Northeast is India’s crown jewel, says Vice President Dhankhar

The Northeast is India’s crown jewel, rich in culture, talent, and potential, and poised to drive the country’s future growth—this was the central message from Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar during his address to members of Self Help Groups (SHGs) representing Meghalaya’s Garo Hills, Khasi Hills, and Jaintia Hills. Speaking in New Delhi on May 13, Dhankhar highlighted the transformative strides being made across the region, particularly in economic development, women’s empowerment, and tourism.

The Vice President was addressing a gathering that included Chief Minister Conrad Sangma and officials from Meghalaya, applauding their collective efforts to translate vision into grassroots reality. Dhankhar noted that under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership, the “Look East” policy has matured into “Act East,” delivering tangible infrastructure, economic, and social gains for the Northeast.

Turning to Meghalaya, he commended the state’s impressive 13% year-on-year growth in Gross State Domestic Product (GSDP), projecting its economy to surpass Rs 66,000 crore. He endorsed Sangma’s goal of turning Meghalaya into a $10 billion economy by 2028, calling it an ambitious yet achievable vision. Dhankhar attributed this progress to effective governance and a committed bureaucracy.

The Vice President paid special tribute to women-led SHGs, describing their growth as “remarkable.” He praised the creativity and craftsmanship of SHG members, citing handmade portraits presented to him during the event. He emphasized that true empowerment stems not from handouts, but from equipping individuals with the tools to become self-reliant—a model that Meghalaya, he said, is successfully advancing.

Tourism featured prominently in his remarks. Dhankhar described Meghalaya as a “heaven for tourists” with unmatched natural beauty, warm hospitality, and a distinct cultural identity. He underscored tourism’s potential to become a primary economic driver for the state, provided it is coupled with training in hospitality, infrastructure development, and digital connectivity for product outreach.

Calling the Northeast India’s gateway to the Far East, Dhankhar stressed the need to maintain strong linkages between the region and the national capital. He extended invitations to Meghalaya’s legislators and students to visit Delhi, encouraging deeper integration with national institutions.

The Vice President concluded by urging SHG members to embrace technology, maintain their focus on health and nutrition outcomes, and become ambassadors of their culture and enterprise. “Our national interest must always come first,” he said, reminding the gathering that the growth of the Northeast is inseparable from the future of India.

MT