Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio, Chef Gary Mehigan and others lighting the bonfire during the closing ceremony of the 23rd Hornbill Festival at Heritage Village, Kisama, on December 10. (Morung Photo)
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Morung Express News
Kohima | December 10
As the 23rd Hornbill Festival came to a close Friday evening at Heritage Village Kisama, Chief Minister of Nagaland Neiphiu Rio made a call for all to work together for unity and to take the right and responsible steps to continue moving forward hand in hand.
“Right now, unity is something we all need, not just in our sector, but in our society, the unity to work together and to take the right and responsible steps, to continue moving forward, hand in hand,” Rio conveyed.
This is the vision for which we are working and it can only be achieved together, he added.
Rio described the past 9 days as the coming together of all the tribes and sub-tribes of Nagaland, Government Departments, NGOs, businessmen and women, adventure enthusiasts, artists and artisans, farmers, and growers, among others.
He said it was a festival “to celebrate the past, the current and, most importantly share the richness and uniqueness of the Naga Heritage with the world.”
There is an amazing amount of knowledge and experience in here that can be shared and learned from, Rio maintained.
He appreciated the cultural troupes for their sacrifice in giving to the festival, their outstanding performances and said, “The festival might be considered ordinary without your 'extra-ordinary' participation.”
The Chief Minister thanked the organisers from different departments and groups and said it has fostered a spirit of collaboration and partnership over the years.
He also extended gratitude to the sponsors and partners.
“To all our tourists and visitors, you arrived here as strangers, but we will now depart as friends. We also request you to be our ambassadors,” he added.
Customary law protected under Constitution of India
Justice Sanjay Kishan Kaul, Judge, Supreme Court of India and Executive Chairperson, National Legal Services Authority said that customary laws and traditions are unique and protected under the Constitution of India. He was speaking as honoured guest during the closing ceremony of the Festival. He said the Supreme Court has been recognising and upholding Naga customary laws.
According to Justice Kaul, the Judiciary is an important pillar of democracy which gives opportunity and mechanism for dispute resolution. A strong, effective and vibrant judiciary is the backbone of the society, he said.
“In order to ensure that no one misses out the opportunity to approach courts due to social and economic barriers, as Executive Chairperson of the National Legal Services Authority, it is my duty to ensure access to justice for all by bridging the gaps,” the judge said.
The judge described the people of Nagaland as “peace loving people who co-exist in harmony with their unique cultural and traditional system.”
Kaul said Nagas were known not only for their bravery but hospitality and warmth.
He said Nagaland, as the land of festivals, has been on the national and international map of tourism which is a positive step in ushering development in the state: “This kind of festival brings people together from all across the globe and creates a sense of unity in diversity.”
A cultural presentation—‘Made in Nagaland’ was presented during the closing ceremony.
The Chief Minister also joined the bonfire lighting along with Australian Chef Gary Mehigan and participated in the Unity dance which was led by the Lotha Nagas.
