The State has achieved significant milestones becoming an equal and contributing partner in the nation building process, Governor of Assam and Nagaland Prof Jagdish Mukhi said.
Speaking on the occasion of the 74th Republic Day at Nagaland Civil Secretariat Plaza, Kohima today, Prof Mukhi stated that the formation of the Republic on 26 January 1950 was the first milestone in the march towards realising the dreams of the people in the aftermath of India’s Independence.
He said the day is to remember the efforts and sacrifices of the freedom fighters which gave India its independence and created the Republic. He called upon everyone to recall the nation builders and architects of the Constitution, which gave India’s identity as a Sovereign Democratic Republic.
Prof Mukhi said the nation, guided by the core principles of the Constitution, has emerged stronger and more dynamic. He extended his gratitude to the members of the Armed Forces and security personnel whose constant vigil and sacrifices have kept the country secure and peaceful and paid homage to Gandhiji, who he said is one of twentieth century’s greatest political and spiritual leaders.
He also commented on Dr B R Ambedkar’s role as Chairman of the Drafting Committee of the Indian Constitution, which allowed him to leave a profound and enduring mark on Indian trajectories of democratic justice and affirmative action policy.
Credit: MyGov Nagaland/YouTube video screenshot
The Governor further hailed the pioneers of the State, who made significant contributions and sacrifices in the realisation of statehood. He said Nagaland was formed in 1963, with a unique special constitutional dispensation that safeguard the identity and interests of the Naga people and it laid a solid foundation for developing the future of the people according to their own genius.
He added that Nagaland was born under difficult circumstances and the building of a united Naga society, the nurturing of democratic ethos in a poor and challenged situation, and the safeguarding of tribal honor and dignity in a difficult political climate, was a challenge for all sections. He said Nagaland has, however, made its indelible mark in the march towards growth and development of the country.
Stating that Nagaland has achieved significant milestones becoming an equal and contributing partner in the nation building process, Prof Mukhi underlined on the need to further explore and tap into the potentials of the State’s resources, both natural and human, in order to enhance productivity of the people in all sectors.
He further called for special emphasis on the empowerment of the Scheduled Castes, the Scheduled Tribes and other weaker sections of society to ensure that they too should find a place in the country’s growth and development. He added that while pursuing the goal of high growth rates, there is a need to ensure that all people of the state benefit from it.
It’s an honour to have celebrated the 74th Republic Day of India with the people of Nagaland at Secretariat Plaza in Kohima today. pic.twitter.com/M1Ih4Fl4nF
— Prof. Jagdish Mukhi (@jagdishmukhi) January 26, 2023
The Governor highlighted on the need to reduce the developmental gap between the urban and rural, and to make this happen, he said it is imperative to take technology and make it relevant to the remotest and the most vulnerable group of people in the society and added that this demands creativity, good connectivity and deep rootedness of oneself to the society and being conscious of its problems, limitations and aspirations.
He suggested that the agriculture sector can also rely more on technological advancement, through which mechanization and optimization of tools and implements can be realized for better harvest.
Stating that the Nagas are second to none in human resources, where many success stories are already being created, he said Nagas need to be focused and persistent in the pursuit of the highest knowledge and service towards community and humanity.
The Governor, calling on the citizens for a national movement of development, said the participation of citizens can be in many important areas like reaching the unreached, feedback on service to the people, human resource development, entrepreneurship, role of homemakers, environment development and youth participation in the political system.
While pointing out that the quality of life of a society is often determined by its literacy rate, the Governor expressed his happiness over the State’s literacy rate of 80.11% in 2021 as per National Statistical Office data which is above the national average, and stated that the State’s endeavour remains to ensure that no child misses out on education and that every citizen of the State has a chance to better their lives which in turn will contribute greatly to the progress of the nation.
The Governor stated that the country has made quantum improvements in its capabilities to meet the challenges of health issues including COVID and its likely future waves with the collective resolve and determination of one and all by making significant accretions in hospital beds, medical oxygen, ventilators, essential medicines, and also in improving logistic capabilities.
The Governor exhorted the citizens to introspect on the core values enshrined in the Constitution stating that if all come together in unity the State will be on the accelerated path to progress and development.
A pleasure to be part of the 74th Republic Day celebration at the Nagaland Civil Secretariat Plaza. I wish everyone a happy #RepublicDay2023 pic.twitter.com/p5744okFmU
— Neiphiu Rio (@Neiphiu_Rio) January 26, 2023
Following the governor’s address, awards were presented to police officers in recognition of their service.
President’s Police Medal for Distinguished Service as Announced on Independence Day, 2021: K Martin Pienyu, IPS, IGP (INT), Nagaland, Kohima
Award of President’s Police Medal, Announced on Republic Day, 2022: Rothihu Tetseo, IPS, Commissioner of Police, Dimapur, Nagaland
Award of President’s Police Medal for Meritorious Service, (announced on Independence Day, 2021): Vekhosa Chakhesang NPS, Commandant, 2nd Bn
Award of President’s Police Medal for Meritorious Service, (announced on Republic Day, 2022): Rankathung Vikram Ezung, NPS, AIGP (OPS), PHQ
President’s Police Medal (PPM) for Distinguished Service: Etssimongo Ngullie, DIG (Range), Mokokchung, Nagaland
Police Medal (PM) for Meritorious Service: Israel G Xuivi. Dy Commandant, 6th NAP Bn. Tizit, Nagaland, and Abel Jonsuo Humtsoe, UBI, INT, HQ Kohima, Nagaland
In addition, the names of those persons selected for the award of Governor’s Gold Medal on the recommendation of the Screening Committee and approval of the Governor of Nagaland were announced during the programme.
- P Tiakaba Yimchunger, Jr Engineer (MIS), Office of the Executive Engineer Transmission Division, Dimapur
- Dr Anungla Imdong Phom. Addl Director, DUDA
- Aotula T Imchen, IPS, SP Mokokchung
Th awardees of the Governors Commendation Certificate were also announced.
- Vechikhoyi Lohe, Principal, GHSS, Pfutsero
- Lucy Doungel, UBI, DEF, Phek
- Thejazelie Kire, UBSI, Int Estt
- Ronchamo Kikon, Subject Matter Specialist, Directorate of Agriculture
- S Yaongsanglee Chang, Regional Transport Officer, Kohima
- Dr Fr Francis Sebastian Cheerangal, Principal, St. Xavier College, Jalukie, Peren
- Karen Yepthomi, Principal, GHSS, Chumoukedima
During the Republic Day celebration, 13 parade contingents took part in the March Past which was led by Parade Commander, Dy Commandant, 4th NAP Bn, Z James Sema, NPS and 2nd in-command, Asstt Commandant, 4th NAP Bn, R Tunyi, NPS.
The parade contingents were 1 Assam Rifles Bn, 78 Bn CRPF, 37 Bn BSF, Assam Police, DEF Kohima, 4th NAP Bn, 10th NAP (IR) Bn, 15th NAP (IR) Mahila Bn, Home Guards & Civil Defence & SDRF, NAP Rangers, Nagaland Police Training School Brass Band, Nagaland Police Auxiliary Brass Band and the 15th NAP (IR) Mahila Pipe Band.
The celebration was also marked with a dance performance ‘Kadam Kadam Badhaye Ja’ presented by the Women Resources Development Department, a Tati folk song titled ‘Tsunuo Tsubou’ presented by the Kevira Cultural Troupe, Kohima village, and traditional folk dances performed by the Pochury Cultural Troupe, Kohima; Shena (old) Cultural Troupe, Kohima; Konyak Cultural Troupe, Kohima; and Phom Cultural Troupe, Kohima.
