President Pranab Mukherjee on Saturday inaugurated a cultural festival "Songs and Dances of the North East" organized by Government of Meghalaya and sponsored by the North Eastern Council in New Delhi.
Speaking on the occasion, President Mukherjee said that the states of North East are an important part of the country. Despite their small population, they have made immense contribution to the nation. The people of the region took active part in the freedom struggle. Many of their political personalities have enriched national life.
"Song, dance and music are part of the everyday life of the people of the region, who are known for their hospitality and courtesy. The region has rare flora and fauna, natural scenic beauty and rich cultural heritage. The festival showcasing the rich, cultural ethnicity and diversity of North East India will help bridge the gap between the people of the North-Eastern States and the rest of India," said President Mukherjee.
The President said that the economic development taking place in the region will benefit not only the people of the area but also the entire country. Locational advantage and rich resource endowment of the North East makes it an ideal hub for dealing with India's eastern neighbours. The region has a critical role to play in the implementation of the Government's Act East Policy which seeks to build closer bonds with the ten countries of Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) who are amongst the fastest growing countries of the world.
