President of India Droupadi Murmu urged the people of Nagaland to rededicate themselves towards the goal of a more prosperous and developed state as Nagaland will be completing 60 years of statehood on 1 December 2022.

She said this while speaking at the civic reception organised by the Nagaland government in her honour here at State Cultural Hall, Kohima.

Addressing the gathering, the President expressed her happiness that the people of Nagaland today stand for peace, prosperity, dialogue and development.

She stated that development of infrastructure is a key parameter for the growth of a state and that the ‘Act East Policy’ of the Government of India (GoI) focuses on the overall development of the Northeast region.

The inauguration of several roads and bridges under the Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana today will give a new boost to the connectivity in the region, she said.

Stating that this is her second visit to the Northeast in less than a month, she asserted that this highlights the “new national commitment” to the people of the region. She also said her visit had coincided with the inauguration of various projects related to education, road infrastructure and finance in the state. She expressed her confidence that these projects would improve literacy and ease of living, and also boost tourism and the economy of the state.

President Murmu asserted that Nagaland has made significant progress on various development parameters. Highlighting the tremendous potential the state has in the tourism sector, she said the Nagas are known for their vibrant culture and rich heritage which exemplifies the country’s motto of ‘Unity in Diversity’.

The President also stated that providing the youths a holistic education remains the key to helping them achieve their true potential as the youths of Nagaland are immensely talented and creative.

“I am happy to inaugurate several schools and hostels for girl-children, lay the foundation stone for Eklavya Model Residential Schools, and launch the smart classrooms project that will give further impetus to education in the state. I congratulate Union Minister of Education Dharmendra Pradhan, Minister of Tribal Affairs Arjun Munda, the Government of Nagaland and everyone associated with this initiative for the successful completion of these projects,” the President said.

She further stated that Nagaland has much to offer in agriculture and farm produce with about 70 percent of the agricultural practice in Nagaland being traditional and organic. She said the good quality agricultural and horticultural produce of Nagaland are in great demand in the market and towards this end, she added that the entire Northeast region has the potential to become the organic food basket of the country.

Observing that the literacy rate among women in Nagaland is higher than the national average and that Nagaland is considered as the safest place for women in the country, President Murmu said this demonstrates the high respect given to women in the Naga society.

She also urged the women of Nagaland to come forward and get more involved in public life. “If women are empowered, there is more development in society. Women lead with empathy, with care and they will give a new dimension to the development journey of Nagaland,” she said.

She remarked that Hornbill Festival has become a popular platform for capturing and showcasing the colourful and beautiful culture of the state and conveyed her best wishes for the success of the upcoming Hornbill Festival.

She also paid her tributes to Captain Neikezhakuo Kenguruse and Sepoy Imliakum Ao for displaying exceptional valour and fierce determination in fighting the enemy during the Kargil War.

Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio, in his address, stated that the Naga people are hopeful for an early solution to the Naga political issue. With the ceasefire and dialogue continuing for 26 years, Rio also sought the support of President Droupadi Murmu in resolving the pending Naga political issue.

The Chief Minister was confident that with the inking of a final solution, it would give boost to Naga youths and the people to contribute much more to the nation’s economy through their God given rich talent and genius.

He also extended his gratitude to the GoI for the special provision extended to Nagaland State by incorporating Art 371(A) in the constitution of India.

Rio also maintained that Nagaland has significantly made big leaps in development and the people of Nagaland are much better off economically. He, however, stated that there is still much to be done, for which the Chief Minister sought the support and guidance of President Murmu.

Governor of Nagaland and Assam Prof Jagdish Mukhi in his address described Nagaland as a land of tribes, festivals and rich heritage embedded in its diverse culture, wealth of flora and fauna, picturesque landscapes, natural resources and the indomitable spirit of the people.

Prof Mukhi stated that the Nagas celebrate ethnic-related traditional festivals which revolve around agriculture, as a vast majority of the population is directly dependent on agriculture.

We take pride in the diversity that makes the fabric of Modern India; a diversity that is reflected in the customs and social structure, language, religion and ethnicities, stated the Governor and added that this is a key asset that we hold to unlock India’s potential and propel the nation to rise in global significance.

“The common thread of shared cultural values and traditions that coalesce people of varied geographical regions across the nation surpasses all seemingly barriers with the spirit of ‘Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat’ and strengthen the unity and integrity of our great Nation.”

Deputy Chief Minister Y Patton, delivering the welcome address, stated that the President’s initiative to visit the state soon after taking over as the president of the country shows the deep concern and regard she has for the people of Nagaland.

Patton said President Murmu has scripted history by becoming not only the first ever president of our country from the tribal community but also the youngest president.

It is an inspiration to all the tribal people across the country, including my state Nagaland, abode of many indigenous tribal groups, and all are highly elated on having the Hon’ble President amongst them today, the Deputy CM added.

He also stated that Nagaland is marching ahead with the rest of the country and the Northeastern region on the road of progress and development.

He pointed out that the state has been a pioneer in fields of local self-governance and community led development based on its long cherished tribal way of life.

“Based on the strengths of strong community values and a population that is young and highly literate, the state is leaving no stone unturned to achieve further goals of development in all the spheres and sectors particularly in agriculture and tourism,” stated Patton

President Murmu also virtually inaugurated and laid foundation stones and launched several projects such as the Interactive virtual classrooms and 190 schools, 13 new Government Primary Schools and 4 new Government Middle School buildings, 14 new Government High Schools and 1 new Government Higher Secondary School building, Government Higher Secondary School, Mon Auditorium, 5 Kasturba Gandhi Balika Vidyalaya (KGBV) Hostel buildings, 2 Residential Hostels for underprivileged girl children in Mokokchung HQ and Peren HQ, 13 bridges and 11 roads across Nagaland, New Treasury building with State Bank of India Branch at Capital Complex, Kohima, 10 Eklavya Model Residential Schools across Nagaland, and Setting up of Smart Classrooms in 190 Government Schools across Nagaland.

During the Civic Reception, the Central Nagaland Tribes Council, the Eastern Nagaland Peoples’ Organization and the Tenyimi Peoples’ Organization felicitated the President.

The President on her second day will be visiting the Kohima War Cemetery followed by an interaction with Self Help Groups (SHGs) in Kigwema village where stalls are being set up by the Nagaland State Rural Livelihood Mission (NSRLM).