DIMAPUR, JAN 25 (MExN): Barely a few hours before his term ends, outgoing Governor Shyamal Datta observed that during his tenure as Governor he had regarded Nagaland, with its myriad tribes with their resplendent culture, as a land of diversity. “I am convinced that we can manage such diversity only through a mindset which is tolerant, broad in vision, and values peace resolution of differences”, Datta stated in his message on the occasion of Republic Day, 2007.
Basing on his observation spanning five years of his experience with the people, Datta stated that Nagas are talented in various fields and that with sustained focus and labour, the Naga people can successfully exploit the opportunities in the changing world around them.
However, for this to happen, the thirst for peace has to be quenched by stopping the factional violence. “Violence has never borne fruit. Rather, it torments and hurts the society, restricting the people from rising to their full potential. The time has come when those indulging in the game of killings and one up-manship, should step back and listen to the inner voice of the people”, Datta strongly propagated while adding that “if we have faith in human goodness, we can find solution to any problem”.
Pointing out that to realize their ‘dreams’ and ‘destiny’, people have to work hard with a sense of purpose “to shape our own future”. While stating that the world was being shaped by the forces of globalization and technology, Datta pointed out that Nagaland is inherently strong because of its rich natural and mineral resources and unique practices, being followed in different areas and fields of operation. “This core strength needs to be harnessed so that scopes are created out of it, for the employment of the growing numbers of our unemployed youths”, Datta stated.
Simultaneously, there was an imperative need for an urgent attention to address “inadequacies” that weaken the institutions and systems. “What is also required is enlisting participation of the people in the process of development so that they can play direct role in the transformation of our society”.
On economy, Datta pointed out that it needs to deliver more benefits to more of its citizens and its government must become more transparent, open and honest. This, he stated will require reform of bureaucratic procedures, work culture, education system, infrastructure etc. “The tendency to prefer the status quo to remain, is the worst option for the status quo benefits the vested interest”.
In this regard, Datta described the Right to Information Act as a powerful weapon in the hands of the people to ensure that various instruments of government remain on track and the society develops greater vigilance. “If you want to make a leap from under-developed to developing, the economy has to be put into high orbit of growth, and attend to the serious social tasks to make the society strong socially, morally and economically”, Datta reminded.
Datta also pointed out that women, in horticulture, in floriculture and in a variety of services including public leadership, will have to play an important role in the State’s future progress. “Tradition gives us a sense of identity, but it is not cast in stone. Tradition is lived through the people and is subject to reinterpretation with the changing times”. Datta stated that the setting up of the Nagaland Women Commission, the provision for reservation of wards for women in the State’s municipalities and for a woman member in the NPSC will enable women to contribute more to the progress of the Naga society. “In addition, what we urgently require is the return of a woman candidate through popular vote to the State Legislative Assembly”, Datta pointed out and wished the people of the “beautiful State, success in the quest of peace and economic progress”.
