Om Birla arrives in Dimapur, lauds Nagaland’s culture ahead of CPA meet

DIMAPUR — Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla arrived in Dimapur on Sunday, lauding Nagaland’s rich cultural spirit and the Marwari community’s enterprise, as he geared up to inaugurate the 22nd Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CPA) India Region Zone-III Conference in Kohima on Monday.

Upon his arrival at Dimapur Airport, Birla was received by Minister for PHED and Cooperation Jacob Zhimomi, Minister for Rural Development and SIRD Metsubo Jamir, and other government officials.

A brief welcome programme was also organised by the Marwari community at Lions Club, Dimapur, later in the day.

Speaking at the event, the Speaker lauded the Marwari community for its contributions to the economic and social development of the Northeast, saying that their journey from their birthplaces to their workplaces had been “challenging and courageous.”

He said that the community, through “adventurous work, hard work, and self-confidence,” had embraced the cultural heritage of whichever state they settled in.

“The values and ideals of the Marwari community, whether in India or anywhere in the world, are such that wherever this community goes, it considers its hard work, diligence, and the local cultural diversity as its own,” Birla said.

Related: Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla to inaugurate CPA India Region Zone-III conference in Kohima on November 10

He added that because of this spirit of service and sacrifice, members of the community are always at the forefront in times of disaster, crisis, and need.

Birla reflected that some families had come to the Northeast more than a hundred years ago, while others arrived later or were born here, and the story of their ancestors’ struggles continues to inspire future generations.

Highlighting the region’s potential, he said that over the last decade, “new doors of development have opened in the north-eastern states,” with immense opportunities in every sector.

He maintained that collective effort was essential to realise the dream of a developed and self-reliant India, adding that the work culture of Nagaland reflected this very spirit. “The thinking, creativity, and work ethic of the people here—their courage to face challenges—inspire us all,” he said.

Birla noted that India’s strength lies in its diversity—in its varied cultures, cuisines, attires, and customs—and that democracy is what unites the nation.

“India is not only the world’s largest democracy but also a vibrant one. The people of India have always had faith and trust in democracy and its work culture,” he stated.

He added that nations progress only when democracy is strengthened, as the collective thinking born from a diversity of ideas gives the nation new direction.

Birla observed that major strides had been made in connectivity and infrastructure across the Northeast—in rail, road, air, and digital sectors—making India an attractive destination for global investment.

He called on citizens to work even harder to propel India forward and expressed optimism that people in Nagaland and other states would continue to contribute to the nation’s growth.

Birla said that Nagaland’s natural beauty and cultural diversity would make it a major attraction for both domestic and international tourists in the years to come, adding that the state’s artisans, folk culture, and handicrafts would play a vital role in fulfilling the vision of a self-reliant India.

Speaking to media persons, Birla said that the 22nd CPA India Region Zone-III Conference would bring together MLAs and presiding officers from across the Northeast to discuss challenges, developmental opportunities, policy issues, and ways to fulfil the aspirations of the people.

“Through collective discussion and exchange of views, decisive policies will be formulated to address the challenges faced by the north-eastern states,” he added.

When asked about his visit to Nagaland, Birla praised the state’s natural beauty, the hard work and bravery of its people, and the values instilled by their ancestors, which, he said, “are bringing a new transformation to life in Nagaland.”

He added that the state’s diverse culture, folk traditions, and handicrafts will attract both domestic and foreign tourists and contribute to national growth.