Three special guests from Nagaland, along with their spouses have been invited by the Prime Minister Narendra Modi to witness 78th Independence Day Celebration on 15th August 2024, in New Delhi. These distinguished guests have been selected from the Aspirational Block Program, launched in January 2023, which covers 500 Blocks across the country.
Renung and her Self Help Group (SHG) "Limreh" from Kiusam Block, Kiphire District have significantly benefited from the Aspirational District Program through the establishment of a "Weaving & Tailoring Center” at Kiusam Village. The project has provided training to the women of the village and generated income through the sale of traditional and non - traditional products.
Kughalu K from Emlomi village of Akuhaito Aspirational Block under Zunheboto District. As a beneficiary of the MGNREGA scheme, he has played a vital role in the development of his village. He currently serves as the General Secretary of the Village Development Board Association under RD Block in Akuhaito, Zunheboto.
A.P Tsupan of Thonoknyu Aspirational Block, Noklak District is a beneficiary of the PM - KISAN Scheme, which has supported his agricultural endeavours and contributed to his livelihood. A.P. Tsupan has been involved in farming in the Thonoknyu Village of Noklak District since 1997. Under the PM - KISAN flagship Scheme, administered by the Department of Agriculture since 2019, A.P Tsupan cultivates perilla seeds and soybeans, including mixed oilseeds cultivation. Additional support from the scheme has been utilised for domestic requirements such as tea, salt, daily wages, and sending children to school, as well as providing daily support to other cultivators at the farm. The major crop benefiting from the PM - KISAN Scheme in the Thonoknyu Village region is the foxtail millet, which has seen improved yields.
Senior Scientist, Dr. Lahar Jyoti Borodoloi, Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK), Kiphire will be accompanying the special guests as the Nodal Officer from the state of Nagaland.
These special guests are being honoured for their exemplary leadership and entrepreneurship. Their achievements highlights the positive impact of initiatives like the Aspirational District / Block Program, MGNREGA, and PM - KISAN showcasing how these programs are transforming lives at the grassroots level across the country.