Defense Minister of India, Rajnath Singh stated on Monday that government-accelerated development initiatives in the North East have transformed the ‘Look East policy’ into ‘Act East Policy’.
He said this in his address at the two-day conclave on the theme ‘Celebrating Contribution of India’s North East Region (NER) in Nation Building’ in Guwahati, through a video message.
Purvottar Swabhiman Utsav was organised by the Indian Army and the state governments of Assam, Meghalaya, Arunachal Pradesh, Tripura, Mizoram, Manipur and Nagaland as well as the North Eastern Zone Cultural Council (NEZCC), with an aim to highlight the contribution of NER towards nation building, felicitate Veer Naris and showcase Northeastern culture.
Rajnath Singh added that the ‘Act East Policy’ is leading to all round developments in NER, enabling all the states to improve trade with South East Asian Nations.
“Whether it is road construction, expansion of railways or improvement of waterways, through Pradhan Mantri Gati Shakti, we are committed to strengthen the pace of development. We have also made a lot of progress in the field of energy. We have ensured the progress in Solar and Hydel Projects, and have done the work of providing electricity in every nook and corner,” he said.
The Defence Minister further assured the people of expanding the IT and telecom facilities to every nook and corner of the Northeastern states which will ensure economic development, good governance and public welfare.
Singh also said that building of New India can be possible only with bold policy reforms, world class infrastructure and top-class talent.
“The efforts of the people of the North East have a very important role to play in the motto of our government, ‘Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas and Sabka Vishwas,’” he said.
The Defence Minister also paid tributes to the valour and bravery of Lachit Borphukan, Maniram Dewan, Bir Tikendrajit Singh, Moze Riba Nag, Rani Gaidinliu, U Tirot Sing, Veer Sengya Sambudhan Phonglo, and Rani Ropuillani.
At the conclave, the brave Veer Naris of NER were felicitated during a special event on 20 November.
#IndianArmy
Celebrating contribution of #NorthEast in #NationBuilding #PurvottarSwabhimanUtsav. Veer Nari Prog at Narangi, Guwahati. Mrs @rinikibsharma wife of Hon’ble CM Assam & Mrs Nisha Kalita, Regional President @easterncomd , AWWA felicitated Veer Naris from North East. pic.twitter.com/rOA8igkxgb— PRO Shillong, Ministry of Defence (@proshillong) November 21, 2022
Other events at the celebration included weapons/equipment display and adventure activities display by Armed Forces, fusion band concert, medley of cultural performances from NER, special performance by local pop bands, an extravagant Musical Theatrical followed by first ever Drone Show at Guwahati.
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The Chief Ministers of Assam, Manipur, Arunachal Pradesh and Meghalaya, GOC-in-C, Eastern Command Lt Gen Rana Pratap Kalita and other dignitaries were also present in the conclave.
The spectacular drone show on the occasion – a befitting way to celebrate the contribution of #NorthEast in nation building – drew an amazing response from our people. Our love, passion & commitment for the nation are matchless. ‘Nation First’ is our way of life. 2/2@adgpi pic.twitter.com/TeGaGTDFBV
— Pema Khandu པདྨ་མཁའ་འགྲོ་། (@PemaKhanduBJP) November 21, 2022
