Northeast India Festival takes a leap out of India this year, with the celebration taking place in Singapore. The festival covered the aspects of tourism, trade, academics, culture, and fashion, and was first such event taking place outside India. The tagline of the event was ‘Connecting Northeast India to Southeast Asia’ which promotes the 22-km corridor between Northeast India and mainland India. One of the officials was heard saying that due to its geographical positioning, the Northeast has not tasted the real joy of tourism. But a positive response is expected with the opening of Southeast Asia through Northeast India.
The festival was inaugurated by Chutima Bunyapraphasara, Thai deputy commerce minister. She also talked about how impressive her business tour to Assam was and also mentioned her trade delegation in the state in May. Further, Shyamkanu Mahanta was the chief organizer of the event, who has held a number of events in Delhi as well. He added that the ‘Act East’ policy by Prime Minister was the driving force for him to organize the festival outside India. Around 500 officials from Northeast Indian governments graced the festival in Bangkok. The list included tourism heads, MPs, bureaucrats, academics, artists, entrepreneurs, and chefs.
Moreover, it was about time that the festival to be organized and the need for tourism and trade in the Northeast be noticed. The common border between Northeast and Southeast Asian countries namely Thailand, Bhutan and Burma called for a special event. One of the reasons being Thailand the chairman of ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations) for this year. What’s more interesting is the opening of the 1582 km-long Trilateral Highway connecting Manipur to Mae Sot in Thailand and Burma which is expected next year. It was a much talked about topic during the festival as it would make Northeast India ‘the hub of Southeast Asia’.
H. Khehovi Yepthomi, Advisor of Tourism and Art & Culture, talked about the importance of bonding with the neighboring states and countries. The festival according to him was a way to increase tourism opportunities and enjoy each other’s presence. He also invited the South Asian countries and Northeastern states to the International Hornbill Festival held in Nagaland.
Two major seminars of the Northeast India Festival were the Tourism Seminar and Trade and Investment Seminar. While the former saw almost 40 tour operators from Northeast India and 100 from Thailand take part. The delegates from Northeast India praised the beauty of their seven giggling sister states. From UNESCO heritage sites, flora and fauna, trekking and adventure opportunities, wildlife sanctuaries, ecstasy, and rural tourism, and cultural festivals, the region has got it all. On the other hand, 100 participants were a part of the Trade and Investment Seminar. During the event, the delegates from Northeast India talked about how they have good natural resources but they lack development support.
Even Prim Jitcharoongphorn, Thai entrepreneur and president of the Thai-India Business Council was present during the festival. She was heard saying that the current environment is perfect to do business with India.
Other major highlights of the festival were cultural performances included rock concert by Girish and the Chronicles, Featherheads. Zubeen Garg and international DJ, Teri Miko were also part of the festival.
One thing that the Northeast Indian delegates paid stress on were their Mongloid features, which makes them feel like outsiders in their homeland as compared to Thailand. The Northeast Cultural Festival ended on a good note and was a successful event discussing the need for tourism and trade.
