The Nagaland Legislative Assembly (NLA) celebrated its 60th Anniversary under the theme ‘Embracing Innovation and Celebrating Legacy’ at the Nagaland Legislative Assembly Secretariat Complex on October 29.
Speaker & Convenor NLA Sharingain Longkumer in his welcome address said that ever since its inception on February 11, 1964, following Nagaland’s Statehood on December 1, 1963, Legislative Assembly has been the epitome of governance and representation for our diverse communities. Longkumer opined that the journey from those early days to the present, has been marked by significant milestones and transformative changes, and over the years, the Assembly has been a forum for crucial debates, policymaking and legislative action that have helped and shaped the trajectory of Nagaland’s development.
Longkumer remarked that 2023 Assembly elections marked a historic milestone as the two women Legislators were elected into the August House, showing the progress of this democratic August institution for more inclusive representation. Reflecting on the past, Longkumer also acknowledged the tireless efforts of all those who have served the state and the people in all capacities and dedicated themselves to the betterment of Nagaland.
While taking pride in the past, Longkumer also stressed on the need to look to the future with hope and renewed determination. He expressed confidence that the Nagaland Legislative Assembly will continue to play a pivotal role in addressing the evolving needs of the people, fostering sustainable development and preserving the unique cultural identity.
Speaking at the programme, Governor La. Ganesan said that the occasion was not only to celebrate the six decades of governance and representation but also to honour the enduring spirit of our democracy and that the event will be inscribed in the annals of the State’s history. He further said that ever since the first general elections on January 1964, the Assembly has served as a pillar of governance, a house that echoes the voices of the people and championing their aspirations. He said that each member has played a crucial role in advocating the aspirations and challenges of their constituencies and contributed to the rich mosaic of Nagaland’s political landscape.
“The Nagaland Legislative Assembly has not just been a governing body but it is the voice of the people, a guardian of democratic values, and a symbol of unity in our diverse state,” said Ganesan. He highlighted that the theme of the celebration—“Embracing Innovation and Celebrating Legacy”—summed up the commitment of the Legislators to honor the past while eagerly anticipating the future and that in an ever-evolving world, embracing new ideas and technologies was imperative to enhance our legislative processes, making governance more transparent, accessible, and responsive to our citizens’ needs. In conclusion, the Governor congratulated all the members of the Nagaland Legislative Assembly—past and present, on the momentous occasion and urged all the Legislators to carry forward the values that embodies the Nagaland Legislative Assembly, into the future and work towards building a brighter and more prosperous Nagaland and Bharat — one that not only embraces progress but also respects its rich heritage and traditions.
Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio, delivering his keynote address, said that the pioneering leaders and the architects of Nagaland who have left an indelible mark on the state’s history and offered tribute for their selfless service and enduring legacy.
Honoring former members and their family members, Rio stated that their unwavering commitment has been instrumental in shaping the legislative foundation and in fostering the growth and development of Nagaland.
“The formation of the state and the establishment of this Assembly are intricately linked with the Naga Political Issue and since the attainment of statehood, every Assembly has recognized the importance of this issue and addressing it in every session and even passed resolutions calling for peaceful and inclusive negotiations,” said Rio who added that the Assembly’s commitment to the Naga cause underscores the collective responsibility to pursue peace and unity.
The issue of Naga Integration, according to Rio, which emerged from the 16-Point Agreement, remains a core part of the larger Naga political movement and reassured that the house will continue to pursue the goal in the spirit of unity and solidarity.
“As a democratic body, the Nagaland Legislative Assembly embodies the people’s will and is entrusted with the responsibility of law making for public good. The Assembly has consistently passed Acts through respectful discussions and without discord, demonstrating a commitment to conducting proceedings with dignity that reflects the shared values and mutual respect for differing viewpoints,” added Rio.
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Member of Parliament Supongmeren Jamir, in his address, considered the 60th Anniversary of the Nagaland Legislative Assembly was a remarkable milestone. He expressed that the event was not just an occasion to mark the six decades of existence of the Nagaland Legislative Assembly but also an opportunity to highlight the unity and perseverance of the people of Nagaland towards peace, progress and prosperity and show the world the achievements and accomplishments of the August House. He however emphasized that the journey was far from over and the elected members needed to remain committed to their commitment to the people and their welfare.
Former Chief Minister of Nagaland Dr. S.C. Jamir, in his “Down Memory Lane” address, acknowledged the Nagaland Legislative Assembly for being the cradle where he was nurtured into a mature figure and expressed his utmost respect to the house for giving him the opportunity to serve the people and the State. He said that the 60th Anniversary celebration was not an ordinary celebration but rather a day to remember and retrospect the momentous political events that shaped the history and legacy of Nagaland. Jamir also highlighted in brief the history of Nagaland and the struggle and hardships the Naga people endured prior to Statehood and how through the sacrifice of the people of Nagaland the State is where it is today, at par with the rest of the states of the country. He further mentioned that Nagaland was the only State in India that was created through political agreement and that itself speaks volumes of the uniqueness of the Naga political history. He also said that the State enjoyed special constitutional attributes, which was a direct result of the undying efforts and sacrifices of the pioneers of the State.
Jamir in conclusion urged the members to awaken to the realities of the modern world and requested the present members of the house to make the Nagaland Legislative Assembly an epitome of the Naga spirit of honesty, courage and uprightness and shine a light upon every Naga area and also the rest of the country.
Chief Secretary, Dr. J. Alam speaking at the event said that as the 16th State of the Indian Union, Nagaland became an integral part of the federal structure of the country that guarantees participatory democracy and governance to all its federating units. Alam said that our leaders with visionary foresight laid the foundation for this August House as a beacon of democracy and it is here that the voices of the people are heard, their aspirations represented, and their dreams realized.
Alam said that the Legislative Assembly is the embodiment of the aspirations and the ultimate will of the people of the state. He added that it is a sacred place for us to reaffirm our constitutional commitment to pluralism, to human rights, to secularism, and to the dignity of every citizen. Therefore, he called on everyone to renew our commitment to democratic principles, good governance and the well-being of the people.
President of EX -PAN & former Deputy Speaker NLA, Joshua Sumi said that the last 60 years has witnessed the end-to-end ruling and nurturing of what it is today, having met several historic and groundbreaking decisions that have struck their roadmap for Nagaland. Sumi also thanked the Nagaland Legislative Assembly and all the past and present speakers for always supporting and taking care of the welfare of the ex-pan members.
Governor La Ganesan released the 60th anniversary Souvenir of NLA and Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio inaugurated and unveiled the Botanical garden named after Lt.T.N Angami. ‘A Glimpse of Accomplishments’ a video clip was presented by IPR Department during the event.
Honoring the legacy of the pioneering leaders, the Library, Conference hall, Committee Room and Training Room were named after them. The Library was named in honor of the first Chief Minister of Nagaland Late P. Shilu and the ceremony was graced by Governor La. Ganesan..The Conference Hall was named in honor of, former Speaker of the Nagaland Legislative Assembly Late K. Shikhu and Neiphiu Rio, Chief Minister graced the ceremony.
The Committeee Room was named in honor of Late former Speaker of the Nagaland Legislative Assembly C. Chongshen Chang, and the ceremony was graced by Deputy Chief Minister and Minister in-charge of Planning T. R. Zeliang.
The Training Room was named in honor of former Speaker of the Nagaland Legislative Assembly Late Vikho-o Yhoshü, which was graced by Deputy Chief Minister and Minister in-charge of Home Y Patton.
Minister Power and Parliamentary Affairs K.G. Kenye in his valedictory address highlighted the achievements and accomplishments of the Nagaland Legislative Assembly and its member over the years and made notable mentions of personalities from the State who have made an impact not just in state affairs but in the national level as well. He further congratulated and thanked the team led by the Speaker Sharingain Longkumer for successfully organizing the grand event to commemorate the 60th Anniversary of Nagaland Legislative Assembly.
