IMPHAL: The North East Integration Rally (NEIR) began its journey from Kolkata on Sunday, setting the tone for a month-long initiative aimed at strengthening regional integration and people-to-people ties across the North Eastern states, said Biswadeep Gupta, who is the managing trustee of the NEIR.
Informing this from Kolkata this evening, Gupta said the inaugural session was attended by a wide range of public representatives, professionals, cultural figures, and civil society members.
Among those present were AL Hek, MLA and former minister; Lopamudra Dutta Choudhury, vice chairperson of Dumdum Municipal Corporation; Dr Prof. Sukumal Deb; Col. Shanti Kumar Singh (retd); author R.K. Maheshsena; engineer Tapash Roy; celebrated artiste K. Bobin; Kh. Gajendra Singh; Dr Sharmistha Raha of Prasar Bharati; Biplab Das of Kolkata Police; and an adventure enthusiast. The programme was compered by Biswadeep Gupta, head of KRC Foundations.
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Speakers praised the initiative, describing it as a small but meaningful step that could grow into a larger movement for unity and understanding, Biswadeep Giupta also stated. Many shared personal and professional links with the North Eastern states, underlining the importance of sustained engagement between regions. The next leg of the rally will be held in Malda, Gupta added.
A cultural highlight of the event was a performance by K. Bobin, who rendered the official title song of the rally.
During the session, speakers reiterated the rally’s objectives, which include promoting infrastructure development, expanding economic opportunities, encouraging cultural exchange, and deepening people-to-people engagement across states, Biswadeep Gupta also said.
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