Civil reception in honour of President of India, Droupadi Murmu was held at the Capital Cultural Hall, Kohima on 2nd November 2022.
The President, addressing the people of Nagaland, thanked the State Government and the people for the warm reception accorded to her, and said that this is her second visit to the North-East in less than a month, which she added, highlights the new national commitment to the people of the region. With her visit to Nagaland coinciding with the inauguration of various projects related to education, road infrastructure and finance in the State, she expressed confidence that these projects will improve literacy and ease of living, and boost tourism and the economy of the State.
As Nagaland celebrates 60 (sixty) years of statehood in few weeks, the President expressed hope that all the Naga people will take the fullest advantage of the fresh opportunities accorded to them and share in the building up of prosperity and progress in the country. She stated that Nagaland has tremendous potential in tourism, and that Nagas with their vibrant culture and rich heritage exemplifies the motto of ‘Unity in Diversity'. She added that the Hornbill Festival has become a popular platform for capturing and showcasing the colourful and beautiful culture of the State, and conveyed her best wishes for the success of the upcoming Hornbill Festival.
Stating that the ‘Act East Policy’ of the Government of India focuses on the overall development of the North-East Region, President Murmu added that the inauguration of several roads and bridges under the Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana on the occasion will give a new boost to the connectivity in the region.
Calling the Naga youth as immensely talented and creative, with skilled young men and women of Nagaland, well-versed in the English language, working in the IT, hospitality and other sectors across India, she said that providing them a holistic education remains the key to help them achieve their true potential.
President Murmu also lauded Nagaland for introducing the pioneering concept of Communitisation, with the aim of building a partnership between the government and the community, good effective management of the public sector institutions to improve service delivery.
She also praised the good quality agro and horticultural produce of Nagaland, and 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. Pointing that the literacy rate of women in the State is higher than the national average, and that Nagaland is the safest place for women in the country, Murmu urged the women of Nagaland to come forward and get more involved in public life, adding that they can give a new dimension to the development journey of Nagaland.
Governor of Nagaland& Assam, Prof. Jagdish Mukhi stated that the State takes pride in the diversity that makes the fabric of Modern India; a diversity that is reflected in the customs and social structure, language, religion and ethnicities. He added that the common thread of shared cultural values and traditions that coalesce people of varied geographical regions across the Nation, surpasses all seemingly barriers with the spirit of ‘Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat’ and strengthen the unity and integrity of our great nation.
Prof. Mukhi said that as India celebrates 75 glorious years of Independence and march towards the next milestone, the vision and mission of an Atma Nirbhar Bharat is surely in the making, and the collective participation of every citizen of the country from the upper echelon to the grass-root will pave the way for greater nation building and ensure that India emerge as a dynamic and robust democratic polity.
Chief Minister, Nagaland, 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 progress. Rio mentioned that President Droupadi Murmu is the first tribal woman President of India and also the first tribal woman to be the Governor of Jharkhand, and she has dedicated her life for the public, holding many public offices and contributed immensely to various reforms and initiatives for spread of education especially amongst the tribals.
The Chief Minister mentioned about the successful development initiatives like Village Council, VDBs, Communalization, Local Development Funds which has built the social capital and traditional strength of the community. He also stated that the State has organic agricultural and horticulture products, rich floriculture and rich traditional handicrafts and handloom which are getting wider recognition.
Rio said that the people of the State and representatives were happy over her victory in the presidential elections. He said the people of the State place on record to the Government of India for the special provision extended to Nagaland state by incorporating Article 371 A in the Constitution of India, whereby land and its resources, traditional customs and practices are protected. He also stated that Nagaland being the oldest state in North Eastern States region, formed in 1963, has made developments and people are much better off economically today, but much to be done, for which the people seek guidance and support even in the days to come.
Earlier, welcoming the President of India, Droupadi Murmu, and terming her visit to the State as significant, which reaffirms her concern and care for the tribal communities of the country and North East, Deputy Chief Minister, Y. Patton said that President Droupadi Murmu is an inspiration for the tribal people across the country, including Nagaland, and expressed hope that her visit will pave the way for more milestones in the field of progress and development of the State.
During the programme the President of India, Droupadi Murmu carried out virtual inauguration and laying of foundation stones/launching of the following projects:
a) 13 (thirteen) new Government Primary Schools and 4 (four) new Government Middle School buildings
b) 14 (fourteen) new Government High Schools and 1 (one) new Government Higher Secondary School building
c) Government Higher Secondary School, Mon Auditorium
d) 5 (five) Kasturba Gandhi Balika Vidyalaya (KGBV) Hostel buildings
e) 2 (two) Residential Hostels for Underprivileged Girl Children in Mokokchung HQ and Peren HQ
f) 13 (thirteen) Bridges and 11 (eleven) Roads across Nagaland
g) New Treasury building with State Bank of India Branch at Capital Complex, Kohima
h) 10 (ten) Eklavya Model Residential Schools across Nagaland
i) Setting up of Smart Classrooms in 190 Government Schools across Nagaland.
As a mark of respect and gratitude, the President of India was felicitated by the Central Nagaland Tribes Council, Eastern Nagaland Peoples' Organization, Tenyimi Peoples' Organization and other tribes and communities representatives.
During the programme, invocation prayers was pronounced by State Chaplain, Rev. T. W. Yamyap Konyak. The programme was attended by a host of Ministers, Advisors, senior government officials, Tribal Hohos, Civil Societies, students and the public.
(Mhonlumi, APRO, Nouneseno, IA & Maongtemjen, IA)
