Women will give new dimension to development journey of Nagaland, says President Murmu

Our Correspondent
Kohima, Nov. 2 (EMN): President of India, Droupadi Murmu, on Wednesday said Nagaland has come a long way in terms of development since the attainment of statehood on December 1, 1963, and urged the people to “rededicate” themselves towards the goal of a “more prosperous and developed” state.

Murmu, who is on a two-day visit to Nagaland, arrived at Dimapur airport on Wednesday afternoon before leaving for Kohima in a chopper to attend a civic reception accorded to her by the government of Nagaland.

Addressing the gathering during the civic reception at the Capital Cultural Hall in Kohima, she said: “I am happy to note that the people of Nagaland today stand for peace and prosperity, dialogue and development.”

She also urged women to come forward and involve more in public life, saying that empowered women bring development in society.

“If women are empowered, there is more development in society. Women lead with empathy, with care and they will give a new dimension to the development journey of Nagaland”, Murmu said.

She lauded the literacy rate of women in Nagaland, which is higher than the national average. “This demonstrates the high respect given to the women in the Naga society,” she said.

“The dynamic youth of Nagaland is immensely talented and creative. With a literacy rate of over 80%, the skilled young men and women of Nagaland, well-versed in the English language, are working in the IT, hospitality and other sectors across India,” Murmu noted.

“Providing the youth a holistic education remains the key to help them achieve their true potential,” said the president, who virtually inaugurated various projects related to education, road infrastructure and finance in the state.

She expressed hope that the projects would improve literacy, ease of living, and boost tourism and economy of the state.

There is a “tremendous potential” for tourism in Nagaland, she said.

‘The Hornbill Festival has become a popular platform for capturing and showcasing the colourful and beautiful culture of the state,’ she said and conveyed her best wishes for the success of the upcoming festival.

She added that the Naga tribes are known for their vibrant culture and rich heritage that exemplify the motto of ‘Unity in Diversity’. Songs and dances, feasts and festivals are an intrinsic part of Naga life.

“Nagaland is a land of brave warriors. The indomitable spirit and courage of the Naga soldiers have long been recognised as exemplary. The nation is proud of the brave men and women of Nagaland serving the Indian armed forces,” she observed.

Murmu said she has visited the Northeast twice in less than a month, which highlights the new national commitment to the people of the region. 

The development of infrastructure is a key parameter for the growth of a state. The ‘Act East Policy’ of the government of India focuses on the overall development of the Northeast region, she added.

‘Nagaland has much to offer in agriculture and farm produce. Indeed, the whole Northeast has the potential to become the organic food basket of the country. The good quality agro and horticultural produce of Nagaland has great demand in the market,’ she pointed out.

She said that Nagaland should be truly proud of institutionalising its traditional mode of local self-governance through the Nagaland Village and Tribal Councils Act of 1978. She further noted that Nagaland has introduced the pioneering concept of communitisation with the aim of building a partnership between the government and the community for the effective management of the public sector institutions to improve service delivery.

During her maiden two-day visit to the state after assuming the post of president, Murmu is expected to visit Kohima War Cemetery on Thursday and pay homage to the brave soldiers. She is also scheduled to visit Kigwema village and interact with the village council members and self-help groups.