Kiphire, September 12 (DIPR): The Thanamir Village Apple Festival 2011 was celebrated at the Thanamir public ground, on September 10 with the wife of Nagaland Chief Minister, Kaisa Rio as the chief guest and wives of legislators of the 11th Nagaland Legislative Assembly as the guests of honour.
Speaking as the chief guest, Kaisa Rio said that this was their first visit to Thanamir village which they have been looking forward to for a long time and thanked Rev. Dr. Anjo Keikung General Secretary NBCC and Rev. K. Luruo State Chaplain for challenging and encouraging them to reach this far flung village in Nagaland. “Being able to reach this far, for me and my colleagues, we feel we have already climbed up Mt. Saramati,” said Kaisa Rio and thanked God for bringing them this far. She said that their visit has two purposes – to attend the Apple Festival and to visit the Government Primary School in the village, to know about the progress and grievances of the school and the children.
The chief guest said that she was happy to see one of the most precious fruit cultivation in the village i.e. ‘Apple’ and appreciated the Government of India and the Horticulture Department for their involvement in the project and further hoped that the department would continue to assist and support the project till it is economically viable in the village. She said that God has blessed our place with fresh air, clean water; good soil where Thanamir Village is blessed with suitable climatic condition for the cultivation of apple and called upon the villagers to protect and preserve the nature in future.
Expressing happiness over the Mithun and Apple Projects taking up under an ambitious programme in the village, she called upon the villagers to identify the village strength whether it is in Mithun project or Apple project and let other people know the strength of the village. Stating that education is a must to take the society forward, and on learning the education weakness in the village, Kaisa said that the legislators wives were fortunate to get involved in sponsoring the two missionaries to assist and manage the school and further assured to extend their support in whatever ways they can. She also called upon the villagers to preserve the uniqueness of Naga customs, tradition and way of life and also to maintain the other qualities of Nagas in future.
Dr. Anungla Aier, lady wife of Minister of PHED, Dr. Ngangshi K. Ao who spoke on behalf of guests of honour extended her happiness and gratitude to the people for being a part of the festival at the remotest village of Nagaland. She said that Thanamir village is a God gifted village and called upon the villagers to work hard with the available resources for more development in future. Education is the biggest development for all round development therefore, every parent should give their best efforts in bringing up their children in this field, she maintained. She also said that womenfolk play an important role in the society and urged all the womenfolk of the village to maintain peaceful environment in the society and also with the surrounding villages.
Short speeches were also delivered by SDO(c) Pungro, Dr. Tinujungshi, General Secretary NBCC, Rev. Dr. Anjo Keikung, Mission Director Horticulture Department, Dr. Benjong Aier, President YTC Thsesong and Khiantsumong.
Earlier, the programme began with invocation prayer pronounced by Pungro Town Baptist Church Pastor, Yimto while welcome address was delivered by Tangit Longkumer and special number was presented by Pre-Primary Students of GPS Thanamir Village. Vote of thanks was delivered by Tsuseki, VCC and benediction was pronounced by Rev. K. Luruo State Chaplain. The programme was compered by Asenla Yaden & Kiyanmong. The occasion was also marked by cultural dance performed by the Women Society of Thanamir Village and apple exhibition-cum-sale.
The programme was also attended by Government officials from the District Administration and the Police, Village Council Chairmen, leaders of Tribal Councils, students and the general public.
Speaking as the chief guest, Kaisa Rio said that this was their first visit to Thanamir village which they have been looking forward to for a long time and thanked Rev. Dr. Anjo Keikung General Secretary NBCC and Rev. K. Luruo State Chaplain for challenging and encouraging them to reach this far flung village in Nagaland. “Being able to reach this far, for me and my colleagues, we feel we have already climbed up Mt. Saramati,” said Kaisa Rio and thanked God for bringing them this far. She said that their visit has two purposes – to attend the Apple Festival and to visit the Government Primary School in the village, to know about the progress and grievances of the school and the children.
The chief guest said that she was happy to see one of the most precious fruit cultivation in the village i.e. ‘Apple’ and appreciated the Government of India and the Horticulture Department for their involvement in the project and further hoped that the department would continue to assist and support the project till it is economically viable in the village. She said that God has blessed our place with fresh air, clean water; good soil where Thanamir Village is blessed with suitable climatic condition for the cultivation of apple and called upon the villagers to protect and preserve the nature in future.
Expressing happiness over the Mithun and Apple Projects taking up under an ambitious programme in the village, she called upon the villagers to identify the village strength whether it is in Mithun project or Apple project and let other people know the strength of the village. Stating that education is a must to take the society forward, and on learning the education weakness in the village, Kaisa said that the legislators wives were fortunate to get involved in sponsoring the two missionaries to assist and manage the school and further assured to extend their support in whatever ways they can. She also called upon the villagers to preserve the uniqueness of Naga customs, tradition and way of life and also to maintain the other qualities of Nagas in future.
Dr. Anungla Aier, lady wife of Minister of PHED, Dr. Ngangshi K. Ao who spoke on behalf of guests of honour extended her happiness and gratitude to the people for being a part of the festival at the remotest village of Nagaland. She said that Thanamir village is a God gifted village and called upon the villagers to work hard with the available resources for more development in future. Education is the biggest development for all round development therefore, every parent should give their best efforts in bringing up their children in this field, she maintained. She also said that womenfolk play an important role in the society and urged all the womenfolk of the village to maintain peaceful environment in the society and also with the surrounding villages.
Short speeches were also delivered by SDO(c) Pungro, Dr. Tinujungshi, General Secretary NBCC, Rev. Dr. Anjo Keikung, Mission Director Horticulture Department, Dr. Benjong Aier, President YTC Thsesong and Khiantsumong.
Earlier, the programme began with invocation prayer pronounced by Pungro Town Baptist Church Pastor, Yimto while welcome address was delivered by Tangit Longkumer and special number was presented by Pre-Primary Students of GPS Thanamir Village. Vote of thanks was delivered by Tsuseki, VCC and benediction was pronounced by Rev. K. Luruo State Chaplain. The programme was compered by Asenla Yaden & Kiyanmong. The occasion was also marked by cultural dance performed by the Women Society of Thanamir Village and apple exhibition-cum-sale.
The programme was also attended by Government officials from the District Administration and the Police, Village Council Chairmen, leaders of Tribal Councils, students and the general public.
