Under the theme of "Revisiting Our Roots", the 31st edition of the Siamsin Conference was held recently at the Mavalankar auditorium here
The event is organised annually by the Siamsin Pawlpi (SSPP), a popular students' welfare organization looking after the welfare of the Paite Community, across India and abroad.
Apart from bringing the people of the community together on one platform, the annual programme also aims to promote the rich cultural heritage of the community.
" We have come all the way from Manipur and parts of Mizoram. We are privileged enough to be here and working in various offices in Delhi. At the same time we should not forget our roots, where we come from. Many youngsters who are born in Delhi, they should know our traditions and culture back home," said Thangzalun Khuptong, conference coordinator.
DoNER minister Pawan Singh Ghatowar graced the event as the chief guest while Member of Parliament from Assam Biswajit Daimary and Joint Commissioner of Delhi Police Robin Hibu were present as special guests.
Speaking at the event, Robin Hibu said several measures are being taken by the Delhi Police for the welfare of students from the Northeast.
"Delhi police is the first police force in the country where we have started standing order procedure based on zero tolerance for any kind of discrimination. We have a nodal officer in the districts. We have 5 representatives from each state. They have been given training and awareness and it has been made known to the nodal officers that they are the ambassadors, like the bridge between the northeast people and the Delhi police," he added.
The DoNER minister also called upon the people of the region to maintain peace.
"Northeast is the jewel of India and we are the sentinel of India. The people of Northeast are very colorful with their music, dance and their beautiful attires. I appeal all the brothers and sisters from Northeast that we should put together our efforts to maintain peace and march forward in the path of development," said Ghatowar.
The audience thoroughly enjoyed various cultural acts put up by talented youngsters. Many songs in the Paite language were performed.
Artists also enthralled the audience with their performance of various post-harvest dances like the Zangte Lam, Phet Lam and Suktuah Lam.
Models walked the ramp showcasing bright, colorful traditional attires.
"It is very important so as to not forget the roots that we belong to. As the theme goes revisiting our roots, keeping that in mind, we really wanted to tell the world that we are no less. And we know our culture and traditions," said Stella Khuptong, fashion designer.
"Like the theme says, revisiting our roots. I think we need to revisit our roots once in a while. So I guess that is the importance of organizing such events," added Chin Lun, a student.
Students from the community also participated in a debate on the topic "Delhi is the best for education in India".
Such events promote a sense of belonging among people living far away from their home, and also help in highlighting the rich culture of the region.