Ajay Kumar Bhalla being sworn in as the 22nd Governor of Nagaland on August 25 in Kohima.
Our Correspondent
Kohima | August 25
Ajay Kumar Bhalla was sworn in as the 22nd Governor of Nagaland in a ceremony at Raj Bhavan, Kohima on August 25. He pledged to dedicate his tenure to the welfare of the people and the progress of the state.
The oath of office was administered by Chief Justice Ashutosh Kumar. The event was attended by Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio, members of the State Cabinet, Parliamentarians, Advisors, MLAs, senior officers from the civil, police and military services of both the central and state governments.
Following the formal oath, Bhalla was accorded the Rastriya Salute by contingents of the Nagaland Police Mahila (IR). Chief Secretary Sentiyanger Imchen conducted the proceedings.
Shortly after the ceremony, the new Governor addressed the people of Nagaland through Akashvani and Doordarshan Kohima. He said he was assuming the office “with a profound sense of duty and immense humility,” while thanking the people of the state and its leadership for the warm welcome extended to him. He also conveyed his gratitude to the President of India and the Prime Minister for entrusting him with the responsibility.
Bhalla said that the governorship was not simply an opportunity to hold high office but “a sacred responsibility bestowed upon me to work for the welfare of the people of Nagaland and for the progress of our great nation.”
A significant portion of his address was dedicated to the memory of his predecessor, the late La Ganesan, who passed away earlier. Bhalla recalled Ganesan’s tenure as marked by accessibility and compassion.
“His sudden and tragic passing has left a void that is deeply felt across the state and the country. He was, in the truest sense, a people's Governor,” Bhalla said. He noted that Ganesan had “demystified the Raj Bhavan, throwing its doors open to the common citizen” and set a standard of service that was difficult to emulate. “While his are very big shoes to fill, I assure you that I will strive to uphold the highest traditions of this honoured position and to live up to the expectations of the people,” he added.
Bhalla recalled his long association with the Northeast. He said Nagaland had always held a special fascination for him because of its cultural diversity, the resilience of its people, and its natural beauty. He stressed that his familiarity with the region would help him understand its needs and aspirations more closely. “I feel truly blessed and privileged to now return as the First Citizen of this beautiful state and with God’s blessings, that I pledge to contribute to Nagaland’s progress to the very best of my ability,” he said.
In his address, Bhalla laid out broad priorities for the state’s development. He pointed to the entrepreneurial spirit of Naga youth, the traditions of organic farming and horticulture, the potential of tourism, and the heritage of art and crafts as assets that could drive growth.
“Nagaland is brimming with immense potential,” he said, noting that these strengths could be harnessed for sustainable and inclusive progress. At the same time, he underlined the challenges confronting the state. He said collective focus was required to strengthen connectivity, enhance healthcare facilities, expand access to quality education and skill development, and generate employment and entrepreneurial opportunities. The Governor assured the State Government of his “fullest support and co-operation” in addressing these concerns, stressing that he intended to work in close harmony with elected representatives and officials.
Bhalla placed the state’s development within the larger narrative of India’s economic rise. He said the country had emerged as the world’s fastest-growing major economy, with a growth rate envied by many nations. However, he said that such growth could only be sustained if it was inclusive and reached all corners of the country.
“For our nation to grow stronger and realize the dream of a Viksit Bharat by 2047—a developed India—every region and every state must be an equal partner in this progress. No one must be left behind,” he said. He observed that Nagaland, with its unique strengths and strategic location, had a vital role to play in this national story. His vision, he said, was that the state should not only keep pace with the country’s progress but also emerge as “a shining example of its developmental ethos.”
Bhalla called for collective effort involving the government, tribal bodies, civil society, and citizens at large. He said the dream of peace, prosperity, and development for all could only be achieved if every stakeholder worked together.
