North East Integration Rally kicks off from Kolkata

The North East Integration Rally commenced from Kolkata on January 4, marking the start of a month-long initiative aimed at strengthening regional integration and enhancing people-to-people ties across the North Eastern states.
The inaugural session witnessed the participation of public representatives, professionals, cultural figures and members of civil society. Those present included MLA and former minister A.L. Hek; vice chairperson of Dumdum Municipal Corporation Lopamudra Dutta Choudhury; Dr Prof. Sukumal Deb; Col. Shanti Kumar Singh (retd); author R.K. Maheshsena; engineer Tapash Roy; 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 lauded the initiative, describing it as a modest but meaningful step that could evolve into a larger movement for unity and mutual understanding. Several speakers shared their personal and professional associations with the North Eastern states, emphasising the need for sustained engagement between regions.
The next leg of the rally is scheduled to be held in Malda. A cultural highlight of the programme 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 initiative and its objectives. The pre-launch ceremony of the rally was held on December 24, 2025, at The Countryside Retreat in Lamshang, Imphal, marking the beginning of preparations for the 2026 edition.
Centred on the theme “Peace, Progress and Prosperity,” the North East Integration Rally seeks to highlight development, connectivity and social cohesion across the region. The rally is scheduled to conclude on February 4, 2026.