Dimapur, Oct. 3 (EMN): ANMA Integrated Development Association (AIDA), a development wing of Salesians of Don Bosco, Dimapur Province, has launched the SBI Gram Seva project in five villages namely Ura, Bade, Diezephe, Khrizephe and Tsithrongse under Chümoukedima sub-division in Dimapur district on October 2.
SBI Gram Seva programme is an initiative of SBI Foundation which was started in 2015. SBI Foundation has adopted 25 villages from five states of India namely Nagaland, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Telangana and Karnataka for rural development, an update from SBI stated on Saturday.
It stated that SBI Gram Seva would be strategically implemented by AIDA Don Bosco in Nagaland for three years from 2020 to 2023. It is a convergence programme of various stakeholders like SBI Foundation and AIDA, which would be closely working with the Gram Panchayats.
The programme was launched in the presence of Thejavizo Nakhro, SDO of Chümoukedima sub-division; Abhinash Hembrom, AGM of SBI regional office; and other dignitaries.
Delivering the keynote address, Nakhro stressed on the importance of integrated rural development approach in the social economic development of any society saying, “The future of India lies in its villages” while quoting Mahatma Gandhi.
He exhorted the representatives of the adopted villages to collaborate and co-operate with AIDA in implementing the programme. He also assured to give handholding support from the government departments to make model villages in the long run of the Gram Seva programme and also to the implementing agency AIDA.
Also speaking on the occasion, Abhinash expressed hope that SBI would enable in changing rural lives beyond banking and also assured SBI’s support in the initiatives.
Rev. Thejaguliie, pastor of CRC, Diezephe, said the invocation followed by lighting of the lamp by Rev Fr. TT Joseph, mission procurator of the province of Dimapur and associate director of AIDA. Joseph also welcomed all the dignitaries and representatives from the five adopted villages.Pfokho John, AIDA project manager, highlighted the works of AIDA and the major programmes of SBI Gram Seva.
Virtual addresses by SBI Foundation and senior officials from SBI local head offices were the other highlights of the programme. Athone Khuso proposed the vote of thanks, while Rev. Fr. Peter Pithungo, assistant parish priest of St. Joseph Catholic Church, Chümoukedima, said the benediction.
Later, Nakhro planted a tree sapling in the presence of all the people present to mark the occasion.