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Parliamentary Secretary for Tourism C Apok Jamir and reigning Miss Nagaland Vilokali Zhimo lighting the bonfire at Kisama on Saturday evening.[/caption]
Kohima, Dec. 10: The 10-day Hornbill Festival came to a grand close at Kisama this evening with the lighting of the bonfire by Parliamentary Secretary for Tourism C Apok Jamir and reigning Miss Nagaland Vilokali Zhimo.
The closing ceremony was attended by Governor PB Acharya who released the document ‘Nagaland Vision 2030’. The ceremony was also graced by Chief Minister TR Zeliang and hosts of legislators and officials.
According to the Directorate of Tourism, a total of 1,12,604 tourists visited the festival this year that included 1646 foreign tourists, 14,962 domestic and 95,996 local visitors from Nagaland.
Addressing the ceremony, Chief Minister Zeliang said through this vision document, the Nagaland government is charting out the broad contours of its visions and dreams for the future of the State for the next 15 years or so.
Zeliang also maintained that the vision document also outlined the government’s visions on creating employment opportunities for the youths, women empowerment, improving the income and standard of living of the people in general and on improving connectivity within the State and with the neighbouring countries.
While appreciating the Governor for releasing the ‘Nagaland Vision 2030’, Zeliang sought his support towards converting the visions into reality.
The Governor was also urged to use his good office in expediting the implementation of Act East Policy, in which the State of Nagaland has a high stake and hope for future progress and prosperity.
The Chief Minister also acknowledged Alemtemshi Jamir, retired chief secretary, convener of the Expert Group, Dr Manoj Pant, Dean of Jawaharlal Nehru University, the core team and all the members for their hard work and contributions in bringing out the vision document in a record time of two months.
Stating that it is only with the active involvement and cooperation of every citizen that these visions can be converted into reality, Zeliang has sought the cooperation of all sections of the people of Nagaland in taking forward and implementing the Nagaland Vision 2030.
With the successful celebration of the Hornbill Festival, the Chief Minister has acknowledged the contributions and support of the Tourism department, all other government departments and cultural troupes from within and outside the State.
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He especially thanked Kohima Municipal Council and members of YARD for regularly collecting wastes from Kisama and Night Bazaars and all the visitors and public for their cooperation in keeping the venue of the festival clean and plastic-free.
While advocating in making cleanliness a habit, Zeliang said, “We should try to follow up this cleanliness drive in all our towns and market places.”
The gathering was enthralled with the performances by Tetseo Sisters, The Bangalore Conservatory (Handbell Ensemble) and the Abiogenesis.
The closing ceremony was followed by unity dance round the fire and Christmas concert on the theme ‘Joy to the world’ featuring Mengu Suokhrie, Wangyat Wangsu, The Bangalore Conservatory (Handbell Ensemble) and special appearance by Hopong Naga.