The three day ‘Namami Barak’ festival after ‘Namami Brahmaputra’, a noble and innovative concept of Sarbananda Sonowal Government has opened a new vista of hope for the 40 lakh people of Barak Valley. It has been a multidimensional and multifaceted initiative in close coordination with the administration of all the three districts of Cachar, Karimganj and Hailakandi not only to build up ties and revive heritage but also to showcase Barak’s potential and possibilities to emerge as a hub of trade and commerce. A new dimension was added to the Grand River festival by arranging various events and cultural programmes in different venues like Aartighat, Ek Bharat Shrestha Bharat, Barak Museum, Agrasar Barak, Food Zone, Sports Zone, Amader Barak, Theatre and Kushiara Eco-zone.

It was not just a show but a serious effort by any state government after 70 years of Independence to take up concrete action plan for development of the most neglected and discriminated south zone. People could realize Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal “meant business and his heart was open equally for this valley”. Paying rich tributes to river Barak, the lifeline of the valley, the Chief Minister dedicated his government to work in the larger interest of all sections of people. More inspiring were the words of Ram Nath Kovind, President of India, at a glittering function of the closing ceremony, when he hailed “Namami Barak as opening up immense opportunities for development of Barak”.

“The people of this valley are lucky”, the President said, “Who live along the bank of Barak which means most fortunate”. He also had high praise for the most dynamic Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal who was the very “epitome of achievements.” Barak and Brahmaputra Valleys share same hopes and aspirations in quest of peace and harmony as noted singer Bhupen Hazarika describes Assam as the most beautiful land with bountiful of nature. Barak would be a link to ten ASEAN countries with the trans South Asia connectivity. The President said, “I am definite that 2018 will bring cheers for the people of this valley.”

Himanta Biswa Sarma, Minister of Finance, Health and Education, focused on the river system of this zone and said, “This valley has rich culture, literary values, tradition and the water bodies of Chatla and Sonbeel representing the eco system of pride which can be exploited to develop trade and tourism”. The festival has also brought into focus how the ever improving and expanding air, rail, road and highway connectivity, the most important being Silchar-Saurashtra Super Highway, will make Silchar play a pivotal role in the Act East Policy. With Barak being declared as National Waterway 16 by the NDA Government, the Chief Minister launched dredging of the river to make it navigational which will be completed by June 2018. That will be yet another major move forward for economic boost up and industrial rejuvenation.

Jyoti Lal Chowdhury

To read the further article please get your copy of Eastern Panorama March issue @http://www.magzter.com/IN/Hill-Publications/Eastern-Panorama/News/ or mail to contact @easternpanorama.in

C.M laid down the Foundation Stone for Shillong Medical College

Meghalaya Chief Minister Dr Mukul M Sangma laid the Foundation Stone for Shillong Medical College on PPP mode at Reid Chest Hospital, Mawbah, Shillong in the presence of Minister, PWD (B) etc Dr M Ampareen Lyngdoh and Minister, Urban Affairs etc., R V Lyngdoh.

While addressing the inaugural function Dr Mukul M Sangma said he is happy laid down the foundation stone for the medical institution in the region. He added that establishing infrastructures and taking up projects on PPP mode is a very challenging task for a government as the concept of PPP model is still new. He expressed hope and with the coming up the medical colleges in Shillong and Tura the challenge of providing space for competent young men and women who want to become medical professionals will be addressed while providing access to better health care facilities for the people

Other dignitaries present during the Foundation Stone laying ceremony were Minister, Urban Affairs etc R V Lyngdoh, Minister, PWD (B) etc., Dr M Ampareen Lyngdoh, Secretary of KPC Medical College, Kolkata, Krishna Das, Finance Secretary, KPC Medical College, Kolkata, Uttam Das and Dr D Lyngdoh, Director, Health Services (MI) who delivered the Welcome address. Also present was Additional Chief Secretary, Health & Family Welfare etc P W Ingty.

ERBFU urged government to compensate farmers

The Eastern Ri Bhoi Farmer Union (ERBFU) has urged the District Horticulture Officer of Ri Bhoi District to examine the huge losses incurred by farmers cultivating ginger in different parts of Ri Bhoi District.

D.S Rynghang President of ERBFU, in a memorandum submitted to the Horticulture Officer said that information was received that farmers in Ri Bhoi are facing difficulty because of ginger cultivation in places like Barapani, Umroi, Kyrdem, Mawpun, Raid Iapngar Mawbsein and Tyrso- Umtyngngan.

The Union leader urged the state government to provide assistance to those farmers who have incurred losses from ginger cultivation. Meanwhile, the District Horticulture Officer has assured the Union members that the matter will up seriously by conducting an inquiry to find out the root cause for the ginger to get damaged.

Inter-State Youth Exchange Programme launched in Shillong

As part of the nationwide youth programme, “Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat” launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Shillong just like any other State today inaugurate the ‘inter-state youth exchange programme’ in the presence of W.R. Lyngdoh, IAS, secretary, Education department. This nationwide youth programme is being organised by Nehru Yuva Kendra Sangathan (NYKS) under the Ministry of Youth Affairs, and Sports in collaboration with the department of Education, government of Meghalaya.

Speaking at the function which organised in Youth Hostel the main objective of the exchange programme is to encourage and celebrate unity in diversity, to promote national integration and to showcase heritage, custom, and tradition of the country. Under the Programme, Meghalaya is being co-partner Arunachal Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh.

In a nutshell ‘Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat’ (one India, great India), was launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on the 140th Birth anniversary of Sardar Vallabhhai Patel.