Hekani Jakhalu, Advisor of Industries & Commerce, flagged off the WWII Peace Rally at Sovima in Chümoukedima on Saturday, the second day of the 24th Hornbill Festival. The idea of the rally was first conceived by Nagaland Chief Minister and is organised annually by the Nagaland Adventure & Motor Sports Association (NAMSA).
The first WWII Peace Rally was held in 2011. The event commemorates the Battle of Kohima, aiming to spread the message of peace and unity.
According to DIPR, during the flagging off ceremony, Jakhalu expressed her honour and happiness to be part of the long-standing event. She emphasized that the rally’s objective is to convey a message of peace and unity, not only among the Naga people but globally. Beyond the Hornbill Festival, she stressed the importance of showcasing Nagaland as a state that promotes peace and unity.
Jakhalu also revealed plans for the event’s 25th anniversary next year, anticipating a larger scale. She expressed hope that the rally’s powerful message will endure.
Flagged off the amazing WW-II Car rally 2023 from Chumukedima -commemorating the Battle of Kohima with the objective to spread the message of Peace & Unity . Hats off to @namsa team headed by @abumetha #HornbillFestival2023 pic.twitter.com/Tuhrc1rQ90
— Hekani Jakhalu (@Hekani) December 2, 2023
The rally commenced with a prayer led by Pastor Zhau Sanchu, Christian Revival Church, Sovima. The rally will make official stops at Midway Resort, Piphema, and the Commonwealth War Cemetery, concluding at the WWII Museum, Heritage Village, Kisama.
The closing ceremony of the WWII Peace Rally was graced by CM Rio as the Host and Barbara Voss, German Consul General, Kolkata, as the Chief Guest. Awards were presented for Best Original Vehicle, Best Maintained Vehicle, Best Weaponry, Best Uniformed Squad, Best Ladies Squad and Best Tourism Promotion Team.
Speaking at the culmination program, Chief Guest Barbara Voss expressed her appreciation and lauded the idea of introducing the WWII Vintage Motor Car rally as part of the Hornbill festival, DIPR stated. She also thanked the Government of Nagaland for inviting the German band to showcase their music in the festival. Voss also mentioned the importance of partnerships and collaboration between the two in the areas of common interest. She said Nagaland was not only a “Land of festivals, Beauty and Wonderful People but also a “Land of surprises”.
She wondered how the vehicles used in the rally have been maintaining over the years and bringing it to live. She hoped that the message of peace propagating through this event be further propagated around the world.
Chief Minister and Host of the Hornbill festival, Neiphiu Rio said the Hornbill Festival was not only showcasing the rich culture and traditions of the Nagas but also showcasing the reminiscence of the past history by organising the WWII Vintage Motor Car Rally as part of the festival. He acknowledged the participants for their sacrifices and participation in the rally.
Chairman, NAMSA and Adviser to CM & Chairman, IDAN, Abu Metha in his introductory remarks thanked the CM Rio for gracing the event and mentioned that he was the brainchild of the WWII Vintage Motor Car Rally. He also thanked the German Consul General, Barbara Voss for taking part in the event as the Chief Guest. The rally not only propagates the message of peace, unity and universal brotherhood to the world but also adds more value, beauty and significance to the festival, he added.
Metha also recalled that the Battle of Kohima has changed the course of history. Its history and experiences have been used to propagate peace and unity to every part of the world, he said.
Altogether, 21 vehicles vied for the rally including twelve vehicles from Dimapur and nine from Kohima. Participants from Slovakia and Germany also took part in the rally.
