New Delhi – President Droupadi Murmu has commended the Northeast Handlooms and Handicrafts Development Corporation (NEHHDC) for its invaluable role in preserving and promoting the cultural heritage of Northeast India.
The President’s praise was delivered during a special ceremony held at the Rashtrapati Bhavan, which was attended by senior officials from the Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region (MDONER) and representatives from Rashtrapati Bhavan.
In her address, President Murmu acknowledged the NEHHDC’s continuous efforts to highlight the rich and diverse cultural traditions of the Northeast. She particularly emphasized the corporation’s role in showcasing the region’s handloom products, handicrafts, and traditional craftsmanship to a broader audience.
The recognition comes on the heels of a series of significant events organized by NEHHDC in 2024, including the Vividhta Ka Amrit Mahotsav and the Bharatiya Kala Mahotsav. Both events were aimed at celebrating the Northeast’s cultural diversity and fostering stronger connections between the region and the rest of India.
The Vividhta Ka Amrit Mahotsav, which took place at Rashtrapati Bhavan from February 8–11, 2024, was inaugurated by President Murmu. The event served as a platform to promote the Northeast’s cultural contributions to India’s unity in diversity. It featured a wide range of exhibitions, including handloom products, sustainable handicrafts, and live demonstrations of traditional craftsmanship, such as the famous Majuli masks from Assam, Rignai cloth from Tripura, and the intricate weaving techniques of Nagaland’s Nettle yarn.
Later in the year, from September 29 to October 6, 2024, the Rashtrapati Nilayam hosted the first Bharatiya Kala Mahotsav, another major cultural event that was also inaugurated by President Murmu. The Mahotsav highlighted the handlooms and handicrafts of eight northeastern states, alongside their rich culinary traditions. In her speech, President Murmu underscored the importance of preserving and promoting India’s cultural heritage, stating, “It is our collective responsibility to preserve and promote the cultural heritage of our country. The folk dances, music, art, and traditional attire of the North-Eastern states are the heritage of our entire nation.”
In addition to these high-profile events, NEHHDC’s cultural initiatives continued with the successful staging of the Ashtalakshmi Mahotsav from December 6–8, 2024, at Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi. The event, inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, showcased the region’s textiles, artisanal crafts, and GI products. It also featured business and investor roundtables aimed at stimulating economic growth for Northeast India.
Prime Minister Modi praised the Mahotsav for its role in bringing the Northeast’s diverse cultural heritage to the forefront. He noted that such events not only celebrate the region’s heritage but also highlight its potential for growth and development, in line with the vision of a “Viksit Bharat.”
These cultural milestones underscore a new era for Northeast India, with NEHHDC playing a crucial role in promoting the region’s unique traditions and fostering economic opportunities. The success of these initiatives is a clear indication of the growing recognition of Northeast India’s contributions to the nation’s cultural and economic landscape.
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