Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, February 24, 2010:
General Secretary of the All India Congress Committee (AICC) and Youth Congress in-charge Rahul Gandhi would grace the Seven Sisters Barak Festival 2010, to be hosted by the Senapati-based Youth Hope Foundation at Senapati district Hqs in March.
Speaking to media persons at Senapati district Hqs this morning, spokesperson of the Youth Hope Foundation K Dominic Chawang said that the foundation has been celebrating Barak festival since 2000 with the objective to develop and highlight Barak river which originate from Liyai village as one of the important rivers of the world.
In accordance to the suggestion of the North East Institute of Fashion and Technology (NEIFT), the festival was celebrated in the regional level under the new name 'Seven Sisters Barak Festival' from 2008 onwards.
The Seven Sisters Barak Festival 2010 would be celebrated on March 29 and 30 under the theme 'Peace Through Culture and Identity" with significant contributions from 59 Mountain Brigade, Dominic Chawang said.
He said that the first day of the festival would feature a competition on traditional cultural dance.
The winners of the dance competition would be awarded cash prize of Rs 50,000 and Rs 30,000 to the second best performers.
Each of the participating cultural troupes would be given consolation prize of Rs 5000 each.
Informing that AICC General Secretary Rahul Gandhi has been invited to grace the opening function as chief guest, Dominic said that Rahul Gandhi has evinced desire to participate in the festival.
Rahul Gandhi's participation can be confirmed in the next two/three days.
In case, Rahul Gandhi cannot grace the opening function, the Youth Hope Foundation would invite Governor Gurbachan Jagat to be chief guest of the opening function, Dominic Chawang said.
IG AR (South) Maj Gen CA Krishnan and Deputy Commissioners of hill districts would be guests of honour of the two-day festival.
GOC of 57 Mountain Division DS Hooda would be the chief guest on March 30.The main highlights of the closing function would be rock music concert and Miss Barak beauty contest.
A sum of Rs one lakh would be given to the winner of Miss Barak 2010 title, Rs 50,000 to the first runners-up and Rs 30,000 to the second runners-up.
Dominic Chawang further sought donation from all sections towards the foundation in order to enable it host the festival successfully.
The Youth Hope Foundation is also preparing to organise Seven Sisters Open Rock Contest under the theme 'Peace Through Music' at Imphal in October this year, Chawang added.