June 24, 2004

Shillong, June 24, 2004: A four day photo exhibition on “Development Initiatives in the North East Region” was inaugurated today by the Meghalaya Chief Secretary, Mr P J Bazeley at the Don Bosco Youth Centre, Laitumkhrah. The exhibition is organized by the Directorate of Advertising & Visual Publicity (DAVP), Ministry of Information & Broadcasting, Government of India and sponsored by the Ministry of DONER.

Speaking on the occasion as the Chief Guest, Mr. Bazeley congratulated the DAVP for organizing an exhibition, which showcases the footprints of development initiatives taking place in the far flung areas of the North East. Asserting that the wheels of development have been moving at a swift pace in the region in the past five decades or so, he felt the DAVP has a crucial role to play in highlighting these activities nationwide.

Terming the North East as a treasure trove of the country, he said that, if properly harnessed, the vast mineral resources, forest resources, hydel power resources, information technology potential etc, can help generate economic revenue for the region as a whole. He also added that any investment made in the North East, should not be looked upon as an unquestionable support for special category States, but instead should be viewed as a future investment, which can have a positive impact on the Nation’s economy because numerous possibilities loom large in this region.

Other whose spoke on the occasion were Mr. Maji, Financial Adviser (NEC) and A C Goswami, Field Exhibition Officer of the DAVP. The Song and Drama Division, Government of India, Ministry of I&B, Regional Office, Guwahati entertained the gathering through a cultural programme.