On 15 August, 2010, Assam Tourism pandal shines under the banner of Fass
(Friends of Assam and Seven Sisters) at Gymkhana Club Cricket ground Hounslow
in London on the occasion of India's 64th Independence Day celebration with
enthusiasm and fanfare. His Excellency : Mr. Nalin Surie, High Commissioner for
India hoisted the Tricolour which was followed by the singing of the Indian
national anthem. The address to the by President Smt. Pratibha Devisingh Patil
was also broadcast before the flag hoisting.
More than 40 Indian diaspora committee representing different regions including
North-Eastern states of Assam were focussed on the celebration.
Depicting the confidence and ambitions of the Indian diaspora and the rich
heritage of the country, India is united once again regardless of its caste,
creed and religion.
For the first time Assam set up a colourful marki (stall) along with Air-India,
pictures of costumes of seven states, jewellery of hills and tribes of Assam,
tea garden, tea packets, japi, sarai, gamoscha were displayed at the stall.
Assam stall was introduced by Rini Kakati and were visited by Sir Gulam Noon,
Gurinder Chadha (Director of Bend it like Beckham & Bride and Prejudice),Indian
Overseas Congress President and Ila Arun,popular TV personality and a
Rajasthani folk-pop singer who appreciated Asomiya ladies wearing Mekhela
Chadar.
We are trying to build a new Assam in which every Assamese would have a stake,
an Assam which would be prosperous and in which all citizens would be able to
live a life of honour and dignity. Despite many problems the rate of our
economic growth has been improving than most other states in India with our
natural resources.
Hundreds of tourist including many from the West gathered at this august
gathering. The book was signed by visitors hoping to see a bit more of Assam in
2011.
"I have read about Assam and heard a lot about this marvel from my friends who
have been to Kaziranga on numerous occasions. Next time, I will be surely
visiting Assam to enjoy its scenic beauty." said Jim Cook a tour operator from
a British tour company.
Rini Kakati
