The National Museum in Delhi recently hosted a seven-day cultural festival, “Destination NorthEast India,” as part of the 75th Independence Day celebrations under the Azadi Ka Amrut Mahotsav initiative. The event, an initiative of the Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region & North Eastern Council (NEC), was a celebration of the rich heritage and diversity of North East India.
About the Festival
The overarching aim of this festival was to bridge the gap between North East (NE) India and the rest of the country. A special presentation on art and craft, textiles, ethnic items, tourism promotion, and more from the eight northeastern states was held as part of the event. This initiative involved the Ministry of Development of the North-East Region and the North Eastern Council (NEC), established in 1971 by an Act of Parliament.
The Role of the North Eastern Council (NEC)
The NEC serves as a pivotal agency for the economic and social prosperity of the NE Region encompassing Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland, Sikkim, and Tripura.
National Museum: A Historical Perspective
The National Museum in Delhi was conceptualized by the Maurice Gwyer Committee in May 1946. Initially under the Director General of Archaeology, it was later declared a separate institution and came under the direct control of the Ministry of Education. Currently, the Ministry of Culture oversees the administrative operations at the National Museum.
Significance of the North East Region
Situated strategically, the NER is linked with eastern India’s conventional domestic market and neighbouring countries, including Bangladesh and Myanmar. It forms a physical connection between India and Southeast Asia, exemplifying India’s Act East Policy. Economically, it is significant for its abundant resources – accounting for about 34% of India’s water resources and nearly 40% of its hydropower potential. The region is also renowned for its rich cultural heritage and diverse wildlife sanctuaries.
Government Initiatives for the North East Region
The Government has undertaken several initiatives to promote the development of the NE region. These include infrastructure-related initiatives like the Bharatmala Pariyojana (BMP) and RCS-UDAN, connectivity projects like the Kaladan Multi-Modal Transit Project and the Bangladesh-China-India-Myanmar (BCIM) Corridor, tourism promotion under the Swadesh Darshan Scheme, Mission Purvodaya in the steel sector, and the North-East Industrial Development Scheme (NEIDS). Furthermore, the National Bamboo Mission holds a special significance for the Northeast.
The North Eastern Region Vision 2020 & Digital North East Vision 2022
These visions aim to provide a framework for the development of the NE Region to bring it at par with other developed regions through various ministries, including the Ministry of DoNER. The focus is on leveraging digital technologies to transform the lives of people in the northeast and enhance their living standards.
Last Modified: February 13, 2024