HT Bureau
GUWAHATI, Nov 2: President Droupadi Murmu, attended the civic reception hosted in her honour by the Government of Nagaland and virtually inaugurated/laid the foundation stone for various projects related to education, road infrastructure and financial sector at Kohima on Wednesday.
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On arrival, the President was received by the Governor of Nagaland and Assam, Jagdish Mukhi, chief of staff, Sumit Talwar, deputy commissioner of Dimapur, Sachin Jaiswal and commissioner of police, Dimapur, Rothihu Tetseo from the airport.
Meanwhile, on her arrival at the Assam Rifles helipad in Kohima , President Murmu was accorded a guard of honour by the 44 Mountain Brigade, 1 Battalion 3 Core Gorkha Rifles.
Speaking on the occasion, the President said that the development of infrastructure is a key parameter for the growth of a state.
Stating that the ‘Act East Policy’ of the Government of India focuses on the overall development of the Northeastern region, she expressed confidence that roads and bridges under the Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana, which were inaugurated on Wednesday, will give a new boost to the connectivity in the region.
The President said that the dynamic youth of Nagaland is immensely talented and creative.
“With a literacy rate of over 80 percent, the skilled young men and women of Nagaland, well-versed in the English language, are working in the IT, hospitality and other sectors across India. Providing the youth a holistic education remains the key to help them achieve their true potential,” the President said.
She was confident that new initiatives related to schools and hostels for girl-children, Eklavya Model Residential Schools, and smart classrooms project will give further impetus to education in the state.
The President noted that the literacy rate among women in the state is higher than the national average and Nagaland is the safest place for women in the country. She said that this demonstrates the high respect given to the women in the Naga society. She urged women of Nagaland to come forward and get more involved in public life. She said that if women are empowered, there would be more development in society.
The President also said that Nagaland could be truly proud of institutionalising its traditional mode of local self-governance through Nagaland Village and Tribal Councils Act of 1978. She noted that today Village Councils and Village Development Boards are established modes of decentralised governance all over Nagaland.
Speaking on the occasion, Nagaland chief minister Neiphiu Rio said the people of the state are grateful for the President of India’s visit to Nagaland, and also appreciated the President for virtually inaugurating and laying the foundation stones for many institutions and launching of projects, which he said will be kept as memories in the history of the state’s progress.
Pointing to the fact that about 70 percent of the agricultural practice in Nagaland is traditional and organic, the President said that the whole North-East has potential to become the organic food basket of the country. The good quality agro and horticultural produce of Nagaland has great demand in the market. She was happy to note that three agro products – Naga tree tomato, Naga cucumber and Naga Mircha –are G.I. tagged.
She further said that the opening of Naturally Nagaland outlets by the state government has provided a new platform to local entrepreneurs, farmers and weavers to sell traditional handicrafts and handlooms, the beautiful Naga shawls and varieties of organic products.
The President said that there is a tremendous potential of tourism in Nagaland.
“The Naga tribes are known for their vibrant culture and rich heritage that exemplifies our motto of ‘Unity in Diversity’. Songs and dances, feasts and festivals are an intrinsic part of Naga life. The Hornbill Festival has become a popular platform for capturing and showcasing the colourful and beautiful culture of the state,” she said.
The President also said that Nagaland has made significant progress on various development parameters. For that, she appreciated all successive governments and the people of Nagaland. She said that as Nagaland completes 60 years of statehood, all should rededicate themselves towards the goal of a more prosperous and developed Nagaland.
