Benreu (Peren), Oct 31 (MExN): Governor Shyamal Datta has appealed to preserve and maintain the abundant gift of beautiful nature endowed on Nagaland and to bring the State on to the tourist map of the world.
“You can flirt with nature all the time but do not take liberty of nature. Preserve and maintain ecology also,” Datta said at the launching of Mt. Pauna Tourist Village at Benreu under Peren district this morning which also coincided with the Lamsimnyi festival of the Zeliang community. Datta emphatically stressed on preserving ecology pointing out that ecology and economy revolves round the progress of the society. “Above all economy and ecology has to march hand in hand”.
On the significance of giving gifts, Datta said that “God has given to all of us Mt Pauna as a tourist village. Maintain it to make God happy so that future prosperity will be assured”.
The Governor also urged that the womenfolk should be more involved pointing out that “they are better than man to make things change”. In connection with the festival where women folks abstain from witnessing the sports event and remain in their houses as it is believed that their presence ‘may bring bad luck or some injury’ on their menfolk during the competition, the Governor in a lighter vein remarked that men would compete better if women see the competition.
Datta however expressed displeasure over the dismal road condition of the tourist village and cautioned that unless ‘infrastructure of connectivity’ is improved, the prospects of the much-hyped tourist village would always remain doubtful.
He however assured the people of Benreu village to take up the issue with the NEC. He also said that in the remaining term as Governor of the state, he would take up other issues worth for the people and the State.
In his address to the first oversea tourists from Italy, Datta conveyed his wishes wherein he termed Nagaland as a land of beauty and warm hospitality.
He has also conveyed the message for them to carry home the beautiful land and people of Nagaland.
State Legislative Assembly Speaker, Kiyaneilie Peseyie, who was the guest of honour, enlightened the gathering on the significance of tourism which according to him is one the largest emerging industry in the world. He appealed to people to harness peace, adding that unless a congenial atmosphere prevails, the tourist village would fail to live up to its name. He warned that a chaotic society would never progress in any area.
Among other dignitaries present on the occasion included MLAs Kaito, Vatsu Meru, MC Konyak, Deo Nukhu, K Therie, governmental officials, Dennis Zeliang-President Zeliangrong Baudi (Hoho). Cultural extravaganza following the inaugural function was the highlight of the day.
The inaugural function was chaired by Kaito, Parliamentary Secretary Tourism and Women Development. Datta unveiled the inaugural stone in the presence of village elders. The occasion was also marked by traditional gate pulling.
Mount Pauna, the third highest mountain in Nagaland, stands majestic along the resplendent Benreu range speaking volumes of the splendid geographical heritages of Peren district. Pauna range is a natural museum of herbs and medicinal plants like Ginseng, Taxus baccata etc.
Langsimnyi festival is celebrated during the last part of October. This is the time when young boys and young married husbands prepare and compete in various indigenous sports like, wrestling, long jump, shot put (of different sizes of boulders), high jump, hedau, etc.
During the festival, the best foods are prepared in each household, which are offered by parents, children, brothers and sisters, maternal uncles, nieces; etc (called kwakpwa and tamram) which is a symbol of rekindling special bonds which they share.
