DIPR
Dimapur, December 9
Governor PB Acharya today visited Kigwema and Phesama villages along with his guests from Maharashtra.
While addressing the crowd at Kigwema, he imparted two messages to the people. First, to preserve forest and wild life, and suggested the observation of a day as “Birds Day”. Second, that the people should be broad-minded in accommodating developmental programmes of the government. In this regard he officiated the two villages of Kigwema and Phesama for donating lands at Kisama. The Governor also reiterated his 3Es principle Education, Electricity and Employment as the keys to development and stated that with honesty the state and entire North East Region can develop. He referred to the emphasis of the Prime Minister of India on the NE Region since the Prime Minister had stated that “unless North East Region develops India cannot develop”.
The Governor during the interactive session with the people of Kigwema enquired as to whether the welfare schemes and programmes of the state are reaching the people or not. He said that the programmes of the Government of India are for the needy people and for all and therefore only a few people should not be benefited. He was of the conviction that when only a few become rich it is the root of Naxalism in the society. He therefore called upon the people to feel free and interact with him and said that he has not come to Nagaland as Governor of Nagaland for enjoyment or to be in an ivory tower. He also declared that the Raj Bhavan is opened to the people.
The Governor proposed that the village people of Kigwema and his guests from Maharashtra established fellowship links to which both the parties eagerly appreciated and agreed. The proposed fellowship links could be between the school in the village and a school in Mumbai and also between person to person for trips in connection to studies or treatments by hosting each other.
During the function, welcome address was delivered by the Chairman of Kigwema Village Council Thepfuralie Zutso in fluent Hindi, over which the Governor was highly impressed and remarked that it is a proof of National Integration. The guests also presented two songs in expression of joy and solidarity. However, the village could not present any entertainment items owing to the demise of one of its GBs the previous night. The Governor’s reaction to the sad news was that he suggested for one minute silence by the gathering and was observed accordingly. The solidarity shown by the Head of the State with his people was a touching sentiment for the people.
Parliamentary Secretary Government of Nagaland Vety & AH and Treasuries & Accounts, Er. Vikho-o Yhoshu who is the MLA from the village also expressed his happiness that the Governor had made his village for his maiden visits to the villages. The Parliamentary Secretary also led the singing of the Kigwema village Anthem during the function. The meeting was chaired by Principal Secretary Government of Nagaland for Forest & Environment N.W. Zhasa.
The Governor entourage move from Kigwema village to Phesama village for another short interactive function. At Phesama the Governor shared the same views expressed at Kigwema village on the 3Es preservation of forest and wild life, the Prime Ministers concern for NE states and on the fellowship exchange programmes and urged the people to march forward shoulder to shoulder with other states. He was of the view that the state has natural resources and talents including spirituality and can develop with speed in peaceful atmosphere. He expressed optimism that under the Prime Ministership of Narendra Modi, India will be an economic super power and the NE states shall equally develop with his concern over the region. The Governor asserted that the inauguration of the Hornbill Festival by the Prime Minister is the indication to his concern.
During the function at Phesama Dr. Vilhousa Seleyi speaking on behalf of the village presented to the Governor, issues of concern such as preservation of the reserve forest which is of about 16 square kms and serves as the tourist attraction spot and the source for water supply to the village and Kohima town.
The second issue of concern and suggestion was for construction of Hornbill Guests Hostel where the tribal cultural troupes could be accommodated. The next request placed with the Governor was for the construction of stadium at the incomplete ground for the Phesama Youth Organisation.
During the function the guests as well as the host village presented special songs. The Chairmanof Phesama Village Council Vimedo Chuse delivered the welcome address while Dr. Joseph M. Angami chaired the function and also proposed the vote of thanks. The function was followed by a lunch of Naga local cuisines.
Along with the rest of the country, Rajya Sanik Board celebrated “Armed Forces Flag Day” with the Governor and his lady wife, Kavita Acharya at Rajya Sanik Bhavan, Konia today.
Speaking on the occasion the Governor, P.B Acharya paid rich tribute to the valiant soldiers who made supreme sacrifices for the defense of our motherland he reminded the citizens to remember the great souls who sacrificed their life for the country. He also saluted the veterans and brave ex-servicemen for their immense contribution to the citizens. On the occasion the Governor complimented all the ex-servicemen of Nagaland in particular and the country in general.
Stressing on the significance of the celebration, RSB, Secretary, Brig K. K Roy Choudhury SM, VSM (Retd.) said that the Flag day was commemorated throughout the month which was decided by the Defence committee of cabinet in July 1948 to honour and remember their services rendered by personnel of Army, Navy and Air Force and to enlist the public co-operation and support for the basic purposes of rehabilitation of families of battle casualties, welfare of serving personnel and their families and resettlement and welfare of ex-servicemen and their families in general, he said.
He also stated that on this occasion, the citizens and volunteer organisations collect donations in exchange of token flags and car stickers throughout the country and added that token flags and car flags in red, navy blue and light blue colours representing the three services were distributed to the public through Rajya/Zila Sainik boards in return for donations.
The Secretary RSB expressed his gratitude to the Governor of Nagaland for showing his magnanimity to the ex-servicemen. The Lady wife of RSB, Secretary, Niledita Roy Choudhury distributed token flags and car flags to the gatherings.
