Modi’s vision aligns with Christian values, says Nagaland Deputy CM Patton

KOHIMA — Nagaland Deputy Chief Minister Y Patton on Wednesday highlighted the various initiatives of Prime Minister Narendra Modi with transformative impact, stating that the government’s commitment to ensuring no one is left behind is improving the lives of people in the state.

He was addressing the 75th birth anniversary celebration of Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the BJP Headquarters in Kohima.

Patton said that Modi’s vision for India is rooted in the idea of Seva—service to the nation and its people—and that this concept aligns with the values of Christianity, which teaches that service to mankind is the highest calling.

Patton described the 75th birthday celebration as a remarkable journey of progress and development that has touched every corner of the nation, including Nagaland, while extending greetings to the prime minister.

Patton said, “The vision of Prime Minister Modi has been clear: to ensure that every citizen, regardless of where they live, has access to basic necessities, modern infrastructure and opportunities for growth. In Nagaland, this vision is coming to life in numerous ways.”

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Asserting that railway connectivity to Kohima is a dream becoming a reality, Patton termed it one of the most exciting developments in Nagaland. He stated that for years the state longed for a direct railway link to Kohima, the state capital, and the project is now on the cusp of becoming a reality. He attributed this to Modi’s commitment to improving infrastructure in the Northeast.

He said the work on the Kohima-Zubza Railway Station will not only enhance the accessibility of the state but also open up new economic opportunities, ease travel, and promote tourism. He maintained that this railway project is a key step in connecting Nagaland to the rest of the country, ensuring that the people are no longer isolated but can access broader economic and social opportunities.

In the road sector, Patton stated that the Modi government is transforming highways in Nagaland with a significant push to improve infrastructure.

He said that upgrading highways across the Northeast, along with the improvement of rural roads, will ensure better connectivity both within and outside the state, benefitting the lives of the people.

Patton said that the Public Food Distribution and free rice initiative, introduced under the Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana, has significantly impacted Nagaland. He said, “The people of Nagaland are receiving fortified rice that meets their nutritional needs. This is a testament to the government's commitment to making sure that no one is left behind.”

He further highlighted the Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM), which provides household tap water connections, as another flagship programme of the Modi government. Patton said that access to clean and safe drinking water is fundamental to human dignity and health, adding that the initiative has brought great relief to families, especially women and children, who previously had to walk long distances to fetch water.

He noted that clean water at home means better health, fewer waterborne diseases, and an overall improvement in quality of life.

He informed that starting from September 17, a series of events will be held under the Sewa Pakhwada fortnight to commemorate Modi’s birthday. These will reflect the prime minister’s vision of service, selflessness, and community.

Calling upon BJP party workers to honour the vision and leadership of Modi, Patton said the prime minister has consistently shown dedication to serving the people, uplifting the marginalised, and developing the nation.

The event was attended by Minister for Tourism and Higher Education Temjen Imna Along, Minister of Public Health Engineering Department (PHED) and Cooperation Jacob Zhimomi, other legislators, and BJP party workers. There was also a cake-cutting ceremony to mark the occasion.