Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday said that the 21st century belongs to India, underscoring the critical role of the Eastern and Northeastern regions in driving the nation’s growth and progress.
Speaking at the inaugural Ashtalakshmi Mahotsav at Bharat Mandapam in Delhi, PM Modi declared the dawn of a new era, shifting focus from a historically West-centric world to the rise of the East. “This is the century of the East, of Asia, and of India,” he said.
Inaugurating the three-day cultural festival, PM Modi described the event as more significant than the G20 Summit held at the same venue last year. “Today’s occasion holds a unique importance. The diverse colours of the Northeast are creating a magnificent rainbow in the national capital,” he said, adding, “Aaj Delhi ‘Purbottarmay’ ho gayi hai”.
PM Modi highlighted the untapped potential of the Northeastern region as India positions itself as a hub of cultural and trade connectivity with South Asia and East Asia. “The Northeast serves as our gateway to this immense potential,” he said. The Prime Minister also added that many stalls at the event were led by women entrepreneurs, reflecting the empowerment and opportunities for women in the region.
He emphasized the transformative impact of the festival, saying, “The future belongs to the East and the Northeast. While cities like Mumbai, Delhi, Bengaluru, and Chennai have led India’s growth, the coming decades will see the rise of Agartala, Imphal, Shillong, Aizawl, and Itanagar.”
The Ashtalakshmi Mahotsav, celebrated for the first time, showcases the rich cultural tapestry of the Northeast, with exhibitions of traditional arts, crafts, and GI-tagged products. Business-focused events such as investors’ roundtables and buyer-seller meetings are set to provide unprecedented opportunities for artisans, farmers, and global investors alike.
During the event, children from Northeastern states presented PM Modi with the ‘Ashtalakshmi Plant’—a Peepal sapling planted in soil from all eight Northeastern states. The Prime Minister also toured pavilions, interacting with artisans and craftsmen and admiring the cultural and economic vibrancy on display.
Union Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia, Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, Tripura Chief Minister Manik Saha, and Sikkim Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang were among the dignitaries attending the event.
The festival, running from December 6 to 8, aims to position the Northeast as a cultural and economic powerhouse. It features cultural performances, exhibitions, and design showcases, along with a focus on expanding trade and investment in the region.
“This is a historic opportunity for the Northeast to shine on the national and global stage,” PM Modi concluded.
(Inputs from ANI)