Our Correspondent
Kisama | December 1
Nagaland today set another tourist destination with the inauguration of World War II Museum here at the Naga Heritage Village. Inaugurating the museum, Governor K. Sankaranarayanan was hopeful that the museum will become a landmark in the tourist map of Kohima and will also attract interest of researchers and history students. “This museum will also help students learn about the history of Kohima and the role played by soldiers in ensuring the future that we are living today,” the Governor said. Saying that, so far most of people had access to only the Commonwealth War Memorial and graves which were testimony to the sacrifices made by the brave soldiers of the 2nd British Division, he said “This museum will exhibit other aspects of the war and I am sure over a period of time with a better collection and more detailed documentation of the Battle of Kohima, it will become one of the best war museums in the world.”
Congratulating the state government for taken initiative, Governor was hopeful that the museum will reminds the people forever of the sacrifices made by the valiant soldiers as enunciated by the famous words on the war memorial, that goes “When you go home, tell them of us and say, for your tomorrow, we gave our today.”
“We all are aware of the importance of Battle of Kohima in the second world war and how it is proved to “The turning point in the war with Japan.” The period from April 4 to June 22, 1944 was crucial for the future of the whole world. It is befitting that this museum is being inaugurated today to immortalize the memories of the Second World War for the generations to come to remember the sacrifices of the valiant soldiers more than 60 years ago. I remember that Winston Churchill had said, “A nation that forgets its past has no future.” Stating that as we go through the various memorabilia exhibited in this museum we are also reminded of the damage war and battles cause to society and people in general, he said “Fortunately for us, the world order as shaped after the second world war and with the efforts of the United Nations, we have not had another fully bloom war. However, in the present day, we face the challenges of a war of another kind – of terrorism and attacks being planned and executed by fundamentalists.”
Saying that the nation is faced with serious challenges from terrorism and fundamentalists, he said “The recent terror attack in Mumbai needs to be condemned by one and all. Terrorists do not belong to any community or religion. They are enemies of the society and nation.”
Further, Governor stressed on the need to join hands and ensure that such events do not repeat and “we are able to defeat the evil designs of perpetrators of such violence.”
In his address, Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio said that despite the six decade old unresolved Naga political problem, the state has made tremendous strides on all fronts during the last 45 years. “While the developments in the fields of economic and infrastructures are quite impressive, it is in the area of human resource development that the transition has been more impressive,” he said,
Rio congratulated the art & art culture department and people of Nagaland for having the bright idea of having a Second World War Museum. “I want to say it is a bright idea, considering the fact that the only fame that Nagaland, or more particularly Kohima has on a global scale is “the battle of Kohima.” This “Battle of Kohima” has given Kohima and Nagaland a permanent place in the world’s history books.
The Chief Minister was optimistic that the museum will further enhance the attractiveness of Kohima and Nagaland as a tourist destination, both for Indian nationals and foreigners. “Let us also remember that we had constructed this war museum, not to glorify war, or to propagate the idea of philosophy of war, but to the contrary. This museum is intended to convey the folly of war, it costs and destructivity in terms of lives and properties, and to convey the need of building peace and brotherhood amongst mankind,” Rio said adding that the museum would also serve as a memorial for the those who had made the supreme sacrifice in defence of nations, to and to honour their memories, so that the younger generation may also imbibe the true spirit of sacrifice and patriotism, which is much needed toady.”
Earlier, the function was chaired by Yitachu, parliamentary secretary for tourism, art & culture and law and justice while vote of thanks was tendered by Chief Secretary Lalhuma.
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