Telangana–North East Cultural Bond Should Grow Stronger: DGP Mahesh Bhagwat

Hyderabad: Telangana Director General of Police (Law & Order) M. Mahesh Bhagwat on Thursday said there is a need to further strengthen the cultural bond between Telangana and the North-Eastern States. He was speaking as the chief guest at a cultural awareness programme on the heritage and traditions of the North-East, jointly organised by KIMS Hospitals and the North East Connect Association (NECA) at KIMS Hospitals, Secunderabad.

Mr. Bhagwat said such initiatives play a vital role in enhancing awareness about the history, culture, traditions and languages of the North-Eastern States. He noted that a large number of people from the region are contributing to Telangana, particularly Hyderabad, in sectors such as healthcare, education and other professions, and stressed the importance of respecting and preserving their cultural identity.

Dr. B. Bhaskar Rao, Chairman and Managing Director of KIMS Group of Hospitals, who attended as the guest of honour, said many professionals from the North-Eastern States serve in the group's hospitals across nursing, paramedical and other departments. The programme, he said, was organised to promote a better understanding of their unique culture and way of life while fostering a more inclusive and welcoming work environment.

Dr. Sarbeshwar Saharia, Vice-President of NECA, said the association is committed to promoting mutual understanding and respect for people from the North-Eastern States, bringing India's cultural diversity closer together and contributing to a more inclusive society.

The event also featured a special lecture by Prof. Ajailiu Niumai of the University of Hyderabad on the social and cultural distinctiveness of the North-Eastern States. Senior journalist M. Somasekhar also addressed the gathering.

Among those present were Paparrao Biyyala, President of NECA and retired IAS officer; Gautam Sawang, Vice-President of NECA and retired IPS officer; Stephen Ronojit Sen, Treasurer; Board Member Dr. K. Rajeswara Rao (Retd. IAS); Sridhar Muppidi; Dr. Sambit Sahu, Director – Medical Operations, KIMS Hospitals; and members of the North-Eastern community residing in Hyderabad.

The programme concluded with vibrant cultural performances, including the traditional Bihu dance of Assam, a showcase of traditional attire representing all eight North-Eastern States, and a Manipuri dance performance, all of which received an enthusiastic response from the audience.