The grand inauguration of ‘Shishir 2024’, the cultural festival at National Institute of Technology (NIT) Meghalaya commenced with a ceremonial welcome extended to a distinguished panel of dignitaries, each representing a significant facet of education, arts and culture.
One of the much-anticipated events featured a stellar performance of Rakesh Chaurasia, an acclaimed Indian flautist and Grammy award winner, accompanied by Pandit Anutosh Degharia, an esteemed Indian tabla player. Their rendition of Indian classical music transported the audience to a realm of musical bliss, leaving a lasting impression on all in attendance.
The esteemed guests present included Secretary of Education Ambrose Ch Marak, acclaimed film director Jahnu Baruah, Shillong Press Club president David Laitphlang and various NIT Meghalaya faculty.
The multi-event festival is being held at NIT’s temporary campus in Laitumkhrah here and will conclude on Saturday.
Laitphlang expressed gratitude towards the institute and gave his best wishes towards making the institute’s cultural festival a successful one while emphasising the importance of culture.
As the atmosphere brimmed with anticipation, Baruah took the stage to deliver a compelling speech on the promotion of the North East region’s culture and diversity. Drawing from his experience as a film director, the multiple National Film Award winner shed light on the intricacies of the industry and emphasised the importance of resilience and perseverance in the pursuit of creative endeavours. Baruah concluded his speech by urging students to embrace determination and courage in their pursuits.
Marak, the chief guest, enlightened the enthusiastic gathering of students and guests on the progress and advancement of education and innovation in Meghalaya. He highlighted the vibrant and diverse culture of the state, encouraging students to embrace failure as a stepping stone to success and explore opportunities for societal impact, such as the UPSC examinations.
As the atmosphere brimmed with anticipation, the audience was treated to a mesmerising display of multiple ethnic traditional dances, showcasing the rich cultural heritage of the region. The performances served as a testament to the spirit of unity and celebration that permeated the event, setting the stage for an unforgettable cultural experience.
