Nagas should learn to earn: MP Rio

A Staff Reporter DIMAPUR, DECEMBER 3 The 2nd edition of the two-day Morung Fest organized by Ao Students’ Union Diphupar (ASUD) kicked off here at Agri Expo, featuring various traditional stalls of Naga tribes. The Morung Fest was formally inaugurated by Lok Sabha MP Neiphiu Rio. Rio in his speech to the gathering of thousands of people including students from various educational institutions, lauded the ASUD for organizing an event of such scale where opportunity is provided to different tribes and peoples to display their traditional and cultural riches and give a fillip to the local entrepreneurs. He said, Nagaland’s share of the tourism industry is a miniscule 0.68 percent of the global total and exhorted the gathering to take advantage of the employment opportunities that tourism offers. On a lighter note, Rio said, he came all the way from New Delhi to attend the programme and to encourage the youth of State. Stating that tourism as the biggest industry in the world, the MP encouraged the organizers to take the event at greater heights and attract more tourists. He said, tourists come to spend and not to save which is an added advantage for Nagas to earn money. Describing Nagas as a consumer society, Rio said, Nagas should learn to earn and produce as tourists will always opt for ‘Made in Nagaland’ products that are not found in their countries. “Aos are one of the most important tribes with their district being declared as the land of pioneers (Pioneers of Christianity and education),” Rio said and encouraged the Ao students to keep up the good things. Citing example of Hornbill festival- the biggest festival of Nagaland, the chief guest encouraged the organizers to aim at that same height. He said, the government spends crores of money for organizing the Hornbill Festival but the Morung Fest which is organized only by a students’ body if reaches greater heights will be a remarkable achievement. Rio also said, Naga political and social problems for decades have been the barriers in the way of bringing about peace and development in the state. “If only we have permanent peace and if only we unite, Nagas can do wonders and that people will not be afraid to visit Nagaland.” Expressing hope that Nagas would come together not only during festive season but in all walks of life, he said, ”One goal, one future’ should be the vision of the Nagas for the younger generations,” He also mentioned that his priority and the reason for being in Delhi is to reach out the issues of Nagas to the Centre and to talk about Nagas’ peace and development. “Let us not only talk but act openly for brighter future’, said Rio. During the programme, MLA, Kuzholuzo Nienu who appeared as Chief Patron declared the key note address; exhortation speech was given by Lt. K. J Singh and Diphupar Village Council. The inaugural programme also witnessed the presence of various special invitees like Minister, Roads and Bridges, Y. Vikheho Swu; Advisor Urban Development, S. I Jamir; Parliamentary Secretary, Youth Resources & Sports, MTF and Lotteries, Khriehu Liezietsu; Parliamentary Secretary Agriculture, Dr. Benjongliba Aier and various other state leaders. Post inaugural programme, the Morung Volleyball Tournament was inaugurated by Minister, Roads and Bridges, Y. Vikheho Swu while the Morung Indigenous Food Contest was inaugurated by Advisor Urban Development. The Morung Fest included various extravaganza activities like Indigenous Food Contest, painting contest, photography contest, choir competition, literary contest etc.