NLA Speaker Sharingain Longkumer and Minister for Power & Parliamentary Affairs, KG Kenye receive Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla at the Helipad Kohima on November 9. (DIPR Photo)
• Shree Marwari Sammelan felicitates Birla
• To inaugurate CPA Conference today
Dimapur, November 9 (MExN): Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla today described Nagaland as a land of ‘bravery and valour,’ inhabited by bold and fearless people, and lauded the resilience of its citizens.
“The people in Nagaland have a creative spirit, innovative thinking, and the courage to work hard even in the face of adversity, qualities that inspire all of us,” Birla said while addressing a felicitation programme organised in his honour by Shree Marwari Sammelan at Lions Club, Dimapur.
The Speaker arrived in the State on Sunday for the 22nd Annual Conference of the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CPA), India Region, Zone-III, scheduled in the State capital on November 10. He is set to inaugurate the two-day conference.
New doors opening for North-East
Meanwhile, Birla noted that over the past decade, new doors of development have opened in the North-East states and immense potential for further growth remains. New doors of progress have opened in the region in transportation, infrastructure, rail, road, air, and digital connectivity, he said.
“India today is moving forward rapidly in all these areas. Across the world, India has also become one of the most attractive destinations for investment. That is why we must continue to work even harder to take India to greater heights,” he added.
To this end, the Speaker noted that opportunities exist everywhere, and achieving the vision of a developed India requires working in harmony with Nagaland’s culture and work ethic, a spirit closely aligned with the ideals of an Atmanirbhar Bharat (self-reliant India).
He reiterated that the people of Nagaland have a creative spirit, innovative thinking, and the courage to work hard even in the face of adversity, qualities that inspire all of us.
“In the coming years, Nagaland’s natural beauty and environment will attract more domestic and international tourists,” he said. He further emphasised the need to focus on development to attract industries, investors, and agricultural entrepreneurs, as well as to promote tourism, citing India’s unmatched diversity in tourism.
Through their collective effort, both Nagaland and India will continue to progress, he added.
Faith in democracy
Speaker Birla stated that the people of India have always trusted in democracy and upheld its values, and that the people’s faith in democratic governance remains strong. “Around the world, only those nations progress where democracy is strong and empowered because democracy allows for the exchange of ideas, diversity of thought, and collective decision-making that gives new direction to society,” he said.
“It is this very spirit that has allowed India to advance in every field today,” he added.
Birla also noted that India’s true strength lies in its diversity in cultures, cuisines, attires, and traditions and despite differences; it is democracy that unites the country.
“That is the power of our democracy, the largest and most vibrant democracy in the world,” he added.
Acknowledges work ethic of Marwari community
Birla highlighted that Dimapur is a place where people from different parts of the country have settled, and despite challenges and hardships, they embraced the cultural heritage of the state through determination, hard work, and self-confidence.
He praised the Marwari community for carrying its values and traditions, blending seamlessly with local customs, culture, and work ethic.
“That is why, driven by a spirit of service, sacrifice, and commitment, the community is always the first to step forward in times of disaster, crisis, or challenge,” he said.
Addressing the community, he noted that many had come to Nagaland for business, some are in government or private service, and others engaged in various professions, yet their collective effort and shared vision is one: to advance the nation.
He said that people living and working in Nagaland contribute to India’s growth through their efforts, whether by opening shops, running businesses, starting industries, or working in the service sector, creating employment for many others.
The Marwari community has always been known for its work ethic, willingness to go where others have not, to create employment, build industries and businesses, and blend into the local culture while contributing to development, he said.
Birla expressed hoped this spirit continues and that the community contributes diligently to the growth of Nagaland.
Birla also appreciated the Marwari community for warm welcome and hospitality and acknowledged friends and colleagues, including Basu Damani, Mahesh Agarwal, Mahesh Kotecha, Anil Shetty, Gopal Sharma, Sanjeev Singh, Dr. Sharma, Anil Tongia, Manoj Bhattacharya, Sanjay Jaiswal, and all members of the community contributing to Nagaland’s progress.
Earlier, Birla was received by Ministers Jacob Zhimomi and Metsubo Jamir, as well as other state dignitaries, at Dimapur Airport. The Speaker was also accorded a Guard of Honour by the 15th NAP (IR) at the airport.
He later flew to Kohima by helicopter for the conference, where Speaker NLA, Sharingain Longkumer and Minister for Power & Parliamentary Affairs, KG Kenye received him at the Helipad.
Birla also called on Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla at Raj Bhavan, Kohima.
