The World War II Vintage Motor Car Rally organized as part of the Hornbill festival culminated at WWII Museum Complex, Kisama Heritage Village on 2nd December 2023 with German Consulate General, Kolkata, Barbara Voss as the Chief Guest. 

            Speaking at the culmination programme, the Chief Guest expressed her appreciation and lauded the idea of introducing the WWII Vintage Motor Car rally as part of the Hornbill festival. She also thanked the Government of Nagaland for inviting the German Band to showcase their music in the festival. Voss also mentioned the importance of partnerships and collaboration between the two in the areas of common interest. She said Nagaland was not only a "Land of festivals, Beauty and Wonderful People but also a "Land of surprises". She wondered how the vehicles used in the rally have been maintaining over the years and bringing it to live. She hoped that the message of peace propagating through this event be further propagated around the world. 

            Chief Minister and Host of the Hornbill festival, Neiphiu Rio said the Hornbill festival was not only showcasing the rich culture and traditions of the Nagas but also showcasing the reminiscence of the past history by organising the WWII Vintage Motor Car Rally as part of the festival. He acknowledged the participants for their sacrifices and participation in the rally.

Chairman, NAMSA and Adviser to CM & Chairman, IDAN, Abu Metha in his introductory remarks thanked the Chief Minister, Neiphiu Rio for gracing the event and mentioned that he was the brainchild of the WWII Vintage Motor Car Rally. He also thanked the German Consulate General Counsel, Barbara Voss for taking part in the event as the Chief Guest. The rally not only propagates the message of peace, unity and universal brotherhood to the world but also adds more value, beauty and significance to the festival, he added. 

Metha also recalled that the Battle of Kohima has changed the course of history. Its history and experiences have been used to propagate peace and unity to every part of the world, he said. 

Rally Commander, Moa Longkumer said the rally was flagged off by Adviser, Industries & Commerce, Hekani Jakhalu Kense from NAMSA Hq. Dimapur.

            Altogether, 21 vehicles vied for the rally including 12 vehicles from Dimapur and 9 from Kohima. Participants from Slovakia and Germany also took part in the rally. 

Best Discipline Squad: Jeep No. 25

Best Tourism Promotion Squad: Jeep No.13

Best Ladies Squad: Jeep No.11

Best Armoury Squad: Jeep No. 02

Best Uniform Squad: Jeep No. 20

Best Maintained Vehicle : Jeep No. 04

Most Original Vehicle: Jeep No. 03

            Dr. Tolto Metha chaired the programme while General Secretary, NAMSA, A. Tovi Chophi proposed the vote of thanks. 

                                                                       

                                                                                    (Nongozo, Asst. Dir. & Morotsung, IA)