Mumbai hosts 'Colours of Northeast' to attract tourists

With an aim to promote business, tourism and culture in the country's northeast region, the third edition of 'Colours of Northeast' event was recently held in Mumbai.

The initiative will help bring more investment and promote tourism in the region.

The third edition of 'Colours of Northeast' showcased and displayed the rich and vibrant culture of the northeast region of India.

The daylong event was organized with an aim to highlight northeast's business potential and unique aspects, especially its culture and fabric.

Organized by Trend MMS, a socio-cultural trust of the northeast, in collaboration with the DoNER Ministry, the event witnessed the presence of leading industrialists, dignitaries from northeast, designers and Bollywood celebrities.

"We are urging upon the Government of India saying that since the buzzword is 'Make in India', therefore, ensure that this NEIPP (North East Industrial and Investment Promotion Policy) should be in a much more improved format for which we already have number of engagements, discussion as to what should be done or what should not be done," said Meghalaya Chief Minister Mukul Sangma.

"It must be operationalised at the earliest and hopefully we will get a positive response because we are collectively taking it up and northeast has to be seen as the potential area to contribute for the growth and prosperity of the nation. That's an area where huge potentiality of investment in exclusive area is available," he added.

Stressing on the need for more employment opportunities in the region, the DoNER Ministry is focusing on enhancing livelihood, skill development and entrepreneurship related to agriculture, horticulture, handloom and handicrafts.

Moreover, the ministry is also emphasizing on providing a better market space and good branding to the products.

"Our basic job is to apprise the potential investor about the environment of the northeast. What I feel about is that a lot of the people those who have not visited part of the northeast are having a little bit apprehension about the northeast. Whether there will be a good environment to invest or not, whether law and order situation is vulnerable, what are other facilities they are getting?" said DoNER Ministry Joint Secretary Arvind Madhav Singh.

"So all these aspects, DoNER is trying to coordinate and facilitate the potential investors. So, the purpose of the event is to apprise the potential investor more and more so that they can come and invest to the northeast," he added.

The event also saw cultural performances by upcoming talents in the fields of music, culture and fashion.

Artists from the region performed the famous rhythmic folk 'Jhumur dance' of Assam's tea garden.

The evening celebrated the soulful sound of the region, featuring Mangka of Laihui Ensemble from Imphal. Besides this, a renowned Bihu dancer from Assam enthralled the audience with her scintillating performance.

The event became livelier as northeast's top model's showcased aesthetic designs from the region in presence of India's top industrialists, filmmakers and exporters.