Our Correspondent
Chuchuyimlang, OCtober 2
Union Minister for Human Resource Development (HRD) Smriti Irani on Friday urged Naga people to avail the Pradhan Mantri MudraYojana (PMMY) which was announced by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
Addressing the inaugural programme of the Mahatma Gandhi Academy of Human Development (MGAHD), Chuchuyimlang in Mokokchung district the minister said, “I must say to the youngsters that Prime Minister has announced the Pradhan Mantri MudraYojana (PMMY) today. There is a dream of startup India where youngsters who want to start a business can take loans from fifty thousand to ten lakhs rupees (50000 to 1000000) without giving any collateral.”
She said, youngsters who want to startup their own business should get adequate financial support from banking system.
Quoting the conversation with Nagaland Chief Minister TR Zeliang, she said, people of Nagaland are very industrious, competent and at same time fearless to pursue their brighter future.
The actress turned politician Smriti Irani also called upon the citizens of Nagaland to take benefit from the scheme.
Giving tributes to Mahatma Gandhi and other Lal Bahadur Shastri who have defined not only Indian history but also history of the world and humanity, Irani said, “they both defined India not only as a Nation but as a sea of humanity to rest of the world.”
“Mahatma Gandhi gives the message of ‘non violence’s and ‘compassion’ and Lal Bahadur Shastri a commitment of governance towards the welfare of people and gives the slogan ‘Jai Jawan’ “Jai Kisan’, she stated.
Irani also hailed Natwar Thakkar, the founder of Nagaland Gandhi Ashram who stay here for more than 60 years for his contribution in his life journey.
“The man who travelled 60 years ago from a village with only one dream that we will be united as one nation is Natwarbhai Thakkar),” she said adding, “This is truly a symbolic of national integration”
Earlier, the union minister unveiled the foundation stone of MGAHD at Gandhi Ashram, Chuchuyimlang and proceeded to Chuchuyimlang village Amphitheatre to address the gathering.
The programme saw a patriotic opening item from the students of NIELIT Chuchuyimlang and traditional dance performed by cultural troupes from Phom, Sangtam Chang and Ao tribes. National Anthem was led by students of the Friendship High School. Dr. Mar Atsongchanger, Executive Secretary, Ao Baptist Church Association Impur & President, Nagaland Baptist Church Council (NBCC), Kohima pronounced the invocation.
Mention maybe made here that an area consisting of 232 acres of land donated by Chuchuyimlang village for the permanent complex of the MGAHD.
Zeliang invites Irani to grace Hornbill Festival
Chief minister TR Zeliang ‘reiterated his formal invitation’ to HRD minister Smriti Irani to be the chief guest during the celebration of the Hornbill Festival this year. The chief minister then expressed that the very presence of the Union Minister Human Resource minister “in our midst” today showed the great importance the government of India attached to the development of Human Resources, particularly towards skilling the rural youth in the State of Nagaland. “Madam, as you have laid the foundation for this unique Academy today, I hope that you will continue to extend your patronage and support to this academy,” TR Zeliang said.
The chief minister then recalled that Natwar Thakkar established the Nagaland Gandhi Ashram at Chuchuyimlang way back in the year 1955, during one of the darkest and most difficult period of the Naga political struggle. Since then, he has been tirelessly and selflessly working among the rural people of Nagaland, with a view to uplifting their living conditions, stated Zeliang. “Let me take this opportunity to felicitate and congratulate Shri Thakkar, and Nagaland Gandhi Ashram, on completing 60 years of service to the people of the State,” he added. TR Zeliang also said that nothing could have been more rewarding for a dedicated social worker like Thakkar than to be able to celebrate the diamond jubilee of the humble Gandhi Ashram he had started in this remote corner of India. The inauguration of the Mahatma Gandhi Academy of Human Development here in Chuchuyimlang today is a befitting reward for the 60 years of dedicated service you have put in here, in this village.
“It is also a befitting gift to the people of Chuchuyimlang, for the good works they have done during the past 60 years. During the course of this period, the Ashram has implemented a number of pioneering programmes, aimed at rural development and livelihood improvement, the positive impact of which have not just remained confined to Chuchuyimlang alone, but have spread far and wide. Some of these initiatives, such as the Modern Bee Keeping activity have been adopted even by the State government. The Nagaland Bee & Honey Mission had been set up, which is working in coordination with the National Honey Mission, to take full advantage of the rich flora and fauna of Nagaland to produce organic honey.”
“On behalf of the people of Nagaland, I also extend my heartfelt gratitude to the Tata Institute of Social Sciences, particularly Prof. S. Parasuraman, the Director of the Tata Institute of Social Sciences, for accepting the challenge of setting up its fifth campus in a remote place like this, where infrastructures are limited”. Zeliang then pointed out that very often, while beginning to work in the North East region, many organisations opt for cities and big towns to locate their establishments, where the infrastructures are better. “However, you have consciously chosen this remote village which represent the true face of Nagaland. I am sure this village and its surrounding areas will soon reap the benefits of the existence of the Mahatma Gandhi Academy of Human Development here. Of course, this Academy will be of immense benefit to the people of Nagaland and the North East Region. I am also confident that as you continue to work here, you will find this campus to be the most satisfying, in relation to the Vision and Mission of the Tata Trust. I thank you for this wonderful initiative. I assure you of the State Government’s support towards the development of this Academy, which you have jointly established with Nagaland Gandhi Ashram, not with a profit motive, but with the sole objective of providing service to the people of Nagaland,” he added.
TR Zeliang also congratulated the village council and the citizens of Chuchuyimlang village, who have exhibited exemplary wisdom and foresight by donating 232 acres of land in this picturesque location, without any cost or condition. “I am sure you will nurture this new Academy like you have nurtured the Gandhi Ashram during the past 6 decades. By doing so, you will be serving not only your own interest, but the interest of your future generations as well. I extend my best wishes for the future development of this new Academy, as well as to Chuchuyimlang village,” TR Zeliang added.
