Guwahati, 17th Nov, 2012: Proud moment for the Eclectic Group as two grand events roll in one. The re-launch of Eclectic Times, the region’s most cherished magazine reinvented into Eclectic Northeast and the felicitation of MC Mary Kom, winner of Olympics Bronze medal, in the discussion forum Eclectic Speaker Series held at Hotel Gateway Grandeur in the presence of Hon’ble Chief Minister of Assam, Shri Tarun Gogoi.
From its very inception Eclectic has been a path-breaker, representing the much criticised and deeply misunderstood part of India-the Northeast-in a positive and impactful manner. Notwithstanding huge market challenges, it grew up to be the leading English magazine in the region.
The magazine is all set to be bolder and stronger; to take pride in its identity and therefore Eclectic Times has now become Eclectic Northeast. It aspires to be the most trusted publication in terms of an independent, gallant and responsible perspective of Northeast India, symbolic with the new tagline: We Speak For Our Region.
The new avatar will have more research-based stories, including opinions about the northeast which will be incisive and analytical. Keeping in mind the colourful heritage and culture of the region, the magazine will continue to present content in an ever charming and attractive manner.
Marking the second edition of Eclectic Speaker Series, the session began with a speech by the Publisher & President of North India’s top selling Gujrathi magazine Chitralekha, Mitrajit Bhattacharya who spoke on the growth of regional media. The event was also graced by renowned journalist, author and political commentator, Wasbir Hussain.
Speaking about the vision of Eclectic Northeast, MD, Eclectic Group, Tanushree Hazarika said, “Through magazine and supporting events we want to break the negative mindsets of the society and reach out to the new age thinkers. The idea is to bring out wholesome growth and prosperity for the region_together.
Hon’ble Chief Minister in his address said, “Mary Kom is a legendary lady of whom the whole country is proud of. If we follow her qualities then our country will be at the top. Even though the state has seen many conflicts and clashes in the recent past, our state has been on the march. We need to remember that inspite of challenges, we can rise.” He spoke about woman empowerment and that without it, progress is not possible.
“We have many positive things in the Northeast but we need to project ourselves in the right way. Promoting sports and games can help stop conflict.” He congratulated Eclectic for maintaining a high quality of content and design and projecting northeast in the right light.
“There are many challenges for a woman, after marriage and children, things become doubly hard to manage as you have many responsibilities,” said Guest of Honour MC Mary Kom. “Everybody has talent, if we do hard work and have the right kind of determination than it will bring positive results. If i can do, then why you can’t do?” she added. Speaking of her experience in London Olympics, she expressed that she had been thoroughly focused for the Olympics and had the support of family and the whole country. “I tried to win a bigger medal but in Rio, I will try to get bigger medal for the country. Keep supporting not only me but all the other Northeast sports persons so that we may bring more medals home,” she said.
Speaking about the power of icons, Wasbir Hussain said, “Media has become increasingly preoccupied with role models. Sports person are expected to behave a certain way in the spotlight. If a sports person maintains a clean record, this gives the youth the right kind of message that drugs and performance enhancers are not required to become winners. Icons are everywhere, it all depends on what we wnat to see in our icons.”
Chief Minister, Shri Tarun Gogoi and MC Mary Kom along with members of the Eclectic Group, Managing
Director Tanushree Hazarika, Directors Gaurav Gogoi and Bibha Hazarika and Executive editor, Agamonee Barbaruah displayed the new magazine infront of the audience.
Among the dignitaries were also present, A K Pansari, Chairman, Royal Group of institutions.
About Eclectic Speaker Series
Eclectic “Inspired by North East India” Speaker Series is a landmark initiative to bring leading international and national opinion-makers to North-East India. Representing outstanding achievers from the fields of business, literature, politics, academia, sports and entertainment, the speakers areinvited to share their views on the inherent socio-economic and cultural advantages of the region which if developed, has the potential of putting North-East India on the global map. The Eclectic “Inspired by North East India” Speakers Series will be a knowledge partner for fostering national and international cooperation for the future wealth and prosperity of the North-East region and its people.
The first and inaugural session of the series took place on the 20th of October, at Kohima in Young Leaders Connect Conference, held under the aegis of Youthnet- a non-profit organisation based in Nagaland. 31 influential intellectuals from northeast and other parts of India participated in the day-long conference.
