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Our Correspondent
Kohima, Jan. 26 (EMN): Chief Minister of Nagaland, Neiphiu Rio, stated that India had for the last seven decades taken significant strides in its collective journey for progress and development.
He was speaking at the ceremonial 'At Home' programme of the 72nd Republic Day hosted by the governor and his wife at Raj Bhavan in KOhima on Tuesday.
Rio said, “Our country has emerged as a responsible and contributing nation amongst international committees in all aspects of human development- from stranded democracy to peace keeping and contribution towards scientific and human progress”.
He also asserted that India has played a key role among the committee of nations, while the international community and developed countries are struggling with the pandemic vaccines of Covid-19.
“India has truly emerged as a powerful nation that lives up to global responsibilities,” stated Rio.
The chief minister maintained that every citizen of ‘this great nation ought to be proud of India’s role in the progress of humanity.'
He asserted that citizens of Nagaland have greatly contributed towards the nation’s building and have joined the rest of the countries in building the history in various aspects- leaders of public affairs, exemplary officers, judicial luminaries, Olympians , artists, musicians and progressive farmers, brave soldiers among others.
Rio exuded confidence that the early resolution of the Naga-political problems will be able to make many more contributions towards the rise of ‘this great nation.’
On the occasion, the Governor’s Award for outstanding contribution in the field of - 'Conservation and Protection of Environment', and 'Creating Awareness and Mitigation of Social ills' were awarded.
He also extended his delight to the recipients of the Governor’s Award and stated that others also should emulate the individuals and the groups in helping the society in the conservation of the environment.
While commending the efforts of the village councils of Fakim, Thanamir and Vongtsuvong in Kiphire, the chief minister also cited his visit to the area at the international border, and called for conservation of its rich biodiversity.
Harness goodness to progress
Governor RN Ravi, also speaking during the programme, called for harnessing goodness from people and its society to progress.
Reiterating about the institution of the two awards, Ravi said it was rooted in the belief that ‘there is enormous goodness in the society and harnessing the society can progress to go to any heights’.
He maintained, “there is inherent, enormous strength in Naga society, but no state can be built by the government”.
He added that 'society has existed, long before the advent of the modern state and it has existed and prospered because of their inherent strength and inherent goodness'.
Ravi also highlighted the objectives of instituting the awards to honour the unsung and unseen, yet doing good works in their own limited areas for the good of humanity. He congratulated the recipients of the awards and commended them for doing phenomenal work – conserving wildlife, conveying messages to the good forces of the people of Nagaland.
Governor's Award
-The joint council of Fakim, Thanamir and Vongtsuvong village in Kiphire district were awarded for conservation and protection of the environment, and creating awareness.
The villages situated close to the Indo-Myanmar border in the Pungro circle in Kiphire, came together in February 2017 to create a joint council for the conservation of flora and fauna of the area. The area geographically surrounds the Fakim Wildlife Sanctuary, which is stated to be home to many endangered species like Blyth’s Tragopan, clouded leopard, hoolock gibbon etc.
Their efforts of periodic checking to nab those intended to harm wildlife within the area, carrying out joint patrolling to prevent wildlife crime, involvement in conducting Blyth’s Tragopan survey and other support and encouragement to Forest department officials were stated to have been significant.
The efforts have made an impact visible in the occasional sighting of Sambar deer in the village area (human inhabited vicinity) and a drastic increase in the number of various species of birds and animals.
-ARK (Access to Rights and Knowledge) Foundation, Kohima was awarded for creating awareness and mitigation of social ills. The foundation is a voluntary non-profit and non-governmental organisation that is addressing issues pertaining to the present society which focus on health, environmental and social aspects that affects individuals and society at large.
It also envisages in addressing the widening disparity in the society brought by challenges such as alcoholism and substance abuse, HIV/AIDS, Hepatitis, unemployment, lack of capacity skill building programmes among others. It was informed that ARK Foundation during the unprecedented Covid-19 crisis had voluntarily catered to the needs of the key affected people, and also conducted a series of programmes in similar lines in partnership with the Social Welfare department.