Balancing Cultural Diplomacy with the Urgent Needs of Governance

While it is important to preserve the cultural heritage and traditions passed down by our forefathers, we must also ask ourselves whether it would be more beneficial for our people if our Chief Minister devoted greater time and resources to the development of our state. Cultural promotion has its rightful place, but governance must always prioritise the pressing needs of the citizens, especially in a state where development indicators continue to demand urgent and focused attention.

In recent times, the Chief Minister has travelled extensively—particularly in connection with the Hornbill Festival—seeking international partnerships and presenting Naga culture on global platforms. Ireland has already been announced as the official Country Partner for the Hornbill Festival 2025, a significant milestone announced jointly by Nagaland Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio and Irish Ambassador Kevin Kelly at the Naga House in New Delhi. Most recently, Austria and Malta have also joined as partner countries for the upcoming festival. Such developments indeed showcase Nagaland’s growing visibility on the world stage and open doors for cultural exchange and potential tourism opportunities.

However, we must also assess the practical implications of these engagements. While these international collaborations may bring prestige and certain economic prospects, it is equally important to reflect on whether frequent foreign travels justify the expenditure of time, state resources, and administrative attention. For a state like ours, tourism has a huge potential—so promote sustainable tourism and not just limit it to 10 days where hundreds of crores of rupees are spent. If cultural diplomacy is to be fruitful, it must translate into long-term, inclusive growth rather than remain confined to grand events that benefit only a limited segment of the population.

Nagaland continues to face challenges that require sustained, hands-on governance: improving road connectivity and infrastructure, strengthening healthcare facilities, enhancing education systems, addressing unemployment, ensuring transparency and accountability in administration, and building economic resilience. These issues cannot be effectively addressed through tourism alone; they require consistent leadership from within the state, thoughtful policymaking, and the efficient use of public funds.

While global partnerships may enrich our cultural identity and open avenues for international cooperation, prudence must guide how often and how far our leaders travel. A balanced approach— one that upholds our vibrant traditions while placing the well-being, development, and progress of our people at the forefront—would serve our state far better. Sustainable growth must remain the cornerstone of governance, and cultural diplomacy should complement, not overshadow, the urgent developmental needs that continue to define our reality.

A. Anato Swu

Satakha Town, Zunheboto