The 2nd day of the Morning Session of the Hornbill Festival, Kisama the Guest of Honour was Laisam Simai, MLA & Advisor of Tourism, Government of Arunachal Pradesh. And Special Guest, Anshul Gupta, General Manager, North Frontier Railway(NFR) was honored at the Heritage Village, Kisama, Kohima for the cultural program.

Laisam Simai greeted on behalf of Arunachal people and said Northeast states has lots of potentials as every state has its own unique identity and is been blessed in every field.

Anshul Gupta said Kohima and other districts have progressed very fast not only in the infrastructure but culture and music. He said the Railways is working to bring trade to Kohima and hoped that trains will reach Kohima in the next few years helping the tourists to reach this destination from different parts of the country. He added that Railways will be a big boost for the economy including job creations for the State. Railways would also work to provide world-class medical and cultural facilities etc. which will be operated by the people of the State. Railway route from Dimapur to Kohima consists of 7 to 8 Stations where the station template will be vibrant with the Culture and Heritage of each of the tribe that carries. He requested the State Government that the architecture and design aspects should be of particular tribes of the Nagaland.

The morning session was hosted by Tongpang Ozukum, Minister of Housing and Mechanical and Mmhonlumo Kikon, Advisor of Information and Technology, Science and Technology, New and Renewable Energy; and was followed by the cultural folk dances, songs and indigenous games by Angami Cultural Troupe, Ao Cultural Troupe, Chakhesang Cultural Troupe, Chang Cultural Troupe, Garo Cultural Troupe, Khiamniungan Cultural Troupe, Konyak Cultural Troupe, Lotha Cultural Troupe and Phom Culture Troupe.

In the Evening Session, S H. Shyam Kumar Principal Chief Commissioner of Income Tax (CCA). NER, Ministry of Finance Department of Revenue was the guest of honour.

He said he had personally learned a lot about the unique culture and traditions of the state and encouraged the people from the other states of India to come and enjoy the Serene beauty, hospitality, and all the great things the State of Nagaland has to offer.

In this evening the Hosts for the program were, Temjen Imna Along, Minister for Tribal Affairs and Higher Education and Pukhayi, Advisor for Food and Civil Supplies, Legal Metrology and Consumer Protection and Taxes. Cultural dances and songs were performed by the Pochury, Kachari, Rengma, Sangtam, Sumi, Yimkhiung, Kuki and Zeliang Cultural troupe.

(Limatoshi IA)