VP Jagdeep Dhankhar says North East now centre stage in India's national story

Guwahati: Vice President of India Jagdeep Dhankhar the North East India is now centre stage in our national story. In the last 10 years, the central government has invested 3.37 lakh crore rupees in this area

The Vice-President said, “The North East is now centre stage in our national story”, emphasizing the growing prominence of the North East region in India’s national narrative. He remarked, “We are seeing a phase of Purvodaya that was never imagined, even by the people of this land.”

Dhankhar emphasized that the transformation of the North-East is a testament to the spirit of inclusion driving India’s progress. “For decades, this region faced challenges relating to development and connectivity, but today it has become a true priority,” he observed, reflecting on how the region’s development is advancing rapidly each day.


Addressing the gathering at the 21st International Conclave of Krishnaguru International Spiritual Youth Society at College of Veterinary Science, Guwahati today, the Vice-President said,"Throughout our history, we have been given many opportunities. Our great leaders and spiritual figures have always supported us in times of crisis, providing a culture where, whether it be the COVID-19 pandemic, an earthquake, or any other calamity, our temples and spiritual centers have come forward to provide relief to the people.”

The Vice President also elaborated on the evolution of India’s foreign policy concerning the East. “The vision of Look East, which originated in the mid-90s, was transformed by Prime Minister Modi into a more impactful dimension with Look East-Act East. This means that Bharat began engaging more deeply with South-East Asian countries,” he said. He highlighted that through the Look East-Act East policy, India has significantly strengthened its engagement with South-East Asian nations, enhancing the strategic and economic importance of North-East India.

“Because of this Look East-Act East policy, where we are reaching out to the countries of South-East Asia, the North-East has earned a place of prominence. Today, North-East India is becoming a place of opportunity,” the Vice President added, underscoring the policy’s transformative role in shaping the North-East as a vibrant and thriving region.

Dhankhar expressed pride in the increasing recognition of the Northeast’s distinct identity and cultural heritage. He remarked, “There is growing acknowledgment of the unique identity and culture of the Northeast. Recently, we witnessed a proud moment when a long-standing need was fulfilled with the recognition of Assamese, alongside Bengali, Marathi, Pali, and Prakrit, as one of India’s classical languages.”

The Vice-President noted that this is a significant milestone for Assam saying, “This recognition will further enable Assam to share its rich cultural heritage and vernacular tapestry, extending its influence and cultural wealth throughout the country.”

He added, “This region’s unalloyed beauty creates an atmosphere of peace conducive to introspection and meditation, allowing a deeper exploration of spirituality and a greater appreciation for the interconnectedness of life.”

Dhankhar also shared key statistics that reflect the scale of transformation: “In the last 10 years, the central government has invested 3.37 lakh crore rupees in this area. These are not just numbers; they signify a tangible footprint of roads, railways, and airports, as well as improved connectivity.”