The Shree Marwari Sammelan, Dimapur, organized a welcome and felicitation programme for Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla on November 9, 2025, at the Lions Club, Dimapur.
According to a DIPR report, Om Birla in his address described Nagaland as a land of “courage, bravery and valour, a land of bold and fearless people.” He remarked that Dimapur has become a place where people from across the country have come together, overcoming challenges through determination, hard work, and confidence.
Birla commended the Marwari community for preserving its values and traditions while integrating seamlessly with local cultures wherever they reside. He said the community’s discipline, service, and willingness to help in times of crisis make it an example of unity and social commitment.
“I know that many of you came from different parts of India some over a hundred years ago, others fifty years ago, and some were even born here. But the story of your ancestors’ struggles, their journey from their place of birth to their place of work inspires us all to understand that no matter how great the challenge, success can be achieved through hard work and confidence,” he said.
Highlighting the rapid development taking place across the Northeastern states, Birla said that new doors of progress have opened in the past decade. “There are opportunities everywhere.
Therefore, if we wish to realize the dream of a developed India, we must work in alignment with the culture and work ethic of Nagaland, a spirit that is deeply connected to the idea of an Atmanirbhar Bharat (self-reliant India),” he added.
He praised the Naga people for their creativity, innovative thinking, and determination, saying these qualities contribute to India’s collective progress. “Many of you came here to do business, some are in government or private service, others engaged in various professions yet our collective effort, our shared thought and vision, is one: to advance this nation. India’s true strength lies in its diversity in its many cultures, cuisines, attires, and traditions. Despite these differences, it is democracy that unites us,” he said.
Birla further stated that India’s democracy remains strong and continues to guide the country’s progress. He observed that nations thrive where democracy allows free exchange of ideas and collective decision-making. “It is this very spirit that has allowed India to advance in every field today. The Northeastern states too have seen new doors of progress open in transportation, infrastructure, rail, road, air, and digital connectivity,” he said.
Birla acknowledged the contributions of those living and working in Nagaland toward India’s economic growth. He encouraged focus on promoting tourism and sustainable industries, noting that Nagaland’s natural beauty and diversity offer great potential for development. “Through our collective effort, both Nagaland and India will continue to progress,” he stated.
The Lok Sabha Speaker thanked the Marwari community for their warm welcome and hospitality and expressed his wish to visit Nagaland again.
Earlier, Om Birla was received at Dimapur Airport by PHED Minister Jacob Zhimomi, Rural Development Minister Metsubo Jamir, and other state dignitaries. He was also accorded a Guard of Honour by the 15th NAP (IR) Battalion.
Birla to inaugurate Commonwealth Parliamentary Association Conference in Kohima today
Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla will inaugurate the 22nd annual Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CPA) India Region Zone-III conference on Monday in Kohima. The two-day event will bring together presiding officers and lawmakers from the eight Northeastern states.
Birla stated the conference will focus on “ways and means to bring assembly proceedings more closer to the people in the times of changes ushered in during the age of artificial intelligence and digital revolution.” Discussions will also address regional challenges like cloudbursts and landslides, along with mitigation strategies.
The conference theme is “Policy, Progress and People: Legislatures as Catalysts of Change,” with sub-themes including “Role of legislatures in achieving Viksit Bharat” and “Climate change in the light of recent cloudbursts and landslides in parts of the Northeast.”
Nagaland Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio, Rajya Sabha Deputy Chairman Harivansh, and Nagaland Assembly Speaker Sharingain Longkumer, who also chairs CPA India Region Zone-III, will attend.
CPA India Region Zone III has encouraged regional cooperation, promoted parliamentary best practices, and supported infrastructure development and the Act East Policy. Achievements include integrating the Northeast in the India-ASEAN Vision and advancing digital parliamentary processes such as the National eVidhan Application for greater public engagement and inclusivity.
(With PTI inputs)
