. She said that festivals are also an occasion to experience the joy of diversity and to feel the vibrance of enthusiasm among people.

Shri JP Shaw, former Regional Director(E) for IndiaTourism Kolkata, Ministry of Tourism said that not only the agricultural, textile and tourism industry, but also the logistics and allied value added industries are having the advantage during the festivals because of increase in trade and commerce in Assam.

Ms Barnali Mahanta, Information Assistant, PIB, Guwahati said that festivals such as Bihu are also an opportunity to look at the talents and human resources potential. She said that cultural programmes during this festivities also demonstrates the emotional and cultural talent and value-add on in family and societal system.

Shri Mayukh Gangopadhyay, Professional Sarod player said that festivals are also an occasion when all family members come and enjoy the celebration and appreciate the talents.

Shri Kaustav Majumder, Professional Sitar player said that festivals help develop an society with high family values leading to prosperity and development of society and nation.

Abdur Rahman Mallick, Advocate Delhi High Court said that Celebration of Republic Day and festivals in ‘Ek Bharat Shreshta Bharat’ is an opportunity to reminisce the efforts of stalwarts who worked tirelessly for the prosperity and well-being of society and the nation.

The webinar was managed and coordinated by Shri Samrat Bandyopadhyay, Joint Director, PIB, Guwahati.

The interactive Webinar had enthusiastic participation of students, academicians and Industry fraternity of Assam and North East. Ms Sucharita Sahoo, Field Publicity Officer, Field Outreach Bureau, Barpeta welcomed the experts as the webinar delved into details on the various aspects of the topic such as Culture, Infrastructure and socio-economic development of North East, among others.

Along with students, eminent journalists and other government senior officials from Doordarshan Guwahati, Regional Outreach Bureau, Guwahati, All India Radio Guwahati were also present on the occasion.

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