India's first Cherry Blossom Festival programme launched by CM in Shillong
14 May 2015
Prof. D. Sahoo Director IBSD introducing the Cherry Blossom Concept at launching ceremony
The Institute of Bioresources and Sustainable Development (IBSD), a National Institute of the Department of Biotechnology, Government of India launched India’s First ever Cherry Blossom Festival program in Ward’s Lake, Shillong, Meghalaya today in collaboration with the Department of Forest and Environment, Government of Meghalaya and the Meghalaya Basin Development Authority.
The program, which is the brainchild of Prof. Dinabandhu Sahoo, Director of IBSD was launched by Dr. Mukul Sangma, Hon’ble Chief Minister of Meghalaya. While launching the program, Dr. Sangma lauded the efforts of IBSD, Government of India, for choosing Shillong as the venue for such a program. He said the State will provide all necessary help for Cherry Blossom avenue plantation. Hon’ble Minister of Forest and Environment, Shri P. Tynsong, said that Meghalaya is quite rich in biodiversity and the state should take advantage of these resources.
Dr. Mukul Sangma, CM of Meghalaya planted the First Cherry plant in presence of Forest Minister Mr. P. Tynsong and Prof. D. Sahoo Director IBSD
While introducing the concept of Cherry Blossom Festival to a large gathering in Ward’s Lake, Prof. Sahoo said that Japan has a long tradition of Cherry Blossom Festival (Sakura Festival), which attracts millions of tourists from across the world. Although Cherries are native to the Himalayas, other countries like USA, Holland, Brazil, Turkey, New Zealand, Australia etc have adapted the concept and created Cherry Avenues in the respective country which attracts tourists from across the world but Meghalaya having its own natural Cherry have never taken advantage of popularizing this plant. He further said that Meghalaya can integrate its music and food culture along with Cherry Blossom viewing during the month of November every year similar to the Hanami festival in Japan.
The financial support in sponsoring this project by IBSD will not only create more jobs for the young people and boost the Eco Tourism potential of the State but also can contribute to the State economy in the long run. A large number of dignitaries including the State Government officials, eminent citizens of Meghalaya and school children participated in the function. Then the Hon’ble Chief Minister, Hon’ble Minister of Forest and Environment, Director IBSD planted Cherry saplings in Ward’s Lake as well as at the State Convention Centre. This initiative will spread to other parts of the state soon.
Institute of Bioresources & Sustainable Development (IBSD)
Department of Biotechnology,
Government of India
Takyelpat, Imphal – 795001, Manipur (India)
* This PR was sent by Atom Samarendra who can be contacted at asamarendra(aT)yahoo(dot)com
This Press Release was posted on May 15 2015
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