Union Home Minister describes Hornbill festival as ‘enchanting’

Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh today described Hornbill Festival of Nagaland as “Enchanting festival,” which marks the onset of the festive season in the state charms not only visitors from the rest of India but also from all over the world.

“It is a prominent landmark in the socio-cultural progression of the people of Nagaland and presents a spectacular show of unity in diversity,” Singh said while addressing the eight day of the Hornbill Festival of Nagaland here at Naga Heritage Village, Kisama.  

Stating that it is an occasion for Nagaland to look ahead to the future, he said “Nagaland, with its rich natural resources and talented people, has limitless possibilities. Enduring peace can help realize the immense potential for economic gains, jobs and prosperity,” Union Home Minister said.  

He also maintained that tourism can be a major driver of growth.  

Singh appreciated the visionary leaders of Nagaland who conceived such a brilliant idea of the Hornbill festival and also those who have not only helped it grow into a marketable institution of socio-cultural bonding but also enriched it with adding layers of modernity, music, art, fashion and beauty pageants.  

He said the festival with participation of tribes from Manipur, Arunachal Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh truly symbolizes the strength of our nation- the feeling of unity in diversity in the true spirit of “Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat.”  

Mentionably, December 2 was set aside as North East Day during Hornbill Festival in which all the north eastern states participated.   Singh congratulated all participants and performers for putting together such a brilliant display of the best of Naga dance and music and the kind of hospitality and richness of culture experienced.   While appreciating the role of girls of Nagaland in various walks of life, he encouraged them to continue their efforts.  

He also commended the role of the state government in raising Nagaland’s 15th IRB (Mahila battalion) and setting up women police stations in Kohima and Dimapur for safety, security and empowerment of women.   Union home minister also admired the role of Naga Regiment and IRB boys who are playing a critical role in combating Left Wing extremism in affected area of Chhattisgarh, West Bengal, Odisha and Jharkhand.  

He said the Naga boys are excelling themselves in the fields ranging from fashion to music to crafts and said that the country is proud of them.   After his, address, the Union Home Minister also visited 2nd World War Museum at Kisama, exhibition stalls and morungs.

Morung Express News