Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio and German Consulate General, Kolkata, Barbara Voss with participants of the World War-II Vintage Motor Car Rally at Kisama on December 2. (DIPR Photo)
KOHIMA, DECEMBER 2 (MExN): The World War-II Peace Rally, which was flagged off by Advisor of Industries & Commerce, Hekani Jakhalu, from Nagaland Adventure & Motor Sports Association (NAMSA) Sovima, Chümoukedima culminated at WWII Museum Complex, Kisama Heritage Village on with German Consulate General, Kolkata, Barbara Voss as the chief guest.
The brainchild of Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio, this annual rally, organized by NAMSA since 2011, commemorates the Battle of Kohima, aiming to spread the message of peace and unity, a DIPR report stated.
During the flagging off ceremony, Jakhalu expressed her honour and happiness to be part of this long-standing event. She emphasized that the rally's objective is to convey a message of peace and unity, not only among the Naga people but globally. Beyond the Hornbill Festival, she stressed the importance of showcasing Nagaland as a state that promotes peace and unity. Jakhalu also revealed plans for the event's 25th anniversary next year, anticipating a larger scale.
The rally commenced with a prayer led by Pastor Zhau Sanchu of Christian Revival Church, Sovima. The rally will make official stops at Midway Resort, Piphema, and the Commonwealth War Grave, concluding at the WW-II Museum, Heritage Village, Kisama.
Speaking at the culmination programme, German Consulate General, Kolkata, Barbara Voss who was the chief guest expressed her appreciation and lauded the idea of introducing the WWII Peace Rally as part of the Hornbill festival. She also thanked the Government of Nagaland for inviting the German Band to showcase their music in the festival.
Voss also mentioned the importance of partnerships and collaboration between the two in the areas of common interest. She said Nagaland was not only a "Land of festivals, beauty and wonderful people but also a land of surprises."
She wondered how the vehicles used in the rally have been maintaining over the years and bringing it to live. She hoped that the message of peace propagating through this event be further propagated around the world.
Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio said the Hornbill Festival was not only showcasing the rich culture and traditions of the Nagas but also showcasing the reminiscence of the past history by organising the WW-II Peace Rally as part of the festival. He acknowledged the participants for their sacrifices and participation in the rally.
Chairman, NAMSA and Adviser to CM & Chairman, IDAN, Abu Metha in his introductory remarks said the rally not only propagates the message of peace, unity and universal brotherhood to the world but also adds more value, beauty and significance to the festival.
Metha also recalled that the Battle of Kohima has changed the course of history. Its history and experiences have been used to propagate peace and unity to every part of the world, he said.
Altogether, 21 vehicles vied for the rally including 12 vehicles from Dimapur and 9 from Kohima. Participants from Slovakia and Germany also took part in the rally.
