New Delhi, Nov 9 (NationPress) Prime Minister Narendra Modi emphasized that the Northeast region is not merely India's frontier, but has evolved into its forward face.

In response to a media article by Union Minister Jyotiraditya M. Scindia, the Prime Minister shared on X: "In this enlightening article, Union Minister JM Scindia recounts his visit to the Northeast, capturing its beauty and the resilient spirit of its inhabitants."

Describing the Northeast as 'Ashtalakshmi', the minister articulates how it is transforming into India's natural gateway to Southeast Asia. He underscores that the Northeast is now more than just a frontier; it is indeed the nation's forward face," PM Modi remarked.

The minister articulated that as connectivity improves, the Northeast is becoming India’s natural bridge to Southeast Asia. He reflected on his recent journey to Assam and Meghalaya, calling it a profoundly moving experience.

"The stunning beauty of the Northeast is rivaled only by the warmth, simplicity, and unwavering spirit of its people, who have left a significant impression on me. I return from this visit with a renewed commitment to strive harder for the region’s development and prosperity," Scindia mentioned.

"Under PM Narendra Modi's leadership, the Indian government is transforming the Northeast into a dynamic hub of connectivity, culture, and commerce. Without his visionary leadership and ability to turn challenges into opportunities, this resurgence of hope might have remained a distant aspiration," the minister elaborated.

He noted that as the region transitions from being landlocked to land-linked, one can sense a pulse of transformation where progress is intertwined with inclusivity and dignity.

The minister highlighted his visit to the Mushroom Development Centre in Upper Shillong, where he observed a "quiet revolution in the heart of Meghalaya, where science and community collaborate to uplift rural livelihoods."

Founded in 1982 under the North Eastern Council, the centre now features the newly established Shiitake Mushroom Production and Training Centre, producing nearly 150,000 sawdust blocks annually, each capable of yielding a kilogram of shiitake mushrooms valued at up to Rs 1,000 in the market.

"Beyond the statistics, what resonated with me were the faces and narratives of the farmers I encountered, their eyes sparkling with pride as they shared how this initiative aims to create dignified livelihoods, foster green entrepreneurship, and build a truly atmanirbhar (self-reliant) Northeast envisioned by the PM," Scindia concluded.