Our Correspondent
PUGHOBOTO, NOVEMBER 13
As part of the 2nd edition of Thuwu-Ni festival which commenced today at Pughoboto town, eco rides cycle network was introduced for villages under Pughoboto sub-division. The formal launching was done by Dr. Neikiesalie (Nicky) Kire, Minister for Forests, Climate Change and Environment, in the presence of Naga international cyclist, Sievituo Solo, who also graced the ceremony as the special guest.
Eco Rides Cycle Network is a bicycle leasing programme which aims to provide affordable low cost and enjoyable personal transportation to individuals, while it also aims to educate the general mass on the benefits of using bicycles in promoting healthy and environment friendly practices.
Though all the 24 villages under Pughoboto sub-division will be given cycles to be managed by the Village Council, however, the bicycles will be operational in selected locations initially to study the feasibility and interest of the people keeping in mind the prevailing infrastructure and local variables.
The cycles will be leased out at a minimum rate and the amount generated will be utilized by the villages for promotion of sports in the sub-division.The eco-rides cycle network is initiated by the constituency MLA, Y. Vikheho Swu, Minister for Public Works Department (Roads & Bridges). Swu expressed the positivity that the eco-rides will not only resolve transportation issue and induce economic activities in the region, but that it will help in promoting young talents towards healthy life style and further towards having a positive approach to face life.
Earlier, Sievituo Solo, who had travelled across the world through bicycle, shared about his experiences to the mammoth gathering. To this, he mentioned that ‘community service’ is one thing which he learnt while travelling.
It may be mentioned that Sievituo Solo, along with his friend Rokuo Kire, had travelled the interiors of Nagaland through bicycle. The duo has even travelled to as many as six/seven countries in South-East Asia last year, while they have also traversed from New Delhi to Nagaland through bicycle.
Solo encouraged the younger generation not to wait for opportunities, but to create opportunities themselves. He also urged the gathering to come out with new ideas in order to contribute more to the Naga society. “Don’t just keep on complaining against the State government, but let us, instead, help the government to make the Naga homeland a better place to live in,” he said adding “hard work and consistency matters, but ‘smart work’ is what becomes very important in the end.
Minister Dr Nicky Kire in his address lauded the organizers, particularly Minister Vikheho Swu for initiating the Thuwu-Ni festival celebration, while he expressed hope that the festival will continue to grow from strength to strength.
He also brushed aside the attempt of upcoming generation seeking only government jobs, but urged them to contribute in whatever possible.
“There is always a pay back time, so see what you can do for the Naga people instead of waiting for the opportunity to come to you,” Kire said.
