Morung Express news
Kohima | November 26
Imagi.Land, previously known as Children's Park, Kisama Heritage village was inaugurated by Abu Metha, Advisor to Chief Minister of Nagaland and Chairman of National Mountain Running Committee on November 26.
He said the aim of the state is to promote entrepreneur, private enterprise, innovation and creativity and in general to allow young people in Nagaland to pursue their dreams.
Metha said this keeping in mind that the world was becoming very competitive today. Young people have the capability and talent of achieving these heights at national or international levels.
The advisor meanwhile cited that an independent impact assessment carried out in 2019 revealed that having spent about less than Rs 10 crore for the Hornbill Festival, the economic impact was more than Rs 100 crore over a period of 10 days. It has generated more than eight thousand jobs.
This economy of the Hornbill Festival, as the state government envisions is to let it penetrate to the grassroot so that it reaches to the beneficiaries of the citizens. It is a priceless intellectual property of the state and a global brand to give an identity to the state which has been through sacrifice of everyone and must continue to do that.
Inauguration of a place as this is, the speaker opined is a symbol to send out a message to the people of the state that the Government believe in the dreams of young people. Metha said this government is willing to support the aspirations of the youth and is serious in this endeavour to support entrepreneurship be it here in Kohima or in other parts of the state.
“We have to allow and create an environment for young people to pursue their dreams. The dream and aspiration of the young people today must make the new Nagaland of tomorrow,” Metha pointed out.
He said if we are to realise and write a new narrative for Nagaland, young people need to be allowed and function in this way. The leaders of the day and government must pave this way through support and encouragement. Tomorrow this economic prospect should create a million job, he said.
Advisor for Tourism, Art and Culture and DPDB chairman, Khehovi Yepthomi while exhorting the attendance said the renovation of the children park was much needed and though it was initiated at a very short notice with limited budget, he said the Tourism Department and Imagi. Team played key roles for its successful implementation.
“This park is not only an exciting upgradation and addition during the Hornbill Festival but also something to look forward for many children and parents to entertain their children outside of organized activity, like school,” the Advisor said. He opined that parks not only benefit children but adults too as a simple walk in the park can significantly improve our moods and ability to concentrate.
“Greener views and surroundings, as well as time spent within green spaces offer numerous mental, physical and social developmental benefits and make individuals more ecologically aware and responsible citizens.”
Apart from the Hornbill Festival, the local communities are also largely benefitted, he said while encouraging the community to reap the benefits of this recreation and also ensure that the park is being maintained properly which is not possible without community engagement and support.
Veyielo Duolo, Additional Director, Tourism Department said the inauguration of Imagi.Land is an added entertainment to the Heritage Village. The Children Park will not only be a playing space for children but a place of learning, he said and hoped that more places of this concept will be introduced in other places.
