Dimapur, Aug. 15 (EMN): Deputy Chief Minister Y Patton said that the Covid-19 pandemic has brought people together to walk an extra mile and that with the support of everyone, the government of Nagaland would continue to put a determined response to combat the calamity.
Patton, who is also the minister in-charge of Home and Road and Bridges, stated this in his Independence Day speech held at Dimapur District Sports Complex (DDSC), on August 15. He unfurled the national flag and took salute from the parade contingents, a DIPR report stated.
On the occasion, he conveyed appreciation to each and every citizen of the state for their contribution and shouldering the responsibilities for successful implementation of all measures to keep the people safe. Observing that the pandemic has exhibited resilience and capacity for raising the efficiency, management and planning capabilities to further heights, he expressed optimism that other challenges particularly on the economic front could also be dealt with in a similar approach.
Calling upon the citizens to work with the same zeal and spirit as shown against the Covid-19 pandemic, Patton said, "Our determination and collective efforts will not only help us come out of this crisis, but will definitely help us take our State to greater progress and prosperity in months and years to come."
Prior to his arrival at the DDSC stadium, Patton was accorded guard of honour by the Nagaland police at Police guest house Chumoukedima.
The parade commander of the day was ACP Seyiesezo Peseyie, while SM from CP office, Dimapur, Lanuchuba was the second in-charge. The parade contingents included personnel from the police commissionerate, 15 IR Mahila and band party from the 15 IR Mahila.
In view of the present pandemic, only few invitations were extended and the programme was conducted with minimal attendance following all safety protocols. The programme officially concluded in the evening with the beating of retreat.
Noklak: In Noklak, advisor of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources, Economics and Statistics and Evaluation, L Khumo unfurled the national flag and took the Rashtriya salute from the parade contingent at the Independence Day celebration held at the district headquarters.
The parade contingent consisted of personnel from 3rd NAP ‘F’ Coy Noklak led by platoon commander P Pukha Khiamniungan, assisted by C Thongo Khiamniungan and flag man Hangtoi Khiamniungan. The national anthem was sung by Hermanas Band of Noklak town.
As part of the first Independence Day celebration, Energy Efficiency Services Limited (EESL) has adopted two villages namely Noklak village and Kingjung by donating 2500 LED bulbs for distribution, which was handed over by L Khumo.
As a collaborative effort, the district administration and EESL aims to make the district energy efficient within a period of one year. For the purpose, EESL has been empowered to set up with solar plants in the district.
EESL is a joint venture of public sector undertaking under the Ministry of Power implementing UJALA schemes across the country.
Mokokchung: The Independence Day celebration in Mokokchung was held at Imkongmeren Sports Complex, where the minister of Housing and Mechanical, Tongpang Ozukum unfurled the national flag and took the Rashtriya salute from the parade contingent.
The parade commander was ABSI Tiakumzuk, DEF Mokokchung and assisted by Naik Mapusangba along with 2nd NAP pipe band.
Mon: In Mon town, minister of Transport, Civil Aviation, Railways and Land Resources, P Paiwang Konyak unfurled the national flag and took salute from the parade contingent. In view of the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic, only heads of offices attended the programme.
Tuensang: Tuensang celebrated the occasion at the Parade Ground, Tuensang town with Toshi Wungtung, advisor of IP&R, SCERT and VG, as the special guest.
Only one contingent of DEF and one 3rd NAP pipe band participated in the parade. The contingent was led by Imtisingba Chang as the parade commander and Ngon Khaimniungan as platoon commander.
The district commendation awards were given A Bendangtoshi Ao, H Longhen, Lakiumong, Sunny John, Imli Khumba Sangtam, Puthai Phom, Mabala, Hopise Sangtam, Chillia Khaim, A Yanrenthung Jami, Tsajungchem Sangtam, Moshamongko and K Namang Ngaku Chang for their exemplary contributions.
Wokha: Wokha district celebrated the occasion at the public ground in Wokha town with the deputy commissioner, Wokha, Orenthung Lotha as the chief guest.
The chief guest unfurled the national flag and took the Rasthriya salute from the parade contingent. The parade contingent of DEF Wokha was led by ABSI Jhonronthung as the parade commander while the national anthem was played by the 40 Assam Rifles brass band.
The national flag was hoisted in all the government offices, institutions, official and private residences, shops and business establishments in the district.
Phek: In Phek, the Independence Day celebration was held at Phek town local ground with Sachin Jaiswal, deputy commissioner, Phek, as the special guest.
Jaiswal unfurled the national flag and took the Rashtriya salute. National flag was hoisted in all the offices and institutions and even in private residents.
Peren: In Peren, the deputy commissioner, Sentiwapang Aier, unfurled the national flag and took the Rashtriya salute from the parade contingents held at the deputy commissioner's office complex, Peren.
A song was also presented by Victoria Haihing and Anthony Zeliang.
To mark the occasion, national flag was hoisted in all the government offices, residences, institutions. The programme culminated with beating of retreat by District Executive Force (DEF), Peren.
Longleng: The occasion in Longleng was celebrated at public ground Longleng with M Shayung Phom, deputy commissioner, Longleng, as the special guest. The special guest unfurled the national flag and also delivered the Independence Day speech. National anthem was sung by Nyengching ward youth.
Kiphire: Kiphire district celebrated the Independence Day at the local ground, Kiphire town, with the minister of Soil and Water Conservation, Geology and Mining, V Kashiho Sangtam as the special guest. The special guest unfurled the national flag and took salute from the parade contingents of DEF Kiphire, followed by the band display by Phelungre village guards (VGs).
College of Veterinary Sciences: College of Veterinary Sciences, Jalukie, joined the nation in the celebration of the 74th Independence Day on August 15 while maintaining all safety protocols.
Dean of the college, Dr. Arun Kumar Sangwan, unfurled the national flag and spoke on achievements of the faculty and students of the college. He paid homage to Rani Gaidiniliu, the Naga spiritual and political leader, who led her people against the British rule in India.
A flute recital was also performed by Dr. Tukeshwar Chutia, while patriotic songs were presented by Dr. Uday Umrikar, Njumthung Kithan and Inraibe Iheilung and Geetha Gopi displayed her art and craft works.
Niuland: Niuland ADC headquarters celebrated the 74th Independence Day at Niuland public ground with the additional deputy commissioner, Niuland, Athrila S as the chief guest. She unfurled the national flag and took the Rashtriya salute from 8th NAP 'C' Coy.
Highlights of the day included hoisting of national flag in all government offices/ institutions/ public and private buildings and beating of retreat by 8th NAP 'C' Coy.
TGOUN: The Global Open University Nagaland (TGOUN) celebrated the Independence Day in its campus at Sodzulhou village.
An update from the vice chancellor Dr. HN Dutta stated that few employees residing in the campus assembled unfurled the national flag and sang the national anthem owing to the lockdown. The national flag was hoisted by Dr. HN Dutta. The employees attended the ceremony by wearing traditional attires.
DBSU: Dimapur Bengali Students’ Union (DBSU) celebrated the Independence Day at its office building in the presence of its advisor Bishnu Bhattacharje, president Raja Debnath, and all the office bearers by maintaining social distancing and other safety guidelines.
Speaking on the occasion, Bhattacharjee called for unity, peace and brotherhood with all citizens of India and the state. He said, “We are all enjoying the fruits of independence which is possible with the sacrifices of many freedom-fighters and personalities, whom we should never forget".
The union president Raja Debnath requested all the students to concentrate on education and contribute in society and the state with sufficient knowledge.
Sainik School: Sainik School Punglwa (SSP) celebrated the Independence Day with the school principal Gp Capt. Prasun Basu as the chief guest in the presence of all the staff and the day scholars of the school.
The programme started with hoisting of the national flag, followed by singing of the national anthem.
Speaking on the occasion, the chief guest reminded the gathering of the sacrifices made then and now to keep the nation independent and sovereign.
To mark the day, the school distributed sweets, masks and sanitisers to the villagers of two adjoining villages namely Punglwa and Gaili. The NCC Coy of the school joined in the celebrations by creating awareness on the present Covid-19 pandemic.
Pranab Vidyapith School: Pranab Vidyapith Higher Secondary School (PVHSS), Dimapur, celebrated the 74th Independence Day at the school premises, which was attended by teaching staff.
Greeting all the teaching staff of the institution, the school principal spoke on the importance of “New National Education Policy 2020.” He was confident that the implementation of a major reform in the education would positively transform the lives of students and attain over-all development.
He also paid homage to those who sacrificed their lives for the noble cause of the country. He further conveyed appreciation to the frontline workers such as doctors, defence personnel etc. who have been tirelessly fighting the global Covid-19 pandemic by risking their lives.
NPCC: Nagaland Pradesh Congress Committee (NPCC) celebrated the 74th Independence Day at Congress Bhavan, Kohima. NPCC working president Khriedi Theünuo unfurled the national flag.
The celebration was joined by officials from NPCC, Seva Dal, DCC, youth, and party men and women.