NEW DELHI, 5 October (H.S.): Put together New

Zealand, Switzerland, and Scotland, and you will still fall short of the wealth

of the Northeast. Each state in the region is a paradise for visitors,

tourists, and locals alike, said Jagdeep Dhankhar, the Vice-President of

India, declaring the North-East as ‘the heart and soul of Bharat’ while delivering

the keynote address at ‘The Conclave 2024’ in New Delhi.

The Vice-President also mentioned the region's

rich spiritual and natural heritage, mentioning the revered Kamakhya temple and

the world-famous Kaziranga National Park. Where do you get blessings?

Kamakhya. Where do you see a sanctuary of the kind? Kaziranga, he said,

underscoring the divine and ecological significance of the Northeast.

Dhankhar expressed his

admiration for the vibrant culture, exquisite cuisine, and the energy of the

people of the Northeast. I cannot describe in words the kind of cultural

fiesta I experienced there, the Northeast is the heart and soul of Bharat

he remarked, reflecting on his participation in the ASEAN summit in Phnom Penh,

where the significance of the Act East policy was made clear.

The Vice-President

emphasized the significant strides made in improving connectivity, calling it a

game-changer for the region. The number of airports has doubled, and

waterways have expanded twentyfold, sparking immense interest and investment

nationwide, he added.

Dhankhar

also highlighted the recent recognition of Assamese, alongside Bengali,

Marathi, Pali, and Prakrit, as one of the five out of eleven classical

languages of India. This designation carries a positive ripple effect,

showcasing the rich cultural heritage and diversity of our nation, he

stated.

The Vice-President of India, Jagdeep

Dhankhar declared that the Northeast is the heart and soul of Bharat,

urging the media to champion the region's potential in tourism and development.

He emphasized that the Northeast is not just a geographic region but a vibrant

tapestry of cultures, traditions, and natural beauty that embodies the essence

of India.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Nimish kumar