Dimapur, Feb. 24 : The governor of Nagaland has encouraged citizens to rear pets as the activity gives meaning and personal satisfaction to individuals besides reducing stress in people. Updates from the Raj Bhavan on Friday said that the governor said so during interactions with a forest official.
Assistant Conservator of Forest for Dimapur district, Obed Bohovi Swu called on the governor of Nagaland PB Acharya on February 24 at the Raj Bhavan in Kohima and “discussed the conservation of biodiversity in Nagaland,” according to the press release.
During the discussion, the update informed, the governor expressed “the need of saving our flora and fauna, our beautiful animals and birds.” He “urged the people not to kill them” and also asked the Forest department to “bring up proper measures” to motivate younger generation to conserve nature.
Further, the governor encouraged rearing ‘pet domestic animals and birds’ because they reduce stress. Besides, caring for animals gives individuals personal satisfaction from the understanding that comes with living in harmony with nature.“He also stated that, as the bulk of Nagaland’s forests fall in community owned areas, a widespread and focused education initiative on nature conservation becomes imperative for various stakeholder groups like the church, schools, markets and villages,” the press release stated.
Another matter that Acharya was said to have emphasized was on the development of programmes to train Naga youth as “animals watching guides” to meet the growing demand for such guides, and to provide these prospective youths with alternate employment.
The governor presented, as a token of this idea, two rabbits reared in Raj Bhavan to the assistant conservator of Forest “for his personal home rearing as a model,” the note added.
Governor greets Hindu and Angami communities
Governor PB Acharya has greeted the Hindu community on the occasion of Maha Shivaratri on February 24 and the Angami community on Sekrenyi which is celebrated on February 25.
Acharya said Maha Shivaratri is a festival, which means “the Great Night of Shiva” celebrated annually in honour of the God Shiva. It is a major festival in Hinduism, but one that is solemn and marks a remembrance of “overcoming darkness and ignorance” in life and the world. It is observed by remembering Shiva and chanting prayers, fasting, doing yoga and meditating on ethics and virtues such as self-restraint, honesty, no injury to others, forgiveness and the discovery of Shiva.
Lakhs of Hindus visit lord Shiva temples or go on pilgrimage to Jyotirlingams. Unlike most Hindu festivals which are celebrated during the day, the Maha Shivaratri is celebrated at night. Furthermore, unlike other festivals which include expression of cultural revelry, Maha Shivaratri is a solemn event notable for its introspective focus, fasting, participation and meditation on lord Shiva, self study, social harmony.
Acharya also greeted the Angami community on the occasion of the Sekrenyi, the festival of purification which normally falls on the 25th day of the Angami month of “Kezei.” The ten-day festival is also called Phousanyi by the Angamis. He said the festival is an occasion to showcase culture and traditions that has been preserved from time immemorial. He hoped that the festival will strengthen the bond of love and unity among the Angami community in particular and Nagas in general.
On the occasion of both Maha Shivaratri and Sekrenyi festival, Governor conveyed best wishes and hoped that the Almighty God will continue to bestow abundant blessings upon the people of the State and country as well.
