'Discover North East Yatra' concludes in Agartala

"Discover North East Yatra", a unique nine-month-long cultural extravaganza organised by the Dimapur-based (Nagaland) North East Zone Cultural Centre (NEZCC), concluded in Agartala on Wednesday evening.

Tripura assembly deputy speaker Pabitra Kar, Mayor of Agartala Municipal Corporation, Dr Prafullajit Sinha and other dignitaries were present at the closing function that took place in the Rabindra Centenary hall here.

"In this programme, we witnessed the unity in diversity of the Northeast region. Other than the North East, artists from Haryana also participated here. Culture is deep rooted and plays the vital role in uniting the people. I believe that the new generation can come closer to their roots through such cultural programme," said Debasish Lodh, an organizer of the state ICA department.

Visitors expressed that the NEZCC along with other state cultural bodies must organise more such festivals round the year and should reach out to the artistes in remote, rural and inaccessible areas.

"I think that this type of programme should take place regularly as they help in national integration. We are very happy to see especially all the artist of Northeast performing here and it helps us to know the culture of our state and other states. This also helps in spreading each other's culture among us," said Chitta Ranjan Choudhury, a visitor.

Meanwhile, Manushi Bora, a Bihu artist participating from Assam said, "I think this type of cultural exchange programme unites us against the separatist movement in the Northeast region and the separatist forces demanding for separate nation.