MESSAGE OF THE HON’BLE GOVERNOR OF NAGALAND, PROF. JAGDISH MUKHI ON THE EVE OF 59th STATEHOOD DAY OF NAGALAND

My dear Brothers, Sisters and Youth of Nagaland,

Namaskar,

I extend my warmest greetings and good wishes to all citizens of the State on the occasion of the 59th Statehood Day of Nagaland. On this day, we remember the enormous sacrifices of the pioneers of the State and pay tribute to our leaders whose tireless efforts and strategic foresight paved the way for creation of the State of Nagaland safeguarding its unique identity. The essence of this beautiful State lies in the rich ethnic diversity, a tribal society with its distinct tradition and customs, the resilience and resolute spirit of its people that has withstood the test of time. Nagaland is blessed with vast natural resources and immense potential. The wealth of flora and fauna and resources offer tremendous scope for productivity and development particularly in agriculture and horticulture sector. Though there has been a boost in tourism to some extent, Nagaland remains an unexplored haven as a biodiversity hotspot. We have witnessed considerable progress over the years but much needs to be done to thrust the State ahead at par with the rest of the nation. We need to invest in better health infrastructure, quality education for our children, improved connectivity, empowering and equipping the youth for optimum output amongst others and ensure equity and inclusiveness which essentially calls for good governance. Every citizen plays a pivotal role as primary agents towards development and progress of a society. I urge the tribal bodies, civil societies, church leaders and all stakeholders for more concerted efforts and respond to the call of duty with renewed vigour and commitment, and utmost sense of responsibility and accountability. I encourage our youth not to be disillusioned but to rise up to the challenges of times. You are the backbone of the nation, our most valued human resource and catalytic agents of change and development. I hope opportunities abound more for our youth and their dreams and aspirations fulfilled as Nagaland marches towards a new era. Friends, peace is the most cherished goal for any society and Nagaland has endeavoured over the decades to this end. Peace is more than desired; it is a must for the advancement and achievement of the fullest potential of the State. When peace sustains, development follows. I am hopeful that with the collective efforts of all, we will succeed in ushering stable peace in our State and the desire of the people for a vibrant and thriving Nagaland will no longer remain elusive but materialise before long in the not too distant future. Recent times have undoubtedly tested our resolve and the fortitude of people all over the world when the pandemic caught us totally unaware and unprepared more than a year ago. We have lost many precious lives, many have been left devastated and traumatised as the pandemic wreaked havoc. I salute the frontline workers, healthcare workers, our COVID warriors who worked selflessly and tirelessly under immense unimaginable pressure during these unprecedented times. While there is some respite, the fight is far from over. I urge everyone to continue to remain vigilant and maintain all necessary COVID protocols. Friends, as we celebrate our Statehood Day we are at the threshold of a new dawn. As we step into it looking forward to new possibilities, let us strive to bring to fruition the vision of our founding fathers and the dreams of our people of a progressive and prosperous Nagaland. God bless Nagaland. Jai Hind. (DIPR)