GUWAHATI: Amid the COVID-19 pandemic, the 8th edition of the North East Festival (NEF), a popular event that promotes the potential of the region at the national platform kicked off on Saturday at Radisson Blu Hotel in Guwahati.
After seven successful editions of the festival at the national capital, Guwahati for the first time is hosting the two-day event adhering to all Covid related protocols and guidelines. With minimum human presence, the festival is open for public to attend virtually.
The inaugural ceremony was graced by Union DoNER Minister Jitendra Singh, Assam Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal, Agriculture Minister Atul Bora, Industries & Commerce Chandramohan Patowary and Tripura Chief Minister Biplab Deb including other dignitaries.
In a live session moderated by Wasbir Hussain, Editor-in-chief, Northeast Live prominent personalities from the region such as Hima Das, Arjuna Awardee Sprinter; Riniki Bhuyan Sharma, CMD, Prideeast Entertainments Pvt Ltd; Lakhya Konwar, VP, Athletics Federation of India; Hasina Kharbhih, Social Entrepreneur; Armstrong Pame, IAS among others shared their success stories in the ‘North East Youth success stories’ forum of ‘NEF Ideation Conclave’.
The focus of the annual festival this year is on ‘Growth Agenda for North East Post COVID-19’.
A virtual walkthrough highlighting Northeast’s tourist destinations, popular festivals such as Hornbill, investment opportunities etc will be held on both days.
The event will feature various cultural programmes, fashion show by top designers and models and musical evenings with Zubeen Garg, Soulmate and other artistes from the region showcasing best of Northeast.
