Correspondent
KOHIMA, FEBRUARY 24
The crown Princess of Thailand, Her Royal Highness (HRH), Maha Chakri Sirindhorn, who is on a five-day visit to the Republic of India, will be arriving at Kohima on Tuesday.Briefing media persons on the royal visit at the state Chief Secretary’s conference hall, Kohima on Monday, Chief Secretary Banuo Z Jamir said the Princess will be accorded a civil reception at the Naga Heritage Village, Kisama Tuesday afternoon where she will grace the Sekrenyi festival of the Angami Nagas.
Jamir said the Princess, who is an avid educationist, culturist and a historian among others, will be observing the different culture of the Nagas and also visit places of historical importance in Nagaland during the royal visit.
Following the civil reception, Jamir informed that the 24-member Royal entourage will proceed to the World War II Museum at Kisama, where HRH will unveil a monolith to commemorate her visit to the state. A visit to the state Museum in Kohima is also scheduled, she said, adding, the Royal entourage will be entertained with Naga folk music as well as a medley of western music to be performed by renowned Naga artistes Tuesday evening at RCEMPA, Jotsoma.
The Chief Secretary stated that the royal visit to the state was preceded by a Thai ambassador team who scouted out for places of interest for the Princess’ visit and on this team’s recommendation, the royal entourage will be visiting Khonoma village on Wednesday to witness the historical location and traditional facets of the community.
Other places where HRH will be visiting on February 26 include the Kohima Cathedral, the Kohima War Cemetery where she will perform the ceremonial laying of wreaths, and the Nagaland University, Meriema Campus.
Jamir also informed that HRH, Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn, who is a state guest, had been offered to stay at the Raj Bhavan during her two-day stay in Kohima. However, she said the offer was turned down gracefully as the Princess wished to be in close quarters with the Royal entourage. The Royal entourage will be putting up at Hotel Vivor, Kohima, she said.
Before her departure on February 27, the Princess will be visiting the Nagaland Bamboo Resource Centre in Dimapur. The Princess, who is said to have an immense interest in the flora and fauna and agriculture of different places, will also be taking home saplings of Naga King Chilli and Yongchak beans to Thailand, it was informed.
Home Commissioner, Temjen Toy, who was also present at the press conference, said many people are apprehensive of how the State will benefit from the Royal visit. Towards this, he said besides cultural exchange, the State will gain exposure. He stated that the Royal visit is an official visit which is entirely coordinated by the Ministry of External Affairs.
It was learnt that the Royal entourage will have a media crew and the relay of events during the Royal visit in Nagaland will be broadcast in Thailand television.
