SHILLONG:
Northeast Regatta 2023 set sail at the Umiam Watersports Complex here on Saturday with chief guest and Minister of Tourism and Art and Culture Paul Lyngdoh declaring the four-day event open.
It is being organised by the Meghalaya Tourism Department in collaboration with the Umiam Sailing Club and Yacht Association of India.
Speaking at the inauguration, Lyngdoh harped on the immense potential of tourism as livelihood provider in the state.
“Meghalaya is now on way to hosting regatta of massive national level in the years to come..this is a leap for tourism,”he said.
“We are a poor people living in a rich land, that is the paradox of Meghalaya, he said, adding that one should not be confined to employment in government sector alone.
“Tourism can feed every single family in Meghalaya,” he said.
He said the department would soon introduce cruises on the enchanting lake. “Today the department has received the first dose of energy, positive energy that would propel Meghalaya forward,” Lyngdoh said.
The minister recalled when writer Khushwant Singh passed by Umiam on his way to Shillong, he had asked his driver, “What is this lake called?”
”Barapani”, the driver replied. Singh then retorted, “What an unpoetic name for such a poetic place!” Later, Singh was told that it was Umiam lake.
Lyngdoh said Umiam meant ‘crying water/river’, but today after several decades it was “weeping tears of joy.”
Earlier, Lyngdoh congratulated the Umiam Sailing Club for the brilliant idea of holding the regatta.
In a lighter vein, he said, “For most of us here we have so far heard of Regatta store at Laitumkhrah, but for the first time now we know regatta also means race for sailors.”
Later, the evening unleashed a thrilling concert extravaganza featuring K-Pop artiste Kim Woojin from South Korea as the headlining act, besides Lynx, Ricaa Stella, Banrap, Rum & Monkeys with R J Nicky as emcee.
Day 2 on Sunday will showcase Delhi-based band Twin Strings as the headlining act besides LB3, Young Natee, Larger Than 90, and DJ Favian.
The regatta would witness exciting boat races and, with nature in bounty, lined up are nature excursions, food and flea markets, a tour package for sailors and tourists, paintball and camping spots.
The opening ceremony was also graced by Titosstarwell Chyne, Chief Executive Member, Khasi Hills Autonomous District Council (KHADC), LR Bishnoi, Director General of Police, Dr Vijay Kumar D, Commissioner and Secretary, Cyril V Diengdoh, Director of Tourism and Lt Col Alok Yadav, Technical Director, Umiam Sailing Club.