By Dr. Syed Ahmed, for TwoCircles.net,
Imphal: Addressing a gathering Prime Minister Narendra Modi said that the youth of Manipur has the potential to inspire the whole nation with their excellence in sports so they should be rescued from the menace of drugs. Referring to the issue of unemployment in the North-Eastern states, he expressed that the whole North-Eastern region has the prospects to emerge as a hub of call centres.
PM Modi graced the closing ceremony of Manipur Sangai Festival 2014 – the biggest annual tourism festival of the state – on November 30, 2014. PM landed at Tulihal International Airport at 3.20 pm. From there, he headed directly to the venue of the Manipur Sangai Festival at Hapta Kangjeibung, near the Palace Compound at Imphal.
Courtesy: Indian Express
PM also assured to develop the infrastructure of the state. He announced that in the Union Budget this year Rs. 60,000 crore had been earmarked for the infrastructure development in the North-East. He also said that tourism is one of the biggest generators of employment. He also expressed that by participating in the Sangai Festival he wanted to send the message to the rest of the country about the massive tourism potential of the state.
The PM was entertained with Ras Lila, the world famous Manipuri classical dance form, and the traditional dance of the Kabui community at the festival.
From there PM proceeded to the office of the BJP State unit at Nityaipat Chuthek, Imphal, to attend a meeting with the office bearers and workers of the party. Soon after the meeting he left for Nagaland to inaugurate the Hornbill Festival, which starts on December 1.
The 10-day long Manipur Sangai Festival was organized by Tourism Department, Government of Manipur. It was inaugurated on November 21 by the Chief Minister of the State O. Ibobi. The inauguration function was attended by ministers from different regions of Myanmar.
Cultural performances of the different ethnic groups of the State were showcased at the festival. Different stalls comprising of handloom, handicraft, food, and of private and public agencies etc. were opened.
Indigenous sports, adventure sports and eco-tourism, organisation of tours, etc. were also part of the festival.
The 8th International Polo Tournament was also held as a part of the festival, to commemorate the 150th year of Manipur Polo team’s visit to Calcutta in Jan. 1864, at Mapal Kangjeibung, the playground where the game of Polo is believed to have started. The Tournament, organized by the Manipur Horse Riding and Polo Association, was participated by teams from France, USA, Mongolia, Thailand, Poland, South Africa, England and India A and India B (Manipur). India B (Manipur) won the tournament after defeating South Africa in the final match played on November 29.
Indigenous games of the State like Yubi Lakpi, Arambai, Mukna Kangjei, etc. were also exhibited at the Mapal Kangjeibung.
As a part of the adventure sports and eco-tourism, Power Para-Gliding, obstacle adventure sports like Spider Net, Para-Sailing, Artificial and Natural Rock Climbing, expedition to Hills and Caves were also organized.
Tourists from within and outside India visited the State to take part in the festival.