GUWAHATI, Jan 31 � The Vivekananda Kendra Institute of Culture (VKIC) celebrated its foundation day at its Uzanbazar campus this evening.
On the occasion, the VKIC Sanmaan 2015 was presented to Ramkuiwangbe Newme,�a resident of Dima Hasao, who has devoted his life to the protection of the Heraka faith in the states of Assam, Nagaland and Manipur. A recognised social worker and a philanthropist, he was also a close associate of Rani Ma Gaidenliu, the Naga patriot and social reformer.
He was presented the VKIC Sanmaan by VV Bhat, a noted scholar, and a former policy maker who retired as the Member (Finance) of Space Commission and Earth Commission, Government of India.
Newme was presented with a citation, a shawl, a token of appreciation and Rs 25,000. The honour is in recognition of his work to sustain an indigenous faith of the North-east, with its accompanying customs, traditions and knowledge. He and his fellow faithful have been able to keep alive their faith overcoming great obstacles.
Bhat, who had started his administrative career in Assam, made a power-point presentation in which he identified some potential areas in which economic development could take place and could be sustained over a long period of time in the North-east.
Bhat referred to several issues of particular relevance to the region, and also mentioned about the need to look into external and internal security dynamics.� He further provided an analysis of a development paradigm for Assam and the rest of North-east and underlined the need to have a deeper look into the present development agenda of the region.
Underscoring the need to devise a mechanism for sharing power and economic prosperity in view of the diverse ethnic society inhabiting the state and the region, Bhat said that the region had its own complexities which were best understood by the local communities only. �Hence, a solution devised from outside will not be viable for the region,� he said.
Bhat also said that the development model suitable for the North-east would have to be based on effective and sustainable management of its abundant natural resources. He also advocated effecting institutional reforms in this regard.
�The concept of development has changed and today it is measured not just in terms of per capita income but in terms of happiness, welfare, and preservation of nature and the environment,� he said.
Bhat also advocated �redefining the charter� of the North Eastern Council (NEC) to make it an effective body.
A highlight of the programme was a cultural show presented by the Manchalenka Cultural Group of Goalpara district.
