A key session focused on entrepreneurship in Meghalaya and the Northeast
North East Integration Rally
Umtrew village was calm. Hills stood still. But for two days, the silence broke into music, talk, colour, and hope. The 8isOne–Meghalaya Chapter cultural festival came alive at Mebaai Resort. It ended not like an event, but like a promise.
Organised by the Mebaai Group and shaped by the Northeast Integration Rally, the festival brought together people from all eight Northeastern states. Artists, students, writers, entrepreneurs, and thinkers shared one space. Different tongues. One feeling.
From the first day, the mood was warm. People met not as strangers, but as neighbours. There were smiles, handshakes, quiet chats, and loud applause. Culture flowed through dance, music, stories, and ideas.
Day II turned the spotlight on dialogue. A key session focused on entrepreneurship in Meghalaya and the Northeast. The panel discussion, moderated by 4Front Media editor Ibankyntiew Mawrie, asked hard questions. How do young people build businesses here? What holds them back? And what can move them forward?
Entrepreneurs and academics spoke with honesty. Zorba Z Laloo Kolkoni and Gerald Duia shared ground stories. Dr Benjamin Lyngdoh from NEHU added an academic lens. Vicky Lanong from PRIME-Meghalaya spoke of support systems. Journalist Biswadeep Gupta connected the dots between economy, society, and unity.
The message was simple but strong. Success needs patience. It needs discipline. And it needs people standing together. Speakers stressed mentorship, internships, and family support. They said small local ideas can grow big if minds look beyond borders.
“Grow together,” was the clear call. No one state can move alone. The Northeast must rise as one.
Culture stayed at the heart of the festival. Artists spoke of youth as keepers of memory. They urged young people to record stories, revive old songs, and reshape tradition for today. One artist said events like this give courage to protect culture. A participant from Tripura spoke of unity. A folk artist from West Khasi Hills reminded everyone that village wisdom must reach public stages.
Mebaai Group founder and MLA AL Hek said culture and politics must walk side by side. Biswadeep Gupta spoke of unity over identity. His words stayed with many. This, he said, is a mass movement.
Youth energy lit up the stage through cosplay. Young participants dressed as heroes and cultural icons from the Northeast. It was playful, proud, and powerful. Alongside came folk dances, songs, and modern takes on tradition. The crowd watched. The hills listened.
By the end, organisers said the goal was dialogue, cultural tourism, and strong creative networks. But what truly happened was deeper. People felt seen. Heard. Connected.
The 8isOne–Meghalaya Chapter festival was not just a celebration. It was a reminder. Diversity is not a divide. It is the bond. And in the quiet village of Umtrew, the Northeast spoke in one voice.
