New Delhi: Union Minister for Development of North Eastern Region and Communications, Jyotiraditya Scindia, announced that the DoNER Ministry will host the first-ever “Ashtalakshmi Mahotsav”, under the guidance of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
The event, set to take place from 6- 8 December at Bharat Mandapam, will mark a significant milestone for the region. The Union Minister stated that PM Modi will be inaugurating this event.
At the curtain raiser event for the Ashtalakshmi Mahotsav, Minister Scindia emphasized the importance of the Northeast in India’s future development, aligning with Prime Minister Modi’s vision. “It is PM’s vision that the engine for the growth of India should be the Northeast region. The eight avatars of Lakshmi—Prosperity, Opulence, Purity, Wealth, Knowledge, Duty, Agriculture, Animal Husbandry—represent the essence of the Northeast,” he stated.
The Mahotsav will feature 320 participants, including 40 farmers, artisans, and entrepreneurs from each state in the Northeast, who will showcase their indigenous products at the event. The focus will be on promoting local industries and traditions, such as Muga and Eri silk, as well as other indigenous textiles.
A special GI Pavilion will display 34 unique products, including 7 live demonstrations of GI textiles. Additionally, a tourism gallery will be set up to highlight the region’s potential as a travel destination. A fashion show featuring designers from the Northeast will also be a key highlight of the event.
Minister Scindia further highlighted that the DoNER ministry has created five task forces to analyze and improve the value chain of local products, ensuring that farmers and artisans are maximizing their economic potential. “The possibilities in the Northeast are massive, whether it’s bamboo, rubber, or other local products. We are working to connect these with the rest of the country and the world,” he added.
The Ashtalakshmi Mahotsav will not only target the domestic market but also international markets, with ambassadors invited to attend. This initiative is a first for the DoNER ministry in bringing together the Northeast region with both domestic and international stakeholders. Scindia expressed his hope to continue such events in the future, further integrating the region into the global economic network.
Brigadier RK Singh, MD of North Eastern Handicrafts And Handlooms Development Corporation Ltd, under DoNER Ministry, also attended the curtain raiser event and expressed excitement about the upcoming Ashtalakshmi Mahotsav.
He stated that the event will culminate in a grand inauguration with the launch of a commemorative postal stamp on the opening day. The cultural programs scheduled for all three days will further highlight the rich heritage of the Northeast.
The Ashtalakshmi Mahotsav is a key initiative for the DoNER Ministry to promote the Northeast’s diverse culture, economy, and potential as a critical part of India’s growth story.
Investors Summit & Bankers Summit
Alongside the Ashtalakshmi Mahotsav, the DoNER ministry will also organize an Investors Summit in 2025, scheduled for April or May. The Union Minister stated that The summit aims to attract investment into the Northeast’s industries and manufacturing sectors.
“Roadshows have already been conducted across major cities in India, including Hyderabad, Bengaluru, and Mumbai. Recently MoUs worth Rs 950,000 crore and Letters of Intent amounting to Rs 18,000-20,000 crores have been signed during these road shows,” said Scindia.
Additionally, he said that a Bankers Summit will be held in the coming days to strengthen the banking infrastructure in the Northeast and improve access to credit and financial services for entrepreneurs and startups. Scindia emphasized the importance of involving major bankers to create a robust financial ecosystem in the region.
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