The President of India, Smt Droupadi Murmu, graced a civic reception in her honor hosted by the Government of Meghalaya at Raj Bhavan, Shillong on January 16, 2024. Addressing the gathering, President Murmu emphasized Meghalaya’s significance as one of the “Ashta Laxmi” states, underlining the eastern direction as crucial for the nation’s progress. She asserted that “Bharat Uday” is inseparable from “Purvodaya.”
President Murmu lauded the government’s mission-mode efforts in fostering connectivity, employment, and infrastructure in the North East. With the transition from Look East to Act East, she envisioned the northeastern states as India’s gateway to Southeast Asia.
Highlighting Meghalaya’s untapped potential, especially in tourism, President Murmu commended ongoing projects and expressed optimism about the International Tourism Mart’s impact. She also recognized opportunities in agriculture, information technology, and horticulture, positioning Meghalaya as a global hub for IT services with initiatives like the Shillong IT Park and the Meghalaya Broadband Policy 2018. President Murmu’s visit underscored the diverse avenues for Meghalaya’s growth and development.