India’s first Cherry Blossom fest kickstarts

By Our Reporter

SHILLONG, NOV 14: India’s first Cherry Blossom festival was launched on Monday morning by Meghalaya chief minister Mukul M Sangma at a glittering function at Polo ground, in the presence of cabinet ministers, senior government officials, members of civil society, tourists and scores of school children.

At an impressive and well attended function, Sangma stated that 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.

He also acknowledged the partnership of Institute of Bio-resources and Sustainable Development (IBSD), a National Institute of Department of Biotechnology, for joint conceptualization and implementation of this humble yet successful start in putting Meghalaya onto the global tourist map.

Prof Dinabandhu Sahoo, Director IBSD, who conceptualized the Cherry Blossom Festival in India for the first time told that this event would create a number of opportunities for the people of Meghalaya.

He also emphasised that collaborations should be developed with Japan so that more international tourists can visit the North East region.    He assured the people of Meghalaya that IBSD is committed to the socio-economic development of the region and this partnership is only one of several initiatives that are focused on sustainable utilisation of the unique bio-resources of the state.

Sahoo said that 2017 is the International Year of Sustainable Tourism for Development as declared by the United Nations. He said, “We must 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. He thanked all the people for their active cooperation and requested the people to visit Meghalaya, as the festival will end on 17th November 2016.

On the occasion, Sangma released a coffee table book entitled ‘Cherry Blossom-Sakura for Peace, Prosperity and Development’ written by Sahoo.

KS Kropha, chief secretary of Meghalaya, in his address also underscored the huge tourism potential of this festival and expects that in the years to come this will draw huge numbers of tourists from all over the country and from across the world.