The Vice President of India Jagdeep Dhankhar today inaugurated the 23rd edition of Hornbill Festival at Naga Heritage Village, Kisama.

The Vice President sounded the Inauguration Gong along with the Governor and the Chief Minister of Nagaland to declare the ‘Festival of Festivals’ open.

Dhankhar, who has arrived on his maiden tour to Nagaland as the Vice President, was felicitated with Tsiiphie (traditional Naga headgear) and Amula kaxa (Naga shawl) at the opening ceremony.

Addressing the gathering, the Vice President said India is a land of culture and Indians are proud of their tribal culture.

Praising Nagas for their unique culture and glorious history, Dhankhar said: “I salute tribal culture. I salute tribal energy.”

Describing the natural beauty of the state as enchanting, he underlined that the state has great tourism potential which needs to be tapped fully.

Lauding Nagaland for having the lowest crime rate against women in the country, the Vice President said the state is showing the way in women empowerment.

Noting that India has assumed the presidency of G-20 from today, Dhankhar said the world will be able to experience Naga hospitality when a meeting of G20 will be held in the state in April next year. On this occasion, the Vice President also released a postage stamp to commemorate the festival.

After the inauguration of Hornbill Festival, the Vice President visited Art Gallery and the Morungs at Naga Heritage Village, Kisama.

Earlier in the day, the Vice President met with the Governor of Nagaland, Prof Jagdish Mukhi, Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio, Deputy Chief Minister Y Patton and the Council of Ministers at Raj Bhawan, Kohima.

Governor of Nagaland and Chief Host Prof Jagdish Mukhi, delivering his speech, appreciated the Government of India for recognising Hornbill Festival as one of the premier and major events for the performing artists in India.

He said the Government of India under the dynamic leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi is committed to ensure development of the region and the Central Government and the State Government are working together to bring in lasting peace in the land.

“We as beneficiaries should make up our minds and create a conducive atmosphere for welcoming the new dawn for a peaceful and progressive Nagaland,” he added.

He also urged people to look back and introspect at what has been achieved over the last 60 years, and what ground remains to be covered adding that Nagaland has witnessed a mix of both achievements and difficulties during the past six decades.

Nagaland is at the edge of making history. After years of insurgency, there is hope, he said adding that with the support from all the stakeholders including the general populace, there is an opportunity for lasting peace.

Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio in his welcome address asserted that today is a historic and a landmark occasion as Nagaland is commemorating its 59th year of Statehood and launching the 23rd Edition of the Hornbill Festival.

Rio said the Hornbill Festival exemplifies the Naga way of life, celebrating the rich cultural heritage of the Naga people along with the rest of the Northeastern states, showcasing the Naga unity and their oneness under a spirit of solidarity.

“It is aimed at protecting, preserving and promoting the culture and heritage of the people, while creating opportunities for economic growth and employment generation. It is a platform that allows the creativity and innovation of our youth to blossom and flower while opening vistas for the entrepreneurs to pursue their aspirations,” added Rio.

Mentioning that the festival is a symbol of Brand Nagaland and the emerging Naga soft power, he said hundreds of events and dozens of international platforms take place over a period of ten days.

“It is a festival like no other. But at the core of it all are the cultural displays. The cultural ambassadors representing the tribes of Nagaland and from the different states of the Northeast and even the mainland are the heart and soul of the Hornbill Festival. The traditional tribal dormitories, known as Morungs, take us back millennia, depicting the Naga way of life since time immemorial,” he added.

The Government of India has acknowledged the uniqueness of Naga history and culture, he said adding that Prime Minister Narendra Modi during the signing of the Framework Agreement in 2015 had said the Naga courage and commitment are legendary, and equally the Nagas represent the highest levels of humanism. Nagas, in the words of the Prime Minister, are the guardians of the eastern frontier and our gateway to the world beyond, Rio stated.

The Chief Minister also said Nagas aspire for genuine peace and are hopeful that with the successful conclusion of the peace process, the contributions of the Nagas in the march forward of this great nation will only increase, and Nagas will be able to play a contributory role in the interest of humanity on the global stage.

He also sought the support and prayers of all the friends and well-wishers towards the Nagas’ collective dream of realising genuine peace and long-term progress.

Rio further extended his appreciation to all the institutions, corporate sponsors, sister festivals and well-wishers for partnering with Nagaland and to the Government of India for their constant support not just in the tourism arena but across all developmental sectors.

The Vice President of India was accompanied by his wife Dr Sudesh Dhankhar. Other dignitaries present were Emmanuel Lenain, Ambassador of France to India, Barry O’Farrell AO, Australian High Commissioner to India, and Alan Gemmell, British Deputy High Commissioner for Western India.