President Murmu lauds NEHHDC efforts in promoting rich cultural heritage of Northeast

Syllad | The Rising MeghalayaDecember 14, 2024

President Droupadi Murmu lauded the Northeast Handlooms and Handicrafts Development Corporation (NEHHDC) for its dedicated efforts in promoting the rich cultural heritage of Northeast India during a special ceremony held at Rashtrapati Bhavan, New Delhi.

The event, attended by senior officials from the Ministry of Development of the Northeastern Region (MDONER) and the Rashtrapati Bhavan, celebrated NEHHDC’s achievements in fostering cultural unity and economic opportunities through its initiatives.

The ceremony highlighted NEHHDC’s organization of the Vividhta Ka Amrit Mahotsav, hosted at Rashtrapati Bhavan from February 8 to February 11, 2024. The festival, inaugurated by President Murmu, aimed to deepen the nation’s connection with the cultural and artistic traditions of the Northeast. Featuring eight state pavilions, the event showcased the region’s unique handlooms, handicrafts, GI-tagged products, traditional cuisines, and folk arts.

In her address, President Murmu emphasized the importance of preserving and promoting India’s cultural diversity, stating, “The cultural diversity of the northeastern states—their folk dances, music, art, and traditional attire—are the heritage of our country. This festival is an effort to make citizens more familiar with the traditions and communities of the region and act as a bridge between the North-East and other parts of India.”

Another milestone for NEHHDC was the Ashtalakshmi Mahotsav, held at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi, from December 6 to 8. Inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the event celebrated the Northeast’s vibrant cultural and economic potential. PM Modi commended the Mahotsav for bringing the diverse shades of the Northeast under one roof, showcasing the region’s potential to both national and global audiences.

The Ashtalakshmi Mahotsav attracted thousands of visitors, further strengthening economic opportunities and sustainable livelihoods in the region. The Prime Minister praised the organizers for fostering national unity and boosting the region’s economic ecosystem through such initiatives.

To honor NEHHDC’s success, the Rashtrapati Bhavan hosted a special high-tea ceremony, attended by NEHHDC representatives, MDONER officials, and senior dignitaries. President Murmu congratulated the team for their contributions to promoting Northeast India’s cultural heritage and integrating its identity into the larger narrative of India’s unity in diversity.

These events underscore NEHHDC’s pivotal role in highlighting the Northeast’s cultural richness and its potential as an economic and cultural powerhouse. Through initiatives like the Vividhta Ka Amrit Mahotsav and Ashtalakshmi Mahotsav, NEHHDC is not only preserving traditional arts but also creating platforms for economic empowerment and national integration.