Guwahati: As part of Azadi Ka Amrit Mohotsav, Eastern Command of the Indian Army on Sunday launched the Purvottar Swabhiman Utsav, to celebrate the contribution of North Eastern Region in Nation Building.
As a part of the two day mega event a panel discussion was organised at the Assam Administrative Staff College on Sunday in Guwahati.
The panel discussion was attended by Meghalaya chief minister Conrad K Sangma and many other prominent personalities.
Welcoming the eminent speakers, Lt Gen Rana Pratap Kalita, General Officer Commanding in Chief, Eastern Command exuded confidence that this seminar will take everyone closer to the goal of a prosperous northeast, playing a pivotal role in Nation building.
Former Rajya Sabha MP Shri Swapan Dasgupta delivered the key-note address and emphasised on how this transformational development in the North Eastern States will propel the entire nation to progress.
Former chairman of the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) Prof David Reid Syiemlieh spoke on the role of Northeast in India’s freedom struggle.
Lt Gen Subrata Saha (retired) and Lt Gen PC Nair spoke about the immense contribution of Indian Army and the saga of Assam Rifles in integrating the northeastern region with the mainstream.
Th Basanta Singh, Education and Law Minister of Manipur highlighted the outstanding contribution of Manipur in the arena of sports with sportspersons having brought laurels to the state and the country in international sporting events, including the Olympics.
Conrad K Sangma, chief minister of Meghalaya elucidated methods to achieve greater integration of the North Eastern Region with the national mainstream and enhance tourism in the region, thereby enhancing economic prosperity.
Former Foreign Secretary Harsh Vardhan Shringla emphasised on the critical role of this region in India’s Act East Policy.
Other eminent speakers at the panel discussion included Air Marshal AK Gogoi (retired) from the North Eastern Council, Anshul Gupta, general manager of the Northeast Frontier Railways and internationally acclaimed security strategist Jaideep Saikia spoke at the event.
Lt Gen KC Panchanathan, the General Officer Commanding 101 Area thanked the dignitaries, speakers and the attendees and expressed confidence that the panel discussion achieved its stated objectives.
