Shillong/Guwahati: German Ambassador to India, Philipp Ackermann, has described India’s northeast as a “jewel,” praising the region’s natural beauty, cultural richness, and warm hospitality.
In a recent social media video post, following his visits to Assam, Arunachal Pradesh, and Meghalaya, the envoy shared his admiration for the region and called the experience deeply rewarding.
Among the highlights of his trip was the awe-inspiring living root bridges of Meghalaya.
“Standing on these living root bridges, looking up and down, you feel completely immersed in the forest—it’s as if the bridges are part of nature itself,” he said, marveling at the ingenuity of the Khasi people who have been creating and maintaining these bridges for generations.
These bridges, built by the indigenous Khasi and Jaintia communities, are not only vital for crossing rivers during the monsoon but are also a symbol of sustainable architecture.
They have recently been included in UNESCO’s tentative list of World Heritage Sites.
In Arunachal Pradesh, Ambassador Ackermann visited Ziro in the Lower Subansiri district, including the Bamboo Garden at Hong village.
There, he took part in the ongoing Myoko festival, a traditional celebration of the Apatani community.
During his time at the residence of ZPM Tapi Habung, local elders and Panchayat members shared the rich history and spiritual significance of the festival.
“The Myoko festival gave me a glimpse into the traditional lifestyle of the Apatani tribe,” the Ambassador noted, commending the community’s commitment to preserving its cultural heritage in the face of modernity.
He also explored the serene Seeh and Seekhe lakes, enjoying bird-watching and recognizing the local community’s efforts in biodiversity conservation.
At Tarin Aquapark, India’s first integrated fish farm, Ackermann received a warm traditional welcome from a local women’s self-help group. Deputy Commissioner Vivek briefed him on the park’s significance in sustainable aquaculture.
Earlier in his tour, the Ambassador visited Assam’s Deepor Beel, a permanent freshwater lake southwest of Guwahati.
Located in a former channel of the Brahmaputra, this ecologically significant site is another example of the natural treasures found across the northeast.
