Shillong, Nov 16: The 4th India International Cherry Blossom Festival, organized by the Forest & Environment Department, Government of Meghalaya and Institute of Bioresources and Sustainable Development (IBSD), Government of India in collaboration with the Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR), Government of India concluded today here at 5th Polo Ground, Shillong.
The festival got underway on November 13, 2019. The closing ceremony was graced by Ambassador of Republic of Korea to India, Shin Bong-Kil as the Chief Guest and Forest & Environment Minister, Lahkmen Rymbui as the Guest of Honour.
Addressing the closing ceremony, Shin Bong-Kil said that cherry blossom is a majestic sight to see and festivals such as these reminded him of South Korea where cherry blossom marks the onset of spring season.
Shin Bong-Kil also said that Republic of Korea and Meghalaya are exploring opportunities for mutual bilateral relations to promote not only tourism but also in terms of exchanging ideas on technological know-how.
Forest and Environment Minister, Lahkmen Rymbui said that earlier in a day the bilateral meet between Meghalaya and Republic of Korea was held where various issues were discussed and ideas were exchanged on socio-economic partnership.
The programme was also attended by PCCF and HoFF and Principal Secretary to the Government of Meghalaya, Forest & Environment Department, C.P. Marak, Additional PCCF (Social Forestry), Meghalaya, R.S. Gill, Regional Director, ICCR, Shillong, Dr. N. Munish Singh among others.
During the programme, the Chief Guest, the Guest of Honour and other dignitaries handed over certificates and prizes to the winners of various competitions conducted as part of the festival.
