Dimapur, April 28 (DIPR): A civic reception was accorded to the Chief Minister of Nagaland TR Zeliang today on his arrival at Dimapur Airport from Bali, Indonesia after receiving the Lifetime Achievement Award in Transformation at the 6th Global Leadership Award on April 23, 2016.
Addressing the gathering, Zeliang said, "I share the award with the people of Nagaland" and added he was touched by the homecoming reception which manifested unity and solidarity amongst the Nagas.
Stating that he was taken aback on receiving an invitation from Bali to receive the award, the CM said questions such as how and why he deserved such prestigious global award came to his mind. He went on to say he was amazed at being selected to receive the award considering that Nagaland is a very small state compared to vast India.
After going through the credentials of the organization, he gave his acknowledgement to receive the award, Zeliang said. At the Global Leadership Award ceremony, although various categories of awards were given, Lifetime Achievement Award was presented to only three personalities, the other two being an American Professor and Speaker of Indonesian Parliament, Zeliang added.
The CM further said that the award, as told by the organizers, was conferred to him for being the leader of Nagaland state, which is one of the trouble torn states passing through many turbulent situations. The other two reasons were for garnering 100% votes during the confidence motion in the Assembly, and for the opposition less government in Nagaland, which is first of its kind in a democratic country.
Zeliang also expressed gratitude to the American Leadership Development Association and the international leaders for giving him the award and recognizing a Naga leader and political graph of his career and contribution in bringing positive changes in society. He said he was humbled by the experience and recognition of the Nagas by the outside world at this critical juncture of Nagas’ history and the search for sustainable peace.
Zeliang also informed about his interaction with the Princess, who is also the advisor to the king of Abu Dhabi and the Prince of Malaysia for investment in the Act East Policy of the GoI for the North East. The Princess, the CM said, promised to visit Nagaland to assess the ground realities and take the partnership further.
The CM also acknowledged God's blessing for the recognition bestowed upon him and the support of the 60 legislators, all mass based organizations and good wishes of the people. "Let us work together to bring permanent peace, better understanding, development and progress to our land," he concluded.
Naga Hoho President, Chuba Ozukum, opined that the international recognition given to the CM is a laurel for the entire Naga society. "Because of this, the civil society under the aegis of Naga Hoho and ENPO has organized the civic reception to extend fullest support and appreciation to our leader," he said. To be honoured with such prestigious award, Chuba maintained, one has to struggle, be sincere and honest in one’s profession. Zeliang has been recognized for all these traits, he added. Chuba further appealed to the Chief Minister to do his best in developing the state. Also speaking on the occasion, ENPO President, Khoiwang said it was a remarkable day for the Naga people. He was optimistic that Zeliang will work more for the betterment of Naga society in the future.
Advisor NMA, Rosemary Dzüvichu congratulated TR Zeliang on behalf of NMA and Naga women. She viewed that it was an eye opener for the Naga society that the whole world is observing the political and social struggle that Nagas are going through. She said under the leadership of Zeliang, Nagas will look forward to a society that does away with gender discrimination.
Legislators, Parliamentary Secretaries, civil societies, NGOs and hundreds of well wishers attended the civic reception.
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