It’s fair time in North-East. Recently two important events took place in Guwahati. The first one was the annual SARAS Fair – the largest exposition of rural products and then it was the turn of Pragati–IV organized by North East Chamber of Commerce and Industry (NECCI).

SARAS was held with its usual flair. Apart from DRDA and SIRD units from all over Assam, many self help groups (SHGs) from other states of the region like Manipur and Arunachal Pradesh also participated in the fair. DRDA units from other states of the country like Tamil Nadu, Orissa and Uttar Pradesh also participated in SARAS this year.

Local handlooms and handicraft were the major draws. However, the makeshift venue resulted in less crowd attractions towards the expo in contrast to the excellent response that previous SARAS expositions had received. But most participants took this in their stride and enjoyed the exposure and business alike.

Guwahati sees many quality expositions at the beginning of every year. But SARAS begins in a variety – it is an exposition with a difference – the only fair showcasing the best of rural talents and products.

On the other hand, Pragati – IV was divided in to a number of segments. Consumex (the consumer expo), Education Expo, All India Crafts Bazaar (sponsored by Ministry of Textile, Govt. Of India), Technology Fair and Money Matters 2006 (Financial Expo). The principal sponsor was Oil India Ltd. And Ministry of DONER was the co-sponsor.

The main attraction of Pragati–IV was the participation of ISRO. This region got a chance for the first time to view the space gadgets of ISRO as giant models of its space vehicles as also models of some of the leading satellites were on display at the fair. The space vehicles at display were PSLV and GSLV models. An advanced version of GSLV called GSLV III was also on display. An official from ISRO attending the fair said that the premier space research organization consented to NECCI’s wish to participate in Pragati–IV to carry the knowledge of space research technology development and its benefits to the common people. He said that the North East Space Application (NESAC) at Uniam near Shillong is now a body doing pioneering work in space. A senior member of NESAC was also present at Pragati-IV. 

Befitting in placement, Indian Institute of Technology, Guwahati had a stall just adjacent to the one of ISRO. The IIT stall was a promotional stall for the courses available to attract more students and it also informed the people about the work done in the field      of technology research, development and application by   the premier technology institution of the country.

North East Frontier Railway (NFR), undergoing an image makeover and out to attract more people and tourist towards the many Rail Safaris on offer, had a strong presence in Pragati-IV. A huge inflated prototype of the toy elephant mascot of the Indian Railways stood at the central point of the whole exposition.

| Headlines  |   Editorial   | From Other Publications   |
| News Briefs | National |
| NEE Main Page  | Nena  Home Page |