Act East policy, a game changer for NE development, says VP Dhankhar

Syllad | The Rising MeghalayaOctober 5, 2024

Vice-President Jagdeep Dhankhar, while delivering the keynote address at ‘The Conclave 2024’ organized by Pratidin Media Network in New Delhi, declared that the Northeast is the “heart and soul of India,” urging the media to highlight the region’s immense potential in tourism and development. He emphasized that the Northeast is not merely a geographic region but a rich cultural and natural tapestry that represents the essence of India.

Dhankhar praised the government’s Act East Policy for its transformative impact on the region, boosting connectivity, trade, and tourism.

He urged the media to play a crucial role in shaping the national narrative, especially regarding the Northeast’s development. In his remarks, he highlighted the region’s unparalleled beauty, stating, “Put together New Zealand, Switzerland, and Scotland, and you will still fall short of the wealth of the Northeast,” and called it a paradise for tourists, visitors, and locals alike.

Dhankhar emphasized the transformative improvements in connectivity across the Northeast during his address at ‘The Conclave 2024.’ He referred to these developments as a “game-changer” for the region, noting that the number of airports has doubled and waterways have expanded twentyfold, which has sparked substantial interest and investment from across the nation.

The Vice-President also celebrated the recent recognition of Assamese as one of India’s classical languages, alongside Bengali, Marathi, Pali, and Prakrit. He underscored the cultural significance of this designation, which he said reflects the rich heritage and diversity of the nation.

Highlighting the spiritual and natural heritage of the Northeast, Dhankhar mentioned two iconic symbols of the region: the Kamakhya Temple, revered for its spiritual importance, and Kaziranga National Park, a world-famous sanctuary. He remarked, “Where do you get blessings? Kamakhya. Where do you see a sanctuary of the kind? Kaziranga,” emphasizing the divine and ecological significance of these landmarks.

Dhankhar expressed deep admiration for the vibrant culture, cuisine, and energy of the Northeast, describing it as the “heart and soul of Bharat.” Reflecting on his visit to the region and participation in the ASEAN summit in Phnom Penh, Dhankhar highlighted the growing significance of the Act East Policy, which extends beyond India’s borders to foster stronger cultural and economic ties with Southeast Asia. He emphasized the importance of this policy in connecting the Northeast with countries like Cambodia, where India is helping restore the iconic Angkor Wat temple.

He remarked on the potential of the Northeast to become a global tourist hub, drawing parallels with Kashmir, a region that has seen transformative growth in tourism. Recalling his visit to Srinagar in the 1990s, Dhankhar noted how the region, once deserted, now attracts over 2 crore visitors annually, reflecting India’s resilience and progress. He pointed out that tourism could similarly drive employment and economic growth in the Northeast.

Addressing the role of the media, Dhankhar urged journalists to champion the region’s development and tourism potential. He highlighted the media’s vital role in informing the public, shaping narratives, and promoting the nation’s progress. He praised the media’s historic courage during the Emergency, when newspapers protested censorship by leaving editorial space blank, and called for responsible journalism amid modern challenges like misinformation and sensationalism.

Dhankhar also shared his concerns about the dangers posed by false narratives, urging the media to use technology to counter these threats and safeguard democratic values. He praised India’s economic growth since the 1990s, noting how the country has transformed from having $1 billion in foreign exchange reserves to over $700 billion today, showcasing remarkable resilience under Prime Minister Modi’s leadership.

In conclusion, the Vice President reaffirmed the media’s crucial role in shaping an informed and balanced discourse that strengthens democracy and promotes the unprecedented growth trajectory of India.

He was joined by Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal, Jayanta Baruah, chairman of Sadin-Pratidin Group, and other dignitaries at the event.