The year 2022 marks 75 years of India’s Independence, a historic event that permanently changed the lives of inhabitants on both sides of the border. This year is also the 50th anniversary of the liberation of Bangladesh from Pakistan. The Government of India is observing the 75th year of independence as “Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav” (AKAM), to commemorate and celebrate the journey of Independent India.
Amongst the multiple commonalities between India and Bangladesh, links between the cities of Silchar and Sylhet stand out. In an attempt to celebrate the age-old, people-to-people connect of the region, India Foundation is hosting the 1st Silchar-Sylhet Festival on December 2-3, 2022 in the city of Silchar, Assam.
With the aim of revisiting the common values and shared heritage of the twin cities and its people separated by international borders, the festival will showcase tribal culture, cuisine, arts, crafts and local produce, entertainment and bring together eminent people from both sides to discuss and deliberate on issues of mutual growth and opportunity. In addition, the festival will also provide a platform to explore multi-disciplinary trade opportunities in sectors such as healthcare, tourism, education, and digital infrastructure.
With the support of the Ministry of Culture, Government of India; the State Government of Assam, and in association with the Bangladesh India Friendship Society and India-Bangladesh Chamber of Commerce & Industry, the Silchar-Sylhet Festival will mark the first step towards creating potential opportunities for all involved. The festival will be addressed by eminent personalities and speakers, and shall be interspersed with a grand cultural evening, a tribal and culinary festival and a festival of language and literature.
Dr Kambhampati Hari Babu, Hon’ble Governor of Mizoram, India, Shri G. Kishan Reddy, Hon’ble Union Minister for Culture, Tourism, & Development of North Eastern Region (DoNER), Government of India, Dr. A K Abdul Momen, Hon’ble Minister for Foreign Affairs, Bangladesh, Md Mustafizur Rahman, Hon’ble High Commissioner of Bangladesh to India, Dr A K Abdul Momen Hon’ble Minister for Foreign Affairs, Bangladesh , Dr Rajkumar Ranjan Singh, Hon’ble Minister of State for External Affairs and Education, Government of India , Md Mustafizur Rahman, Hon’ble High Commissioner of Bangladesh to India , Shri Bimal Borah, Hon’ble Minister of Industries & Commerce and Public Enterprises, and Minister for Cultural Affairs, Government of Assam, India , Shri Chandra Mohan Patowary, Hon’ble Minister for Environment & Forests, Act East Policy Affairs and Welfare of Minorities, Government of Assam, India , Shri Parimal Suklabaidya, Hon’ble Minister of Transport, Excise & Fisheries, Government of Assam, India , Mr Iqbalur Rahim, Member of Parliament, Bangladesh , Mr Mohibur Rahman Manik, Member of Parliament, Bangladesh , Mr Shamsher M. Chowdhury, Former Foreign Secretary, Bangladesh will address the festival.
The delegation from Bangladesh is being led by His Excellency Dr. A K Abdul Momen, Minister for Foreign Affairs, Bangladesh and comprises of Members of Parliament, Representatives of trade organisations; political and social leaders; academics; artists and practitioners.
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