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ADDRESS BY THE HON’BLE PRESIDENT OF INDIA,
SMT DROUPADI MURMU

AT THE CIVIC RECEPTION AND INAUGURATION / FOUNDATION
STONE LAYING OF VARIOUS PROJECTS AT KOHIMA,
NAGALAND
Kohima, November 2, 2022
It is a great privilege to visit your beautiful state. I am deeply touched

by the warm reception accorded to me by the Government and
people of Nagaland. I thank you all for your love and affection.
This is my second visit to the North-East in less than a month. This

highlights the new national commitment to the people of the region. I
am happy that my visit to Nagaland has coincided with the
inauguration of various projects related to education, road
infrastructure and finance in the state. I am confident that these
projects will improve literacy and ease of living, and boost tourism
and the economy of the state. I congratulate Governor Professor
Jagdish Mukhi Ji, Chief Minister Shri Neiphui Rio Ji and his entire
team for the successful completion of these projects.
Ladies and Gentlemen,
In a few weeks, Nagaland will be celebrating sixty years of statehood.

While inaugurating the new state of Nagaland on First December
1963, my illustrious predecessor, Dr. S. Radhakrishnan had praised
the Naga people. I quote, “You have not only the qualities of loyalty,
valour and discipline but also the habits of industry, an innate sense
of beauty and artistic skill… I do hope that all the Naga people will
take the fullest advantage of the fresh opportunities afforded to them
and share in the building up of prosperity and progress in the
country.” [Unquote]
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I am happy to note that Nagaland has made significant progress on
various development parameters. I congratulate all successive
governments and the people of Nagaland on this occasion. As
Nagaland completes 60 years of statehood, I urge you all to
rededicate yourselves towards the goal of a more prosperous and
developed Nagaland.
There is a tremendous potential of tourism in Nagaland. The Naga

tribes are known for their vibrant culture and rich heritage that
exemplifies our motto of ‘Unity in Diversity'. Songs and dances, feasts
and festivals are an intrinsic part of Naga life. The Hornbill Festival
has become a popular platform for capturing and showcasing the
colourful and beautiful culture of the state. I convey my best wishes
for the success of the upcoming Hornbill Festival.
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 North-East Region. The
inauguration of several roads and bridges under the Pradhan Mantri
Gram Sadak Yojana today will give a new boost to the connectivity in
the region. I congratulate the Union Minister of Road, Transport &
Highways, Shri Nitin Gadkari Ji and his team for the completion of
these projects.
The dynamic youth of Nagaland is immensely talented and creative.

With a literacy rate of over 80 per cent, 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. Providing the
youth a holistic education remains the key to help them achieve their
true potential. I am happy to inaugurate several schools and hostels
for girl-children, lay the foundation stone for Eklavya Model
Residential Schools, and launch the ‘smart classrooms’ project that
will give further impetus to education in the state. I congratulate Union
Minister of Education, Shri Dharmendra Pradhan Ji, Minister of Tribal
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Affairs, Shri Arjun Munda Ji, the Government of Nagaland and
everyone associated with this initiative for the successful completion
of these projects.
I am confident that the new Treasury Building at the Capital Complex

will increase the convenience for carrying out government
transactions and will provide better service to the people of Nagaland.
Nagaland is a land of brave warriors. The indomitable spirit and

courage of the Naga soldiers has long been recognised as
exemplary. The nation is proud of the brave men and women of
Nagaland serving the Indian armed forces. Captain Neikezhakuo
Kenguruse and Sepoy Imliakum Ao, two great sons of Nagaland,
displayed exceptional valour and fierce determination in fighting the
enemy during the Kargil War. I look forward to visiting Kohima War
Cemetery tomorrow and pay homage to the brave soldiers who made
the supreme sacrifice while defending the nation.
Nagaland could be truly proud of institutionalising its traditional mode

of local self-governance through the Nagaland Village and Tribal
Councils Act of 1978. I have been told that today the Village Councils
and Village Development Boards are established modes of
decentralised governance all over Nagaland. When I visit Kigwema
village tomorrow, I am sure there will be a lot to learn from the
interaction with the Village Council members and the Self-Help
Groups there.
I am also happy to note 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.
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Nagaland has much to offer in agriculture and farm produce. I am
told that about 70 per cent of the agricultural practice in Nagaland is
traditional and organic. Indeed, the whole North-East 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. I am happy to know that three agro products – Naga
tree tomato, Naga cucumber and Naga Mircha –are G.I. tagged. The
opening of ‘Naturally Nagaland’ outlets by the state government has
provided a new platform to local entrepreneurs, farmers and weavers
to sell traditional handicrafts and handlooms, the beautiful Naga
shawls and varieties of organic products.
I am told that the literacy rate among women in the state is higher
than the national average and Nagaland is the safest place for
women in the country. This demonstrates the high respect given to
the women in the Naga society. I congratulate Smt Phangnon Konyak
on becoming the first woman to be elected to the Rajya Sabha from
Nagaland. I would urge women of Nagaland to come forward and get
more involved in public life. 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.
I am happy to note that the people of Nagaland today stand for peace
and prosperity, dialogue and development.
In the end, I thank you again for the warm reception, which has really
touched my heart. I would like to thank the Chief Minister, Shri
Neiphui Rio Ji and the Government of Nagaland – and above all, the
people of Nagaland – for your warmth and hospitality. I will always
remember it with affection.
Thank you,
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Jai Hind!
Jai Bharat!

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ADDRESS BY THE HON’BLE PRESIDENT OF INDIA,

SMT DROUPADI MURMU

Kohima, November 2, 2022

It is a great privilege to visit your beautiful state. I am deeply touched

This is my second visit to the North-East in less than a month. This

Ladies and Gentlemen,

In a few weeks, Nagaland will be celebrating sixty years of statehood.

Ladies and Gentlemen,

There is a tremendous potential of tourism in Nagaland. The Naga

The development of infrastructure is a key parameter for the growth

The dynamic youth of Nagaland is immensely talented and creative.

I am confident that the new Treasury Building at the Capital Complex

Ladies and Gentlemen,

Nagaland is a land of brave warriors. The indomitable spirit and

Nagaland could be truly proud of institutionalising its traditional mode

I am also happy to note that Nagaland has introduced the pioneering

Ladies and Gentlemen,

Ladies and Gentlemen,

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