GUWAHATI: Assam’s much-anticipated tableau highlighting the state’s celebrated tea industry could be amiss at this year’s Republic Day parade in New Delhi, as it appears to have failed to make a strong impression on the Defence Ministry.
The Defence Ministry takes the lead in presenting different states through tableaus in moving vehicles during the Republic Day parade in the national capital, as well as deciding which states will be featured.
Reportedly, the state’s tableau, centred around the theme of “200 years of the country’s tea industry”, did not secure the Ministry’s approval.
Out of the 20 presentations made for this year’s Republic Day parade, 16 have been selected for the parade, while four will be displayed at the Red Fort ground, according to a local daily.
Assam, a pioneer in the tea industry, continues to dominate the sector by producing over half of the country’s total tea yield.
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The moving tableaus in the parade attract a massive nationwide audience and are a source of great pride for participating states.
The crux of the issue lies in the practice of allocating only four places for the seven Northeastern states.
This year, Meghalaya, Manipur, and Arunachal Pradesh secured representation, leaving concerns about the exclusion of other northeastern states.
The tableau includes a captivating Jhumur dance performance by members of the tea tribe community.
Amidst the uncertainty, local press hinted that Assam might still have a chance to be featured in this year’s parade if the state government swiftly intervenes at the highest level with the Defence Ministry.
“There had been occasions before when the Assam tableau was selected after being overlooked initially. We hope the State Government intervenes immediately at the highest level,” the daily quoted a source.
Critics argue that this practice is discriminatory for a diverse and vibrant region like the Northeast, deserving comprehensive representation covering all constituent states.
