Nagaland and Assam Statehood Days were jointly celebrated at Raj Bhavan, Chennai, in the spirit of Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat, with enthusiastic participation from the residents of both states residing in Tamil Nadu on December 2, 2024.
RN Ravi, the Governor of Tamil Nadu, attended as the Chief Guest and witnessed the fantastic dance performances of Mungyangta (Nagaland) and Bardoishikla (Assam) during the Nagaland and Assam State Foundation Day Celebrations held at Raj Bhavan, Chennai.
The Governor was welcomed by Wapangtoshi, President of the North East India Welfare Association Chennai, and Deben Daloi, President of the Assam Association Chennai, who escorted him to visit the exhibition stalls representing Assam and Nagaland.
Speaking on the occasion, Tamil Nadu Governor RN Ravi urged students from both states studying in Chennai to acquire at least functional knowledge of the Tamil language. He emphasized the connection between the people of Nagaland, Assam, and Tamil Nadu, particularly in terms of hospitality. The Governor recalled a story shared by a 102-year-old man from Nagaland, who spoke about how the Nagas and Assamese have been good neighbors for generations, often exchanging products through the barter system and sometimes entrusting their belongings to Assamese friends for safekeeping until their return.
Governor RN Ravi also highlighted the partnership between Raj Bhavan Tamil Nadu and the University of Guwahati to offer a diploma course in Tamil, aimed at facilitating Tamil language learning for people from the northeast who come to Tamil Nadu.
On this occasion, Keviletuo Yano Richard from Nagaland and Gautam Deori from Assam were felicitated by the Governor for their contributions to their respective communities in Chennai over the past decade.
For the participants from Tamil Nadu, the event was an enriching experience. Attendees enjoyed the arts, crafts, and vibrant cultural performances by artists from both states, in addition to savoring the mouth-watering cuisines of Nagaland and Assam.