The North-East: From neglect to limelight

The Indian Idol finalists: Amit Paul and Prashant Tamang

As I vouched for Amit Paul, the other finalist, my initial denial of Prashant's victory in the contest resulted into final acceptance of reality. Anyhow, I was happy for both of them as they have come a long way from being young, naive boys from small towns of North-east to confident winners in their own right. In Usha Uthup's words 'they are truly the humble sons of the soil'. I feel they deserve every bit of attention garnered over them by the media. These two youngsters have become the faces of North-east, a region much neglected in the country since decades.

Though I do not belong to North-east ethnically, I was delighted that finally it has woken up from its deep and long slumber of neglect, indifference and apathy. The frenzy generated in this particular region was never seen before.

The identity of North-east was at stake and its people left no stone unturned to make their favourite contestant the victor.

In general, there is a stereotypical view of this region being backward and primitive due its innumerable and culturally rich tribes. Ironically, literacy and education are more prevalent in these parts than many other so called 'developed' states of our country. Though being a legitimate part of the mainland, sadly the seven sisters are not considered as part of mainstream modern India.

The predicament of people from North- east has been excellently depicted in the movie 'Chakde India' in which the girls feel that they are treated like guests in their own country.

On its face value it may look like a humorous scene but at the same time thought-provoking too. There is no dearth of talent and merit in this region as it has produced stalwarts in various fields like musical maestro Bhupen Hazarika, super-cop Sangliana, parliamentarian P.A. Sangma and former C.E.C, J.M. Lyngdoh.

How can we forget the latest singing sensation Zubeen Garg from Assam? The North-east has always been associated with the famous Assam tea gardens and Manipuri dance.

These states are the unexplored parts of our nation and as Indians we need to realise that India exists not only from Kashmir to Kanya Kumari but also from Kutch to Kohima.

It is high time for the North-east to realise its true potential and assert its distinct identity.

The dark powers of insurgency and violence should wane away for the total resurgence of North-east.

Thank you Bob Da, Mera bharat mahan, Prashant, Amit - Bharat ki shaan 👏 👏 👏

GOOOOOOOOOOOO PRASHANT!!!!!!! He is the best!. Finally my Grandmothers home village is getting exposure. For those of you who have never been to Shilong, you should visit when u get the oppertunity. It is very very very beautiful and lifes simple pleasures and charms are abundant there. thanx Bob Da! 😃

Thanks Questji.

NE state people have great addiction for music. In my college there were lot many students from NE, most of them were the members of Cultural and Dramatic Club. If not every one sings, at least they know to play some instruments.

I have never seen such efforts from the authorities and masses to come up in such strength. It is a high time to get reorganization for North-east states.

Thanks Bob Da, for the wonderful article. It was a wonderful feeling to see Prashant win the title, though both Amit and Prashat has been my fav.

It was good to see my Home town "Darjeeling" geting some place in the Indian map, as People don't even know Darjeeling exist in India.

It is sad and dis-hearting for one who has to prove and re-prove their Identity as an Indian, Many a time people from NE goes through so called "the Identity Crisis". 😭

Darjeeling falls in Eastern zone of India, an association of 3 towns, Darjeeling being the main District. Connected through Railways and Air port to the nearest Town Siliguri. Darjeeling is known for its education centre, Many Boarding schools and its homely culture has lured many people accross globe to sent their kids for education.

Darjeeling is the main source of recruit for "Gorkha Regiment" since Independence to Kargil victory, Jawans have sacrified their livies so the entire nation can enjoy peace and Independence.

Darjeeling is definately not among the developed place but its developed enough where u can Browse ur net and get conneted to the world in a click and order an delicios Italian pizza. 😊

A Place surrounded by the Kanchan Jangha, a range of Mountain. A Place of maximum Tourist attaction. A toy Train and Its Small railways Station located at the highest Altitude in the world.

During the Indian Idol, The entire Darjeeling, Sikkim and Siliguri voted for their fav Prashant day and night. After the Victory, Darjeeling was declared 2 days Holiday for the celebration.

Nik- Aka Coollama

Originally posted by: Pradarshak

Thanks Questji.

NE state people have great addiction for music. In my college there were lot many students from NE, most of them were the members of Cultural and Dramatic Club. If not every one sings, at least they know to play some instruments.

There is a latest news regarding the music addiction of people from Amit Paul's hometown Shilong , a staggering1,730 guitarists synchronisedly strummed to play Bob Dylan's epic 'Knocking on Heaven's Door' creating Guiness a world record.

Originally posted by: coollama

It was good to see my Home town "Darjeeling" geting some place in the Indian map, as People don't even know Darjeeling exist in India.

Come on, it's not that bad! If people didn't know Darjeeling was in India, why on earth do they go there in droves to enjoy their vacations? I agree about other NE states not getting enough attention, but Darjeeling is famous all over India and abroad.

Originally posted by: punjini

Come on, it's not that bad! If people didn't know Darjeeling was in India, why on earth do they go there in droves to enjoy their vacations? I agree about other NE states not getting enough attention, but Darjeeling is famous all over India and abroad.

😆😆

Thanks congrats to the winner. All the best. 😉