IMPHAL, November 14: Meghalaya Chief Minister Dr. Mukul M Sangma inaugurated a 4-day India’s first Cherry Blossom Festival at a glittering function at picturesque Shillong Polo Ground in the presence of his council of ministers, senior government officials, tourists, and school children.
The festival is being organised by Government of Meghalaya in association with Manipur-based Institute of Bio-resources and Sustainable Development (IBSD), a National Institute of Department of Biotechnology.
Acknowledging the successful conceptualisation of the event by putting Meghalaya into the global tourist map, Dr. Sangma said this nature’s gift of Cherry Blossoms to Meghalaya must be appreciated and is one of several elements that make Meghalaya an attractive destination for tourists looking for a green destination and a short break away from the hustle and bustle of polluted cities.
IBSD Director Prof Dinabandhu Sahoo, who conceptualised the festival in India for the first time said, “This event will create a number of opportunities for the people of Meghalaya.” He also assured the people that IBSD is committed to the socio-economic development of the region and this partnership is only one of several initiatives that are focussed on sustainable utilisation of the unique bio-resources.Sahoo also suggested plan for the future editions of this festival in a bigger way well in advance and inform the world that such activities are also possible in India saying 2017 is the International Year of Sustainable Tourism for Development as declared by the United Nations.
In his speech, Meghalaya’s Chief Secretary KS Kropha also underscored the huge tourism potential of this festival and expected to draw huge number of tourists from all over the country and from across the world in the years to come.
On the occasion, Dr. Sangma also released a coffee table book ‘Cherry Blossom-Sakura for Peace, Prosperity and Sustainable Development’ written by Prof Sahoo.
