Pranab Mukherjee inaugurates Namami Brahmaputra festival in Assam

Guwahati, March 31: President Pranab Mukherjee on Friday inaugurated a five-day Namami Brahmaputra river festival here in Assam and suggested that the state government make it a regular event.

Mukherjee inaugurated the programme by lighting a ceremonial lamp at the Kachamari Ghat near Fancy Bazar in Guwahati.

'Assam is emerging as an economic hub of East India and South East Asia, which is an important destination for India's



investment and trade. India will soon celebrate 25 years of its association with Asean,' the President said.

Terming Assam rich in natural resources and its people hard working, the President said a 'strong drive, right policies and effective implementation' was needed.

Referring to the diverse and distinctive culture of Assam, Mukherjee said India's strength was its ability to manage diversity and forge unity.