Three-day extravaganza on Northeast begins

A three-day extravaganza showcasing socio-economic and cultural richness of the Northeast has began here today.
'Destination North East 2016' will showcase the richness of the Northeast, highlighting various aspects of the region and its people.
The events include Northeast's folk music, rock music by popular band, dance choreography, Bihu dance, folk fusion, crossover music and fashion show.
Competitions on quiz, dance (solo and group) and singing (Hindustani, Indian Pop, Western Pop and Classical) are also organised for school children.
During the event, organised by the Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region, specific business summit consisting of sectors like tourism, agriculture, food processing, skill development and entrepreneurship, IT, handloom and handicrafts, livelihood, micro-finance and start ups will be held.

Destination North East will enable various Central Ministries to showcase their initiatives in North East India. The event will also have cultural programmes to showcase the rich culture and folk dances of North East India, Minister for DoNER Jitendra Singh said inaugurating the 'Destination North East 2016' along with Minister of state for Home Kiren Rijiju.

The festival will showcase the inherent economic, social and cultural strength of the Northeastern region at the national level, Singh said.
He said the region will be developed as a key destination for young entrepreneurs and Startups. He also said that North East festivals will be organised in Mumbai and Bangalore in the coming months.

Rijiju said the development has nothing to do with distance and location and the growth engine is built on the aspirations of people, not location.
Meghalaya Chief Minister Mukul Sangma said despite the geographical constraints, there is a growth momentum taking shape in the North-East.