Limalenden Longkumer
Mokokchung | July 31
Nagaland is turning into a land of paupers; beggars without begging bowls. That is what Nagaland’s Minister of PHED Dr. Ngangshi Ao, observes. Addressing the people of Mokokchung during the “Prelude of Tsüngremong and State Road Show” today, Dr. Ngangshi also said that Naga society, both urban and rural, is not healthy.
He said that public sector undertakings suffer from many “inbuilt maladies” such as red-tape, nepotism “or whatever it is,” that many social and church organizations as well as individuals depend on donations. There are also extortions of different kinds from innumerable groups. “Unless these issues are addressed collectively, we shall continue to remain a very sick society,” he added.
Suggesting a remedial measure, he said that Nagas “should be wealth creators” which according to him can be achieved with hard work and a little bit of imagination. He underscored the need to encourage self-reliance, self-employment and entrepreneurship. “Nagas have a tendency to think of white collar jobs and government service as the end-all and nothing else. Our youngsters should take more challenges in life and launch into new frontiers of entrepreneurship.”
However he said that the most pressing problem facing each and every Naga is the protracted and unresolved political issue. “This political uncertainty is like a shadow which follows us everywhere.” He also recollected the 1951 Plebiscite whereby people gave the “mandate” to independence and sovereignty but lamented that “nothing seems forthcoming.” Saying that times have changed, the minister who was speaking as the chief guest, concluded that the Nagas must now “think and decide what is best for us.”
The much-hyped flagship program of the Government of Nagaland – Road Show – has finally reached Mokokchung, the third district to host the same, following Longleng and Tuensang. Coinciding with the major Ao Naga festival of Tsüngremong, the Road Show will be held on July 31 and August 1.
Dr. Ngangshi K. Ao today graced the ‘prelude’ of the show as chief guest while the state’s chief minister Neiphiu Rio will be the chief guest tomorrow. Conceived to serve as an interface for the public to interact with different governmental departments, the Road Show also highlights the various activities initiated by the departments, besides promoting local culture and traditions.
However, all does not seem to be well with the show, thanks to nature. Torrential rains the previous few days has left the venue, Imkongmeren Sports Complex, literally turned into a mud show, even as dark and lazy clouds remain in the sky. After all is done with the Road Show, the biggest task for the organizers would be to keep the venue as it actually is – a sports stadium.
A number of governmental departments are participating in the Road Show by displaying their activities in their respective stalls. Besides, there are also self help groups and societies participating. Cultural activities are also in plenty with more than a dozen cultural troupes participating. Awards for excellence in entrepreneurship, social service, literature and arts and craft will be presented tomorrow. There is also the solo competition and beat contest, adding some music to the event. The peculiarity of the Road Show in Mokokchung will be the Mayangnokcha Awards for Academic Excellence, tomorrow.
