Morung Express News
Kolkata | October 29
“Nagaland Day,” an evening exclusively on Nagaland organized in collaboration with the Indian Council for Cultural Relations, and supported by the Government of Nagaland, was held in the ICCR auditorium, Kolkata, today.
Gracing the event, Nagaland Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio said the programme was intended to be a cultural exchange between West Bengal and Nagaland. He termed the evening to be very appropriate because the Bengali and the Naga have had a special relationship for years. The Bengalis were particularly instrumental in establishing the administrative system of Nagaland in the initial period of statehood, he said.
Rio commented that real integration of the country can only be achieved if there is equitable development on all fronts. For this, he felt that the Central government must elevate the forgotten areas and far-flung regions of the country. The country must implement programs which are inclusive in nature, and not exclusive to the states that have the political numbers or the electoral vote bank. He also said that the metro-centric attitude of the mainland Media must change, to highlight the problems and needs of the remote areas, to play a more ‘balancing role’, expected of the Fourth Estate.
“There is a need for organizing more of these cultural exchanges amongst the North East people and the people of mainland India; it will go a long way in creating better understanding, friendship and emotional integration, the most essential ingredients of national integration,” Rio said.
The chief minister said further that the people of the North East in general have been facing Racism, particularly in the national capital, Delhi. But, he said, Nagas and other people of North-East have faced no such problems in Kolkata and for this he thanked the people of West Bengal for their accommodative and ‘friendly attitude’ for the NE people. He opined that the North-East people have been facing ‘problems of identity’ when they visit or stay in mainland India, mostly because of their ‘distinctive appearance’.
Former Governor recalls
Also, a visibly emotional Former Governor of Nagaland Shyamal Datta, a special guest of the evening, said he was overwhelmed by a sense of nostalgia reminding him of the five years-long memories with the ‘Naga brothers, sisters and children.’ Bearing testimony of his stay in Nagaland, Datta, who during his stint as Governor of Nagaland was dubbed the ‘People’s Governor’ by the Naga people, said the “Naga people have music in their veins and fashion in their marrows. Naga society is generally very fun-loving, warm, and hospitable.” “I cannot tell in brief what Nagaland is all about – a place is known by its people and culture, and the society as a whole will never let you feel bored.”
He said Nagas have realized that politics and guns do not mix. “There is a genuine yearning for peace by every Naga and this process is arduous, it takes time and is not easily overcome. But Nagas have been resolute, and working together to find a settlement.”
“Nagas also want the politics of gun and hatred to end and have politics of peace and progress for all,” Datta said. Nagas have realized that culture, if enriched, is capable of bringing peace, and ‘tonight it will reflect in some measure how Nagas have used their culture as a shield and armor.’
In attendance were dignitaries of Kolkata, Nagaland, foreign consulate and embassies, eminent journalists and media personnel from Nagaland. The inaugural programme began with a song by ‘The Ebenezer’ band from Nagaland. The welcome address was delivered by Dinesh Bajaj, MLA, Working President of the Committee for National Integration, followed by speeches. Somitta Roy Chowdury, Secretary of Council for National Integration said the vote of thanks. The inaugural session was followed by a cultural programme.
