76th Birthday of Prime Minister Narendra Modi celebrated in Nagaland
Nagaland Chief Minister, Neiphiu Rio on Thursday called upon the State to become an active participant in India’s transformation, asserting that Nagaland must leverage its young population, talent and aspirations to build a developed, peaceful and prosperous State.
Speaking at a programme commemorating Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s 76th birthday at Niathu Resort, Rio said the national vision of Viksit Bharat @2047 must go hand in hand with Nagaland’s own aspiration for development, peace and prosperity.
“Nagaland must not remain a spectator to India’s transformation. We must become a participant and, wherever possible, a leader,” Rio said.
He urged the State’s youth not merely to seek opportunities but to create them, saying young Nagas should have the confidence to compete with the best in India and the world.
“Our young people should not only avail opportunities—they must create opportunities. They should not merely follow benchmarks—they must set new benchmarks,” he said.
‘Development must reach every section’
Rio said Nagaland’s greatest strength was its people and stressed the need to create an ecosystem in which young people could pursue entrepreneurship, sports, music, arts, innovation and other emerging opportunities.
He said development for Nagaland must mean better roads and connectivity, quality education and healthcare, employment opportunities, modern agriculture, a vibrant tourism sector, a growing creative economy, investment and entrepreneurship, sporting excellence and stronger institutions.
The Chief Minister said the State had travelled a long distance but continued to face challenges relating to connectivity, unemployment, infrastructure and economic development.
He emphasised that governments alone could not achieve the objectives of Viksit Bharat, stressing the importance of collective effort or Sabka Prayas.
As members of the ruling alliance, Rio said, there was a special responsibility to translate political partnership into effective public service.
He said the PDA comprising the NPF, BJP, NPP, JD(U), RPI (A) and LJP (RV) must remain stable, united and focused on governance.
“We must rise above narrow considerations and ensure that the mandate given to us by the people is used to bring development to every district, every tribe, every village and every section of society,” he said adding, “Our diversity must remain our strength, and our unity must remain our greatest asset.”
Rio recalls Modi’s role in Naga peace process
The Chief Minister also recalled his longstanding association with Prime Minister Modi, dating back to the period when both served as Chief Ministers.
Rio said their interactions at national forums gave him an opportunity to know Modi as a colleague interested in governance, development, technology and practical solutions to problems confronting citizens.
Recalling the period surrounding the signing of the Framework Agreement in 2015, Rio said Modi had personally reached out to him, thanked him and sought his support for the larger objective of achieving lasting peace in Nagaland.
“I remember that conversation because it reflected his personal interest in the Naga political issue and his desire to see our people move towards a future of permanent peace and progress,” he said.
Rio said the Naga political issue continued to be a collective aspiration of the people and reiterated his commitment to work with the Government of India towards a resolution.
“We will continue to work with the Government of India in a spirit of partnership, mutual respect and sincerity,” he said, describing the desired settlement as “inclusive, honourable, acceptable and lasting”.
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Hails Modi’s focus on North-East
Rio credited Modi’s leadership with bringing the North-East closer to the centre of India’s developmental and strategic thinking.
He said the Prime Minister had repeatedly emphasised that India’s development could not be complete without the development of the North-East.
The Chief Minister pointed to increased visits by Union Ministers and senior officials, infrastructure and connectivity projects, aspirational districts and blocks, PM-DevINE and SASCI as initiatives that had helped States such as Nagaland address longstanding development gaps.
At the national level, Rio highlighted schemes including Swachh Bharat Abhiyan, Jal Jeevan Mission, Ayushman Bharat, Ujjwala Yojana, PM Awas Yojana, PM-KISAN, Digital India, Make in India and Khelo India.
He also cited UPI and India’s digital public infrastructure as examples of technology being used to expand access and opportunity.
India ‘helping shape global conversations’
Rio said India’s standing in the international arena had changed significantly under Modi’s leadership, with the country increasingly recognised as an important economic and strategic force.
He cited India’s G20 Presidency and Summit, its BRICS chairmanship in 2026, leadership in the Global South, space exploration, digital public infrastructure, artificial intelligence, renewable energy, clean technology and advanced manufacturing.
He said initiatives such as the International Day of Yoga, Vaccine Maitri and the International Solar Alliance had carried India’s message beyond its borders.
Concluding his address, Rio said the most meaningful tribute to Modi on his birthday would be through work rather than words.
“Let us work harder. Let us serve with greater sincerity. Let us strengthen peace and unity. Let us create opportunities for the next generation,” he said.
He extended birthday greetings to the Prime Minister on behalf of the people of Nagaland, the State Government and the ruling alliance, and prayed for his good health, strength, wisdom and long life.
