Guwahati, Jan 30: “Make it a habit to travel east, tour east, and contribute to the development of the east,” urged the Vice-President of India Jagdeep Dhankhar during his address at the Rashtriya Ekatmata Yatra 2025 on January 30.
Speaking to young students from the Northeast and winners of the Mann Ki Baat Quiz Competition, he emphasized the immense cultural wealth and transformative potential of the region.
In a powerful address during the Rashtriya Ekatmata Yatra 2025, the Vice-President of India emphasized the immense potential and cultural wealth of the Northeast, inspiring young students from the region and winners of the Mann Ki Baat Quiz Competition. His speech highlighted the government’s commitment to the development of the Northeast and its pivotal role in shaping the future of India.
“The number of visits the Prime Minister has made there is remarkable. All I am suggesting is, and through you to every Indian, there is no more attractive tourist destination in the world than the Northeast. We Indians, all of us in togetherness must make it a habit to travel east, tour east and contribute to the development of the east” he said emphasising the Northeast as a “treasure trove of culture, ethnicity, and unparalleled natural beauty.” He emphasized the region’s unique cuisine, tribal traditions, and vibrant arts, urging greater national engagement with its cultural wealth.
“The number of tourists going to the North-East every year is now over 1.25 crores, it’s a great development” he said.
The vice president spoke on the diverse heritage of the nine participating states — Meghalaya, Tripura, Sikkim, Nagaland, Arunachal Pradesh, Mizoram, Manipur, and Assam.
“I have been to each of the states. I have seen your rich culture, cuisine, tribal traditions and the talent which is there. I have had to spend time both as governor of the state of West Bengal because I was heading Eastern Zone Cultural Centre” he said.
Highlighting the transformative impact of the government’s ‘Act East’ policy, the Vice-President noted significant infrastructure advancements that have opened up the region to new opportunities. “The number of airports has increased to 17, and five states are now connected by air,” he shared. Additionally, the establishment of three international airports and 95% 4G digital coverage were celebrated as milestones in regional development.
