President Droupadi Murmu has said that the Karbi Youth Festival is an opportunity to preserve the cultural heritage of the Karbis while celebrating the diversity of various other communities. She said that this festival has played a crucial role in liberating us from the painful memories of the past and has helped us to march ahead toward the path of progress with enthusiasm and renewed vigour.
She said this in her virtual address at the Golden Jubilee Celebrations of the Karbi Youth Festival on January17 which she could not attend in person because of inclement weather conditions at Taralangshu in Diphu, the headquarters of Karbi Anglong district.
In her speech, the First Citizen said that the Festival, which began in the year 1974 and is being organised every year, has made its presence felt as a very unique and important event in the cultural calendar of not just Assam but of the entire nation. She appreciated the continued efforts of the Karbi society in preserving their art and tradition.
President Murmu said that she was told that Karbi Youth Festival at Taralangshu is the largest event of its kind in the entire North Eastern region. The First Citizen of the country said, “In my view, the Karbi Youth Festival is also a festival of India’s golden period.”
“It is through these festivals that the inherent talent of the people of the place, especially the youth, get a platform for artistic expression,” said the President.
Elated over the fact that around 5,000 young talents have enthusiastically participated in competitions and activities organised in this festival, President Murmu said that boys and girls who were present there, besides youths from nearby areas, will make valuable contributions to the progress of Assam, North East and the entire country through their talent and efforts.
“I have experienced the importance of tribal identity and heritage in my own life. Such festivals showcase diversity and strengthen it. I congratulate and give my blessings to all the sons and daughters of various tribal communities present here. I believe that if the young generation moves forward in the right direction, overall progress will happen faster,” said President Murmu.
President Murmu also expressed happiness that the youth of the region are eager and ready to contribute towards the holistic development and progress of the the nation.
Lauding the Assam Government and Karbi Anglong Autonomous Council (KAAC) for erecting statues of Divine Guru Rangsina Sarpo; the Karbi folk musician Thong Nokbe along with Kajir Ronghangpi in the Taralangshu Cultural Complex, President Murmu said: “By honouring such great personalities, you are preserving and enriching your traditions”.
