By: Akoijam Tompok ( Bureau Chief-ICN Manipur )
IMPHAL: President of the nation, Ram Nath Kovind inaugurated the much awaited festival of Manipur “Sangai Festival” a 10 day festival of cultural extravaganza. President Kovind opened the festival at an event held at Bheighyachandra Open Air Theatre located at happy Kangjeibung, Imphal East. The function was also attended by the first lady Sabita Kovind.
Speaking at the Inauguration, President Ram Nath Kovind expressed his happiness to be a part of the festival. He said, though Manipur is a small state, many communities with diverse cultural heritage exist together. Pointing the significance of the state as the gateway to south east asian countries he said that an Air Cargo terminal at the Imphal Tulihal Airport will be constructed soon.
He further added that land as well as air connectivity will be improved in the region to enhance business transactions for better economy at the earliest. The state’s polo, the beautiful Loktak lake and the rare and endangered Shiroi lily and the state animal Sangai are the prides of the state. The president also lauded the sport persons of the state especially Mary Kom and the Manipuri footballers who are in the Indian Football team.
The president and the first were also presented with a painting of Rass Leela. After the formal inauguration was over cultural shows of different communities were shown. The president is going to take part in a function INA Memorial Hall at Moirang tomorrow and also visit Keibul Lamjao National Park.
While opening the North East Development Summit President, Ram Nath Kovind said that development of the north east is development India during the inaugural of North east Development Summit 2017. Addressing the inaugural of the North East Development Summit today as part of the Manipur Sangai Festival, 2017 at City Convention Centre, Palace Compound, Kovind expressed that North east has been at the heart of India. North East has an amazing social and cultural ecosystem. There is few region like North East in the world where various ethnic cultures and communities exist together.
President Kovind also highlighted that prosperity is North East natural destiny. The region is not only the corridor to south east asian countries but also the true driver of Act East Policy. Central government seeing the urgent need for development of the region has put top priority in air, land and waterways connectivity.
Governor of Manipur, Najma A Heptulla, Commerce and Industry Minister, Government of India, Suresh Prabhu, Minister of State for Tourism, K.J. Alphons, Minister of State for Civil Aviation, Jayant Sinha, Civil Aviation and Tourism Minister of Bangladesh, Rashid Khan Menon, Chief Minister of Nagaland, T. R. Zeliang, Chief Minister of Arunachal Pradesh , Peema Khandu, Chief Minister of Assam, Sarbananda Sonowal, Chief Minister, N. Biren, Resident Co-ordinator of the United Nations, Yuri Afanasiev, Vice Chairman of Niti Ayog, Dr. Rajiv Kumar and Managing Director of Patanjali Ayurved, Acharya Balkrishna, State’s Ministers, MLAs, Top civil and police officials were among those present on the inaugural day today. State’s Businessmen and entrepreneurs as well from India and abroad were present at the North East Development Summit organised by Government of Manipur, India Foundation and Commerce of Industries, Government of Manipur.
Taking part at the inaugural of the North East Development Summit, Governor, Najma Heptulla praised the north eastern regions as God created paradise on the earth. Governor, Najma further said that Manipur is a land rightly endowed to be a tourist hub. She placed the need for developing both land and air connectivity so that Manipur, a land locked state with such natural beauty be connected to the rest of the world. The Governor also disclosed that Prime Minister, Narendra Modi has been approached to improve the health service sectors in the interiors of the state.
Chief Ministers of Arunachal Pradesh, Nagaland, Assam and Manipur urged delegates from within the nation and the world present in summit for strategic economic partnerships and investments for the establishment of industries in the north eastern regions. Minister of State for Civil Aviation, Jayant Sinha has assured of a direct flight from Manipur to Delhi. He said 92 new air routes have been set up to ensure air connectivity in the north eastern states. He said 19 airports and 7 heliports under Mission Udaan for the north east will be set up soon including Moreh in Manipur.
The 10 days festival will be held at different parts of the state. The festival will highlight different cultural shows, indigenous sports, hiking, trade(handloom and handicrafts), indigenous cuisines etc. Various stalls from India, Myanmar, Thailand sill also showcase their products in the festival.
