‘It is our turn to make Nagaland progressive’

Chizokho Vero
Kohima | March 25

The new Governor of Nagaland Ashwani Kumar was today accorded a warm welcome to the “Land of Festivals,” at the NBCC Convention Centre in Kohima.

Kumar, who was sworn in as the 19th Governor of Nagaland on March 21, assured the people of Nagaland that he will try his best to meet the expectations of the people and do “everything it takes” to bring peace and progress to Nagaland.

Expressing happiness on his appointment as Governor of Nagaland, Kumar said that as soon as he set foot on this land, it has been a big festival with warm welcomes in Dimapur and Kohima. “My hands go up in prayer to the Almighty for having sent me to this wonderful place,” Kumar said at the civic reception programme organized by Kohima Municipal Council (KMC) and Angami Public Organization (APO) here today.

“I must tell you that your views, comments and concerns will neither be taken lightly by me nor taken for granted, Kumar said. He also pledged to the people of Nagaland, “I, with the aid and advice of my government, will do everything to fulfill your needs to the best of our ability, and we promise to work continuously for your welfare and safety.” 

Stating that the people of Kohima and the brave warriors of Nagaland have a great history and a glorious past, he said, “The war memorials dotting the state, the dress of Nagas, the traditions of Nagas, all bear testimony to the courage and valor of the people of this great land.”

He said India is a great nation and one of the reasons for its greatness is its rich tradition and variety of cultures. “The sun rises in the east every morning and in the east we have the state of Nagaland – with so many colourful people, such rich tribal traditions and such variety of cultures, every tribe has its own uniqueness,” he added.

Stating that Kohima is the symbol of Nagaland, which has welcomed and accommodated so many tribes, so many people of different origins, not just from Nagaland, but so many other states of India, as well as other countries of the world, he pointed out one is amazed at its capacity. 

“When people tried to come using force, Kohima stood up as one man to halt their advance permanently, Kumar maintained. “People who come with peaceful intentions are welcomed. Such visitors are fascinated by the beauty of the place, its dances, its music and songs.” In this, the Governor thanked the Naga ancestors and the great leaders of the past who had brought the Nagas up in the way they are today.

“We now look forward to our young men and women for taking these traditions and this culture to newer heights and spreading it all over the world,” he said.

Stating that Naga warriors fought enemies and sacrificed their lives for the land and the country, he said, “We remember them with pride. Now it is our turn to make Nagaland the most progressive state of the country.” It is possible, he asserted and added “we have such rich traditions, variety of cultures, forests, flora and fauna, good climate and talented youth.”

“I ask myself why can’t Nagaland become the most peaceful and the happiest state of the Indian union?” he said, adding that the key to happiness lies in peace.

He expressed hope that the Chief Minister, the Church and the people will agree that through “our collective efforts we can bring about peace.” He further pointed out, “It has been said that unity is peace. If we have peace we will have progress. If industry comes we will have greater opportunities and perhaps better quality of life.” 

Pointing out that “Kohima has grown from a small village to a bigger village, to a town and now it is growing to be a city,” he stressed on the need to make Kohima clean, green and more beautiful. “Nature has already given us so much. We all need to help the Municipality to keep Kohima clean and to construct more aesthetically designed houses,” he said.