Nest Fest 2024: Lighting Up North East
Experience the vibrant celebration of culture and unity at Nest Fest 2024, featuring electrifying performances from Northeastern artists, powerful speeches, and awe-inspiring cultural displays under the theme ‘Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat.’
The 7th edition of Nest Fest 2024 kicked off in fine fettle, setting the stage alight with a dazzling array of performances from the cream of Northeastern talent. It was a sight to behold as Jessie Lyngdoh, the voice of Meghalaya, belted out her soulful tunes, while Nagaland’s Alobo Naga band had the crowd tapping their toes. Adding a touch of tradition, Ruatpuil, the celebrated Mizo folk singer, graced the event with his enchanting melodies. To say the audience was thrilled would be putting it mildly – they were practically over the moon!
The grand affair of Nest Fest 2024 saw Union Minister Kiren Rijiju, along with a host of dignitaries, rolling up to join the revelries. The stadium was soon echoing with a strong sense of pride and unity, as the attendees belted out the festival’s theme, ‘Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat.’ It was, as the Brits say, a jolly good show of India’s vibrant and diverse culture – a melting pot of tradition, talent, and a bit of pomp thrown in for good measure.
In a touching moment, Senior RSS Pracharak SB Konale and Jagdamba Mall, both stalwarts who have worked tirelessly for the Northeastern region, were rightfully felicitated. These two chaps have really gone above and beyond in their efforts, working in Meghalaya and Nagaland respectively. And if that wasn’t enough, Padma Shri Uday Deshpande was also honoured for his stellar work in reviving the ancient sport of Mallakhamb at the event of Nest Fest 2024. As you can imagine, there was plenty of applause, a few teary-eyed nods of appreciation, and even the odd pat on the back.
Sunil Deodhar, the big cheese behind My Home India and a well-known BJP leader, gave a cracking welcome speech. In his usual fervour, he called for a bolstering of national unity, a bit of a rallying cry to remind everyone that we’re all in this together, regardless of which corner of the country we hail from. Not to be outdone, former Union Minister Dr Rajkumar Ranjan Singh then took the mic, waxing lyrical about the marvellous work My Home India has been doing in supporting students from the Northeast who have ventured out to study in different parts of the country.
Kiren Rijiju, never one to miss a chance to highlight a good cause, spoke about My Home India’s efforts in reuniting thousands of lost children with their families. And in true political fashion, he couldn’t help but throw in a nod to the Modi government’s decade of achievements. According to him, the Northeast doesn’t just belong to India – it is India. Quite the statement, and one that got the crowd going.
Union Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia also graced the event, bringing a bit of flair to proceedings as he extolled the government’s efforts to boost air connectivity and infrastructure in the region. He described the Northeast as a “precious gem in the Bharat Mala,” which, let’s be honest, is a rather poetic way of saying it’s an absolute treasure.
The cultural performances that followed were nothing short of spellbinding. Visually impaired students from Uday Deshpande’s academy put on a jaw-dropping Mallakhamb display, leaving everyone utterly gobsmacked. Meanwhile, students from universities such as Subharti, Delhi, and Chandigarh wowed the audience with their traditional and tribal folk dances. It was a colourful spectacle, full of energy, rhythm, and more than a few raised eyebrows as people marvelled at the sheer talent on display.
All in all, Nest Fest 2024 was a roaring success. From the heart-stirring performances to the rousing speeches, it was a celebration of India’s unity, diversity, and unbreakable spirit. And as the last notes of music drifted into the night, you could sense that everyone was leaving with a spring in their step, a song in their heart, and a renewed sense of pride in being part of this great nation. Smashing!
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