Addressing the gathering on the occasion of the 74th Republic Day celebration at Nagaland Civil Secretariat Plaza, Kohima on 26th January 2023, Governor of Nagaland, Prof. Jagdish Mukhi stated that the formation of the Republic on 26th January 1950 was the first milestone in the march towards realizing the dreams of the people in the aftermath of India’s Independence.

The Governor said the Constitution gave expression to the goals, ideals and values that guided the freedom struggle and laid the foundations of the structure of governance and is committed to secure justice, liberty and equality as well as dignity for all the citizens of the country.

He said the day is to remember the efforts and sacrifices of the freedom fighters which gave India its Independence and created the Republic. He called upon everyone to recall the nation builders and architects of the Constitution, which gave India’s identity as a Sovereign Democratic Republic. Prof. Mukhi said the nation, guided by the core principles of the Constitution, has emerged stronger and more dynamic. He also extended his gratitude to the members of the Armed Forces and Security personnel whose constant vigil and sacrifices have kept the country secure and peaceful.

During the occasion, Prof. Mukhi also paid homage to Gandhiji, who he said is one of twentieth century's greatest political and spiritual leaders. He also commended on Dr. B. R. Ambedkar’s role as Chairman of the Drafting Committee of the Indian Constitution, which allowed him to leave a profound and enduring mark on Indian trajectories of democratic justice and affirmative action policy.

The Governor also hailed the pioneers of the State, who made significant contributions and sacrifices in the realisation of Statehood. He said Nagaland was formed in 1963, with a unique special constitutional dispensation that safeguard the identity and interests of the Naga people and it laid a solid foundation for developing the future of the people according to their own genius. He added that Nagaland was born under difficult circumstances and the building of a united Naga society, the nurturing of democratic ethos in a poor and challenged situation, and the safeguarding of tribal honor and dignity in a difficult political climate, was a challenge for all sections. He said Nagaland has, however made its indelible mark in the march towards growth and development of the country.

Prof. Mukhi said the State has achieved significant milestones becoming an equal and contributing partner in the nation building process. He underlined on the need to further explore and tap into the potentials of the State’s resources, both natural and human, in order to enhance productivity of the people in all sectors.

The Governor called for special emphasis on the empowerment of the Scheduled Castes, the Scheduled Tribes and other weaker sections of society to ensure that they too should find a place in the country's growth and development. He added that while pursuing the goal of high growth rates, there is a need to ensure that all people of the state benefit from it.

The Governor highlighted on the need to reduce the developmental gap between the urban and rural, and to make this happen, he said it is imperative to take technology and make it relevant to the remotest and the most vulnerable group of people in the society and added that this demands creativity, good connectivity and deep rootedness of oneself to the society and being conscious of its problems, limitations and aspirations. He suggested that the agriculture sector can also rely more on technological advancement, through which mechanization and optimization of tools and implements can be realized for better harvest.

Stating that the Nagas are second to none in human resources, where many success stories are already being created, he said Nagas need to be focused and persistent in the pursuit of the highest knowledge and service towards community and humanity.

The Governor calling on the citizens for a national movement of development, said citizens' participation can be in many important areas like reaching the unreached, feedback on service to the people, human resource development, entrepreneurship, role of homemakers, environment development and youth participation in the political system.

While pointing out that the quality of life of a society is often determined by its literacy rate, the Governor expressed his happiness over the State’s literacy rate of 80.11% in 2021 as per National Statistical Office data which is above the national average, and stated that the State’s endeavour remains to ensure that no child misses out on education and that every citizen of the State has a chance to better their lives which in turn will contribute greatly to the progress of the nation.

The Governor stated that the country has made quantum improvements in it’scapabilities to meet the challenges of health issues including COVID and its likely future waves with the collective resolve and determination of one and all by making significant accretions in hospital beds, medical oxygen, ventilators, essential medicines, and also in improving logistic capabilities.

The Governor exhorted the citizens to introspect on the core values enshrined in the Constitution stating that if all come together in unity the State will be on the accelerated path to progress and development.

                                                                                                (Wepre, APRO & Nouneseno, IA)