Vibrant Nagaland

Come 31 Jul 07, it will be ten years since ceasefire was signed between GoI & NSCN. This decade has created a history of sort. The state had suffered from longest surviving insurgency for five decades before cease fire agreement was signed in 1997. But the period thereafter has seen better of simple, peace loving and industrious society of Nagaland. One can feel the energy & enthusiasm in the people to grow and develop.

There is rising entrepreneurship. Entrepreneur Association (EA) started by a few youth in 2001 for micro credit financing with a mere sum of Rs/- 7000 has grown up to a few Crores company. It has benefited another approx 400 youth. Entrepreneurs of Nagaland participated in Brazil entrepreneurs meet. Naga Roses have found market in Dubai, the first consignment was sent on 25 Jan 07 and appreciated. Nagaland horticulture department is hoping that produce will go up to 5000 to 10000 flowers per day and therefore the market?

Communications are being improved. Rail links are being extended to the capital of state. Hon’ble Prime Minister has ordered four laning of NH 39, only communication artery of Nagaland. Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan for primary education has been well received and now is the time to prepare the youth for secondary education.

Hornbill festival started in 2001 to showcase the rich culture of Nagaland. The 2006 festival was different, when it also hosted a Rock festival with huge prize money of Rs. eight lakhs.This was participated by large number of music groups from rest of the country. It is encouraging that Naga Rock groups performed very well. To harness the natural music talent of this society it has been proposed to start Music Academy in the state. Holding of pageants like Naga Idol, Miss Nagaland and a beauty of the state being crowned Miss North East are other indicators of being in line with rest of the country.

Farmers are being trained in new methods of farming, High Yield Variety Seeds etc. One lady Naga farmer has been honored with International recognition by IFPRI Washington for innovative farming. Since the state is prone to natural disasters as well, therefore key state officials have been exposed to training on Rescue & Disaster management operations recently by the Army at Kohima. These are some of many visible signs of vibrant Nagaland that is in line with rest of nation” The Rising India”. Not to forget the psychological well being of the citizens due to prevailing peace, tranquility and good governance during this period.

Amongst others recent Mergers and Acquisitions by some of the business tycoons have done Indians and India proud to portray India’s economical vibrance e.g Tata’s take over of Corus , Lakshmi Mittal take over of Arcelor and liquor baron Vijaya Mallaya take over of Shaw Wallace etc. India is called the other wing of ASEAN Jumbo jet, the other being China. India will be a major player in proposed PAFTA (Pan ASEAN Free Trade Area) having gross income more than NAFTA( North America Free Trade Area) and European Union.

Nagaland must reap the rich dividends of Indian Vibrant economy. For this to overcome self generated contradictions in terms of Inter Factional Clashes for territorial hegemony, intimidation of society, extortion etc. We need to understand that these avoidable contradictions impoverish the society by direct/ collateral physical and psychological damage. We need to take a resolve to reconcile, reconstruct, remove contradictions and enhance the existing energy and enthusiasm in the Naga society for others to emulate. We can do it! We shall do it! Now is the time to decide, what we want to inherit to our children! “Impoverished Society or Vibrant Society”.
“Your children will become what you are; so be what you want them to be”
‘David Bly’