My Dear Nagas,
This evening, as Nagas across the country gathers with family and friends to reflect and say goodbye to the year drawing close, and to welcome a new dawn, a new year that will bring us yet another inspiration, a renewed hope, new thoughts and new accomplishment, I want to wish everyone a happy and healthy New Year.
This is always a hopeful time, as we celebrate the end of one year and the beginning of another. And while 2024 was challenging and difficult for many of us, we must also look back on this year with the knowledge that brighter days are ahead of us – that although our challenges are great, each of us had the courage and determination to rise up and meet them.
Friends and families, it is that very spirit that has kept the Naga Dream alive for generations, and it is this spirit that will keep it alive for generations to come.
Today, as the year 2024 draws to a close and a new dawn awaits, let us pause to reflect on the path we have taken all along and renew our resolve for the road ahead. We stand at the crossroads of history, where the challenges of our time demand courage, unity, and an unyielding commitment to the ideals we hold dear.
And today, as we stand at the threshold of another chapter, let us remind ourselves of the immense power we hold when we are united.
This New Year shall not merely be a passage of time. For us, it shall be a call to action, a moment to strengthen the bonds of unity and fraternity that tie us together as torchbearers of our nation’s destiny. We must remain steadfast in our mission to self determine our future, foster unity, and champion the prosperity of our God-given homeland. And therefore, let us continue to pray hard and seek guidance from our Almighty God to lead us into the land.
Today, let us also remember the solemn sacrifices made by the forebearers of our Naga National movement – their dreams, their determination and their courage. And let us be reminded of the immense hardship they went through in their endeavour to secure our freedom – The Naga Freedom! And therefore, today, every action we take must honor their legacy and forge a future that resonates with the dreams of those who fought to secure our freedom.
Together, we can overcome adversity, turning every challenge into an opportunity to rise stronger.
Our Naga Nation, rich in diversity and bound by a shared destiny, has faced may trials and the least triumphs. Yet, through it all, one truth remains clear: the strength of a people lies in their unity. And therefore, I also appeal to all sections of the Naga Society, including the different Naga Political Groups and the Naga Civil Societies to come to a common ground to work together, to think together, and to speak together in one united voice.
Today, more than ever, we must set aside the differences that divides the Naga family and embrace the common purpose that binds us.
The challenges we face are not the burden of one group, one tribe, or one organisation alone – they belong to all of us. Let us not be divided by our ideologies, origins, or affiliations. Let us instead be inspired by the vision of a united Naga Nation, where every voice strengthens the whole, and every hand contributes to the greater good. We must remember that division weakens us, but unity empowers us.
The battles ahead demand the collective strength of all patriots. Shoulder to shoulder, we can face the storms and emerge victorious, for no force can withstand the resolve of a people united in purpose.
As we step into this new year, let us pledge to leave behind the grudges and discord of the past. Let us embrace dialogue, understanding, and a shared commitment to the ideals of freedom, justice, and progress.
Together, we can create a path towards a brighter future, where every Naga citizen plays their part in nation building where we can all be proud of. Friends and families, tonight, I call on each of you to renew your commitment to our shared cause.
Let us march forward, not as a Nation with fragmented notions and ideals, but as one unstoppable force. Let the New Year mark the dawn of unity, strength, and an unbreakable resolve to fight for the soul of our nation. Let our patriotism be the compass that guides our endeavors. The time to dream is now; the time to act is now.
As we embrace the New Year, let our collective efforts ignite a ray of hope that will inspire generations to come. Let us march onward with unwavering determination and unity of purpose.
The future belongs to those who dare to dream and have the courage to make it a reality.
Wishing you all strength, purpose, and firm patriotism in the year ahead.
Kuknalim! In solidarity,
Maj. (Rtd.) R.M. Lotha
President GPRN/NSCN