The second day of the Moatsü-cum-Mini Hornbill Festival at Longpayimsen Village has been graced by Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, Union Minister for Culture and Tourism, Government of India.
Addressing the gathering, the minister described the Moatsü festival as a reflection of a deeper philosophy of life beyond celebration, stating that it symbolises gratitude, community bonding and harmony with nature.
He said the festival represents core Indian values, where development is measured not only in terms of production but also through relationships, ethics and social harmony. He noted that national progress depends on the character, culture and collective consciousness of the people, not merely infrastructure growth.
Highlighting the cultural richness of Nagaland, Shekhawat said the state stands as a strong example of India’s diversity. Emphasising the need to balance tradition with modernity, he stated, “Modernity without identity is rootless,” and called for technology and tradition to progress together.
Referring to tourism, he said culture is a powerful driver of development and that tourism rooted in tradition can transform communities. Citing the success of the Hornbill Festival, he noted that such initiatives have placed Nagaland on the global tourism map, while events like the Mini Hornbill Festival help bring tourism closer to local communities.
He further said the government remains committed to promoting inclusive, sustainable and community-driven tourism, adding that the Northeast, particularly Nagaland, holds a central place in this vision.
The minister stressed that preservation of culture and tradition is a shared responsibility and must be actively practised and protected by all sections of society.
