President of India Pratibha Patil interacting with the public at the reception, which was held in her honour at Kisama Heritage village today, March 10. (DIPR Photo)
Kohima | March 10 : After paying a two-day visit to Nagaland, President of India Pratibha Devisingh Patil expressed her happiness to be in Kohima, ‘the beautiful capital of Nagaland’, adding that the warm, colorful and proud population of the state along with its immense natural beauty has made an everlasting impression on her. Patil visited Nagaland before, however, this is her first visit as President.
Clad in colouful Naga traditional dresses at the public reception programme at Kisama today, she conveyed greetings and good wishes to all the people of Nagaland. “We respect the people of Nagaland and their culture,” Patil said. The President said she was touched by the warm welcome and colorful reception the people of Nagaland have accorded to her.
“On account of its mountains, picturesque landscape, forests and greenery, Nagaland is often referred as the “Switzerland of the East.” The majestic peaks Saramati and Japfu, which has the tallest Rhododendron tree in the world, I am sure will inspire people to scale new heights of progress and achieve new levels of prosperity,” she said.
Patil maintained that already a land where there are festivals for every season, development and growth can further add greatly to the many joyous celebrations. She also asserted that the Hornbill Festival held every year at Kisama, not only showcases the rich traditions of Nagaland, but is also a celebration of the potential for the future.
In the meantime, Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio said the riot of colours, the festivities and the smiling faces mirror the gaiety and the joy that fills “our hearts on your visit to our land” and hoped that the President will go back fond memories of her visit to Nagaland. Governor Nikhil Kumar was optimistic that the performances of culture and lifestyle of Nagas by various tribes in her honour will provide her an enjoyable insight into our culture and heritage.
Kumar recalled that every time he had privileged to call upon the President, she unfailingly asked him about people of Nagaland and their welfare and expressed her keen desire to see them prosperous, happy and on course to achieving greater well being. “Her visit shows her inherent interest in our state,” Kumar added.
Clad in colouful Naga traditional dresses at the public reception programme at Kisama today, she conveyed greetings and good wishes to all the people of Nagaland. “We respect the people of Nagaland and their culture,” Patil said. The President said she was touched by the warm welcome and colorful reception the people of Nagaland have accorded to her.
“On account of its mountains, picturesque landscape, forests and greenery, Nagaland is often referred as the “Switzerland of the East.” The majestic peaks Saramati and Japfu, which has the tallest Rhododendron tree in the world, I am sure will inspire people to scale new heights of progress and achieve new levels of prosperity,” she said.
Patil maintained that already a land where there are festivals for every season, development and growth can further add greatly to the many joyous celebrations. She also asserted that the Hornbill Festival held every year at Kisama, not only showcases the rich traditions of Nagaland, but is also a celebration of the potential for the future.
In the meantime, Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio said the riot of colours, the festivities and the smiling faces mirror the gaiety and the joy that fills “our hearts on your visit to our land” and hoped that the President will go back fond memories of her visit to Nagaland. Governor Nikhil Kumar was optimistic that the performances of culture and lifestyle of Nagas by various tribes in her honour will provide her an enjoyable insight into our culture and heritage.
Kumar recalled that every time he had privileged to call upon the President, she unfailingly asked him about people of Nagaland and their welfare and expressed her keen desire to see them prosperous, happy and on course to achieving greater well being. “Her visit shows her inherent interest in our state,” Kumar added.
Governor lauds effort to resolve Nagas differences
Our Correspondent
Kisama | March 10
Nagaland State Governor Nikhil Kumar today commended on the efforts of the Forum for Naga Reconciliation (FNR), State Legislatures, NGOs, Tribal Hohos, church leaders, member of civil society to resolve internal differences and forge a commonality of purpose and efforts to achieve peace.
In his address at a public reception for President Pratibha Devisingh Patil, the Governor said Nagaland has had a troubled past and the need of the hour is to use the asset in such a way as to convert the state into a haven of peace which will also help to facilitate all round development stating “for it is through such development that we can achieve progress”, adding that by pursing this aim and with God’s blessing “We” shall overcome all obstacles and deliver the people of Nagaland what is most deserved.
He also pointed out that India was on its way to achieving a growth rate which is universally expected to be the second fastest in the world that it is to be hoped that Nagaland state contributes to it and more importantly it benefits from the major success story where the aim is to usher in permanent peace in Nagaland state.
“The efforts of all of us should be aimed at ensuring of the success of the process to bring about peace and for this, all sections of society have to unitedly work towards it in a practical and realistic manner”, he said.
Overwhelmed by the presence of the President and her spouse, the Governor, said Nagaland is not only one of most beautiful states blessed with abundant natural beauty but is also a state rich in its unique culture and heritage, adding that the heritage is a mixture of the cultures of sixteen major tribes and other small tribes.
The Governor asserted that the selfless hospitality and unflinching attachment root that lies in the Naga village distinguishes the people of Nagaland putting in more that this loyalty of the roots is the basis of the dynamic community structure and democratic processes where everybody is happy and participative. He was even more impressive with the participation of the community in running public institutions witnessing democracy in its truest sense.
Our Correspondent
Kisama | March 10
Nagaland State Governor Nikhil Kumar today commended on the efforts of the Forum for Naga Reconciliation (FNR), State Legislatures, NGOs, Tribal Hohos, church leaders, member of civil society to resolve internal differences and forge a commonality of purpose and efforts to achieve peace.
In his address at a public reception for President Pratibha Devisingh Patil, the Governor said Nagaland has had a troubled past and the need of the hour is to use the asset in such a way as to convert the state into a haven of peace which will also help to facilitate all round development stating “for it is through such development that we can achieve progress”, adding that by pursing this aim and with God’s blessing “We” shall overcome all obstacles and deliver the people of Nagaland what is most deserved.
He also pointed out that India was on its way to achieving a growth rate which is universally expected to be the second fastest in the world that it is to be hoped that Nagaland state contributes to it and more importantly it benefits from the major success story where the aim is to usher in permanent peace in Nagaland state.
“The efforts of all of us should be aimed at ensuring of the success of the process to bring about peace and for this, all sections of society have to unitedly work towards it in a practical and realistic manner”, he said.
Overwhelmed by the presence of the President and her spouse, the Governor, said Nagaland is not only one of most beautiful states blessed with abundant natural beauty but is also a state rich in its unique culture and heritage, adding that the heritage is a mixture of the cultures of sixteen major tribes and other small tribes.
The Governor asserted that the selfless hospitality and unflinching attachment root that lies in the Naga village distinguishes the people of Nagaland putting in more that this loyalty of the roots is the basis of the dynamic community structure and democratic processes where everybody is happy and participative. He was even more impressive with the participation of the community in running public institutions witnessing democracy in its truest sense.
President urged to ‘save’ Intangki forest
Dimapur, March 10 (MExN): The intervention of President of India Pratibha Devisingh Patil is needed to save Intangki National Park from ‘private property’ mongers, about 2000 families of encroachers and the destruction being caused to the forest, Tenyimi Peoples’ Organization (TPO) stated today. The organization issued a copy of a letter addressed to the Head of State.
Representing Nagaland, Assam and Manipur states, the TPO said, “The sensitive, strategically located, ecosystem protected by Nature for millions of years, is under serious threat of rapid destruction.” Intangki National Park is 22, 202 Hectares in size (200 sq kms), situated in Peren district of Nagaland.
The TPO explained – “The sensitive, strategically located, ecosystem protected by nature for millions of years, is under serious threat of rapid destruction. Over 2000 family of encroachers have over the years illegally taken possession of extensive tracts of virgin forestland, sold off the timber trees and started to cultivate them. The arguments and excuses employed by them to justify their blanket violations of the provisions of the Nagaland Forest Act of 1968, and other laws related to protection of forests have no legal basis whatsoever.”
The TPO stated that human diversity and biodiversity are two extraordinary assets of northeast India “but they are often insufficiently recognized.” The impact from the accelerating changes taking place within and outside the region is turning the biodiversity assets into extremely difficult challenges, ‘which are increasingly beyond our control.’
The organization said the forest falls within the jurisdiction of “one of our constituent tribes.” The areas need the President’s urgent attention and consideration “for appropriate instruction to the concerned authorities in your Government.”
The TPO also broached the issue from the angle of “Climate Change.” ‘Nagas too have understood the grim implications of Climate Change; they have also grasped the imperative need globally to stop the destruction of the green cover of the planet, and to increase it at all costs. That is where we too have a small part to play.’
The organization says that the ‘privileged responsibilities’ is on the Nagas to rally to ensure that the integrity of the eco-system nurtured within the forest is preserved without encroachment of any kind being allowed to degrade it further.
“We earnestly request your understanding of our determined attempt being made and your intervention so that the National Park may be saved before it is too late. We are clear, a national property such as this park becoming the private properties of individuals is out of the question,” the TPO said.
Representing Nagaland, Assam and Manipur states, the TPO said, “The sensitive, strategically located, ecosystem protected by Nature for millions of years, is under serious threat of rapid destruction.” Intangki National Park is 22, 202 Hectares in size (200 sq kms), situated in Peren district of Nagaland.
The TPO explained – “The sensitive, strategically located, ecosystem protected by nature for millions of years, is under serious threat of rapid destruction. Over 2000 family of encroachers have over the years illegally taken possession of extensive tracts of virgin forestland, sold off the timber trees and started to cultivate them. The arguments and excuses employed by them to justify their blanket violations of the provisions of the Nagaland Forest Act of 1968, and other laws related to protection of forests have no legal basis whatsoever.”
The TPO stated that human diversity and biodiversity are two extraordinary assets of northeast India “but they are often insufficiently recognized.” The impact from the accelerating changes taking place within and outside the region is turning the biodiversity assets into extremely difficult challenges, ‘which are increasingly beyond our control.’
The organization said the forest falls within the jurisdiction of “one of our constituent tribes.” The areas need the President’s urgent attention and consideration “for appropriate instruction to the concerned authorities in your Government.”
The TPO also broached the issue from the angle of “Climate Change.” ‘Nagas too have understood the grim implications of Climate Change; they have also grasped the imperative need globally to stop the destruction of the green cover of the planet, and to increase it at all costs. That is where we too have a small part to play.’
The organization says that the ‘privileged responsibilities’ is on the Nagas to rally to ensure that the integrity of the eco-system nurtured within the forest is preserved without encroachment of any kind being allowed to degrade it further.
“We earnestly request your understanding of our determined attempt being made and your intervention so that the National Park may be saved before it is too late. We are clear, a national property such as this park becoming the private properties of individuals is out of the question,” the TPO said.
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