Morung Express News Dimapur | September 14 A pledge to build a New India by 2022 was taken during Sankalp se Siddhi (Attainment through Resolve), a cultural event, which was held at the Stone Garden, NEZCC Complex in Diphupar on Thursday. Governor of Nagaland and Arunachal Pradesh PB Acharya who was the chief guest on the occasion administered the “New India Pledge” which among others pledged to build poverty and corruption free India. The New India pledge is a commemoration of 75 years of ‘Quit India Movement 1942’. Union Minister of State for Culture (I/C) & Minister of State for Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Dr. Mahesh Sharma attended the function as guest of honour. Speaking on the occasion, Nagaland Parliamentary Secretary for Art & Culture, Eshak Konyak, briefed on the activities of the Department and raised issues plaguing the department. Stating that the Naga culture is rich in diversity, Eshak expressed regret that the Department was unable to actively promote and preserve Naga culture. With villagers increasingly seeking better livelihood, the Naga traditional lifestyle is at threat of disappearing, Eshak noted and suggested that lexicons and museums be prepared to preserve the “precious” Naga culture. In this regard, Eshak called on the Union Minister of State to provide special assistance so that the department can implement and fulfill its targets. Union Minister of State Dr. Sharma acknowledged Eshak’s suggestions but did not give any assurances. He however pointed to the potential of tourism in Nagaland and the North East and ceded that much more can be done to improve the tourism sector.
