New Delhi [India]: Prime Minister Narendra Modi, on Friday, declared that the 21st century belongs to India and emphasized the pivotal role of the Eastern and Northeastern regions in driving this progress. He was addressing the inaugural session of the first-ever Ashtalakshmi Mahotsav at Bharat Mandapam in Delhi.
“Century of the East”
PM Modi underscored a shift in global dynamics, stating:
“This is the century of the East, of Asia, and of India. Following the world’s West-centric era, the 21st century is poised to be the ‘East’s century.'”
Northeast as a Gateway to Growth
The Prime Minister highlighted the strategic and cultural importance of the Northeastern states, often referred to as the Ashtalakshmi of India.
“The diverse colours of the Northeast are creating a beautiful rainbow in the national capital. Today, Delhi has become infused with the spirit of the Northeast,” he said.
He described the region as India’s gateway to South Asia and East Asia, emphasizing its role in boosting global connectivity through culture and trade.
“While the past decades highlighted cities like Mumbai, Delhi, Ahmedabad, Bengaluru, Chennai, and Hyderabad, the coming decades will witness the rise of Agartala, Imphal, Shillong, Aizawl, and Itanagar,” PM Modi added.
Ashtalakshmi Mahotsav: A Milestone Event
Calling the Mahotsav more significant than the G20 summit hosted at the same venue, Modi said:
“In the past two years, Bharat Mandapam has hosted numerous national and international events, including the successful G20 summit, but today’s occasion holds a special significance.”
The three-day event showcases the cultural and economic vibrancy of the Northeastern states. It features traditional arts and crafts and promotes investment opportunities through key events such as an investors’ roundtable and buyer-seller meetings.
Empowering Women and Artisans
Highlighting the contributions of Northeastern women and artisans, PM Modi said:
“The stalls I visited today were predominantly run by women. The strength and diversity of the Northeast are vividly reflected in the stalls and pavilions here. This is a remarkable opportunity for the farmers and artisans of the region, as well as for investors worldwide.”
Cultural and Symbolic Initiatives
During the event, children from Northeastern states presented the Ashtalakshmi Plant—a sapling of the Peepal tree planted in soil collected from all eight Northeastern states, symbolizing unity and growth.
PM Modi toured the pavilions, interacting with artisans and craftsmen, while Union Ministers Jyotiraditya Scindia and Sukanta Majumdar, along with Chief Ministers Himanta Biswa Sarma (Assam), Manik Saha (Tripura), and Prem Singh Tamang (Sikkim), attended the inauguration.
Celebrating Northeast’s Cultural Heritage
The Ashtalakshmi Mahotsav celebrates the Northeast’s cultural richness and aims to drive its economic growth by fostering partnerships and initiatives. PM Modi reiterated the importance of such events in shaping India’s future.
“Events like the Ashtalakshmi Mahotsav will play a pivotal role in transforming the Northeast into a hub of economic and cultural prosperity,” he concluded.
The Mahotsav will continue until December 8, offering opportunities for investors and showcasing the Northeast’s immense potential to the nation and the world.