DIPR/EMN
DIMAPUR, NOVEMBER 20
Governor of Nagaland PB Acharya has lamented that the people of Nagaland are still poor though the state has rich natural resources.
The Governor said this while gracing the 4th edition of Niathu Sports Festival 2014 on the theme ‘Unity through sports’ as the chief guest at Niathu Resort, Chumukedima, Dimapur on Thursday.
Addressing the gathering, the Governor said that he first visited Nagaland during the time of P Shilu Ao as a youth activist, social and political worker. He lamented that though the state of Nagaland is very rich in natural resources, yet the people are poor. “The cream of the youth from the state goes outside for employment and takes up other professional services,” he said, adding, “The trend have to be stopped if we want to be developed at par with other states, however in order to achieve that we have to find the ways and the means and create more avenues for the youth to take up”. Likewise, in order to make India a developed nation all the states have to stand shoulder to shoulder and work together, he added.
The Governor then lauded the efforts of the Niathu Group for taking up such a sporting event and grooming the youngsters for bigger responsibilities greater participation in the field of sports. Such an effort can also be a step to foster unity and better understanding amongst the people.
He further added that as ‘we are geared up to celebrate Hornbill the festival of festivals, let us be a good hosts, as we welcome them let us show our hospitality to the tourists both from within the country and abroad’.
Parliamentary Secretary for Youth Resources and Sports, Khriehu Liezietsu who was the guest of honour urged on the participants to compete in a true spirit of sportsmanship.
The programme was chaired by Abu Metha, chairman of the Niathu Sports Festival organizing committee who also delivered the closing remark.
The welcome address was delivered by the chairman-Niathu Group, Chabou Rio while Rev. Moa Longchari invoked God’s blessings. Other highlight of the programme included a special number by the Voices of Hope led by Nise Meruno which enthralled the gathering. Member of Parliament, Neiphiu Rio who is the chief host of the sports festival was also present in the opening ceremony, besides Minister for Industries & Commerce G. Kaito Aye and MLA Dr. Neiphriezo Keditsu .
