The Conclave 2024 was organised by Pratidin Media Network in New Delhi on 5th October, Dhankhar, whereby, the Vice-President of India, Jagdeep Dhankhar, commented on the role of North East and stated that ‘Northeast is the heart and soul of Bharat’ and urged the media to be ambassadors of the region to promote and shape national narratives through tourism and development, informed Ministry of Vice President’s Secretary, PIB.
Dhankhar emphasised on the transformative impact of the Government’s “Act East Policy” and the important role that media plays in vocalising the nations’ narratives. Highlighting the unique features of Northeast in the field of culture, tradition, and natural beauty, Dhankhar, focused on the region as a place of ‘paradise for tourists and locals alike.’ He also highlighted the strides made to create accessibility more viable, “The number of airports has doubled, and
waterways have expanded twentyfold, sparking immense interest and investment nationwide.
He then underscored the recent recognition of Assamese, alongside Bengali, Marathi, Pali, and Prakrit, as one of the five out of eleven classical languages of India. He also highlighted the region’s rich spiritual and natural heritage, mentioning the revered Kamakhya temple and the world-famous Kaziranga National Park. Dhankhar extended his admiration for the vibrant culture, exquisite cuisine, and the energy of the people of the Northeast.
The Vice-President emphasised that the Act East Policy will not be confined to the frontiers of the nation, but goes beyond India, fostering deeper connections with the Southeast Asian countries. He pointed out the growing connectivity that will soon enable travel from the Northeast to Cambodia, where the iconic Angkor Wat temple is being restored through the efforts of the Government of India. “This policy will be a game changer, fostering deeper cultural and economic ties with the region,” he said.
Additionally, he also highlighted the beauty of Kashmir stating that according to Rajya Sabha records, more than 2 crore people have visited Jammu and Kashmir in the past year. He highlighted the potential of tourism to transform the Northeast’s economy, stating, “Tourism can change the entire landscape of the Northeast, driving exponential employment growth and positioning the region as a global tourist hub.”
Dhankhar then brought to light the role of media as a medium of nation building and urged them to serve as ambassadors for the Northeast, promoting its tourism potential and developmental strides. “Your stories can serve as powerful tools for development, shining a light on the unique opportunities present in our diverse regions,” he remarked.
The Vice-President also stressed the need for responsible media in a time of rapid technological disruption and expressed concern over the dangers posed by misinformation, sensationalism, and anti-national narratives. He underscored the importance of maintaining the integrity of public discourse, saying, “The editorial space must inform and sensitive the public, ensuring the media continues as the watchdog of democracy.”
Reflecting on the broader national growth, the Vice-President recalled the economic challenges India faced in the 1990s and congratulated Prime Minister Modi for the current government and their efforts in creating a nation that is gradually leading to a developed nation, stating, “Today, we have crossed 700 billion US dollars in foreign exchange reserves, a remarkable achievement that showcases the resilience and growth of our nation.”
Concluding his address, The Vice-President addressed the media stating, “I urge the media to focus on the unprecedented growth trajectory of Bharat and to foster an informed and balanced discourse that strengthens our democracy.”
