Kohima, November 2 (MTNews): As President Droupadi Murmu began her two-day visit to Nagaland on Wednesday, she said that she was “deeply touched by the warm reception” accorded to her by the Government of Nagaland and the people of Nagaland during the civic reception organized in honor of her visit at the Capital Cultural Hall, Kohima.
Sharing that this was her second visit to the North-East in less than a month, she pointed out how this highlights the new national commitment towards the people of the North East 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 a 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.
“Nagaland has tremendous opportunities for tourism,” she said, and added that Nagas with their vibrant culture and rich heritage exemplifies the motto of ‘Unity in Diversity’.
She further added that the Hornbill Festival has become a popular platform for capturing and showcasing the colorful 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 connectivity in the region.
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, and good effective management of the public sector institutions to improve service delivery.
Praising the good quality agro and horticultural produce of Nagaland, the President said that the opening of ‘Naturally Nagaland’ outlets by the State Government has provided new platforms to local entrepreneurs, farmers and weavers to sell traditional handicrafts and handlooms.
With a literacy rate of over 80 per cent, she described the Naga youth as “immensely talented and creative,” noting that skilled young men and women from Nagaland are well-versed in the English language and work in IT, hospitality, and other sectors across India. She added that providing them with a holistic education remains the key to help them achieve their true potential.
The President noted 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.
She said that this demonstrates the high respect given to the women in the Naga society and urged women of Nagaland to come forward and get more involved in public life.
“If women are empowered, there would be more development in society,” she said.
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 strengthens the unity and integrity of the 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.