North East Integration Rally Kicks Off in Kolkata, Focus on Peace, Progress and Prosperity

Kolkata:
The North East Integration Rally began its journey from Kolkata on January 4, setting the tone for a
month-long initiative aimed at strengthening regional integration and people-to-people ties across the
North Eastern states.

The inaugural session was attended by a wide range of public representatives, professionals, cultural
figures, and civil society members. Among those present were AL Hek, MLA and former minister;
Lopamudra Dutta Choudhury, vice chairperson of Dumdum Municipal Corporation; Dr Prof. Sukumal
Deb; Col. Shanti Kumar Singh (retd); author R.K. Maheshsena; engineer Tapash Roy; celebrated
artiste K. Bobin; Kh. Gajendra Singh; Dr Sharmistha Raha of Prasar Bharati; Biplab Das of Kolkata
Police; and an adventure enthusiast. The programme was compered by Biswadeep Gupta, head of KRC
Foundations.

Speakers praised the initiative, describing it as a small but meaningful step that could grow into a larger
movement for unity and understanding. Many shared personal and professional links with the North
Eastern states, underlining the importance of sustained engagement between regions. The next leg of
the rally will be held in Malda.

A cultural highlight of the event was a performance by K. Bobin, who rendered the official title song
of the rally.

During the session, speakers reiterated the rally’s objectives, which include promoting infrastructure
development, expanding economic opportunities, encouraging cultural exchange, and deepening
people-to-people engagement across states.

The rally also received a warm welcome at Panihati in Kolkata, where members of Udayer Pathe
greeted the participants and expressed support for the North East Integration Rally and its objectives.

The rally’s pre-launch ceremony was held on December 24, 2025, at The Countryside Retreat in
Lamshang, Imphal, formally marking the start of preparations for the 2026 edition.

Built around the central theme of Peace, Progress, and Prosperity, the North East Integration Rally
aims to draw attention to development, connectivity, and social cohesion across the region. The rally
is scheduled to conclude on February 4, 2026.