Union Minister for Culture and Tourism, Gajendra Singh Shekhawat and Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio taking part at the traditional Stone Pulling ceremony organised as a part of the as part of the 25th edition of the Hornbill Festival by the Southern Angami Public Organisation on December 4. (DIPR File Photo)
Kohima, December 11 (MExN): The Hornbill Festival has elevated the reputation of Nagaland on the global stage, showcasing the vibrant energy, creativity, and innovation of the youth to the international community, asserted Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio on Wednesday. The festival has also enabled the youth of the State to pursue their aspirations, he added, in a congratulatory message, basking in the ‘resounding success’ of the 25th edition of the Hornbill Festival.
The commemoration of 25 years of this iconic festival is a matter of immense pride for all citizens of Nagaland, he added.
CM Rio further noted that the policy of Partner Countries and States has added a multi-dimensional aspect to the festival, fostering collaborations, partnerships, and developmental possibilities.
The Music Festival has transcended boundaries, positioning Nagaland as an international music destination and providing unparalleled platforms for the young talents from the State, he said.
“Most importantly, our collective goal of promoting, preserving, and celebrating our age-old traditions, rich cultural heritage, and the Naga way of life continues to be strengthened through this event,” he added.
However, CM Rio also acknowledged that 2024 has been challenging for Nagaland, interspersed with natural calamities and hardships in recent months.
Despite these adversities, several government departments worked tirelessly, completing multiple projects on a war footing in record time, he said.
These achievements underscore the immense potential for Nagaland to achieve accelerated progress when all government and supporting agencies work in unison with the same zeal and commitment, he added.
He termed the success a collective effort of all sections, agencies, and individuals led by the Ministers, Advisors, MLAs, Chairpersons of PSUs, the entire Government machinery under the able leadership of the Chief Secretary and the DGP. The leaders of tribal hohos and civil society deserve special recognition, he added.
CM Rio also lauded the exemplary roles of the Departments of Tourism, Art & Culture, Task Force for Music & Arts (TaFMA), the Home & Police Department, the Agri & Allied, Horticulture, and Industries & Commerce Departments in making Nagaland shine brighter. He also extended gratitude to the Army and paramilitary forces, under the leadership of the GOC 3 Corps and IGAR, for their consistent partnership and support.
The press and media personnel across all platforms, as well as the State and Central agencies of the DIPR, AIR, Doordarshan, and BSNL, were noted for their appreciable contributions.
Rio also conveyed his personal congratulations and the appreciation of the State Government to all government and non-government agencies, Tribal Hohos, Partner Countries and States, and every group, agency, and individual who contributed to the success of this year's festival. He acknowledged the contributions of the communities of Kigwema, Phesama, and the villages under the Southern Angami area.
A special note of appreciation was also extended to the leaders and representatives of all church organizations and believers for their enthusiastic participation, citing the Devotional Advent Christmas Service held on December 8 as a testament to their contributions.
CM Rio also expressed deep gratitude to the well-wishers, guests, friends, and tourists who traveled from near and far to celebrate this occasion with us. Their presence made the festival truly memorable. We hope they will return with more friends and family in the years to come.
The success of the 25th Edition of the Hornbill Festival is a triumph for the Naga people, and every citizen of Nagaland is a stakeholder in this unique and unparalleled festival, he said. The Hornbill Festival showcases not only our cultural richness and soft power but also the unity of our people, and he congratulated all concerned for their noble service, he added.
