Guwahati: Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar on Friday laid a wreath at the Kohima War Cemetery in honour of the WWII troops from Nagaland who lost their lives while performing their duties.
Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar met Nagaland Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio and spoke with the State’s Governor Jagdish Mukhi and Deputy Chief Minister Yanthungo Patton at Raj Bhavan in Kohima on Thursday.
Taking to Twitter Vice President’s secretariat said yesterday, “Hon’ble Vice President, Jagdeep Dhankhar interacted with the Hon’ble Governor of Nagaland, @jagdishmukhi, Hon’ble Chief Minister of Nagaland, @Neiphiu_Rio, Hon’ble Deputy Chief Minister, @YanthungoPatton and the Council of Ministers of Nagaland at Raj Bhavan in Kohima today.”
The Vice President formally inaugurated the 23rd Hornbill Festival during his visit to Nagaland at the Naga Heritage Village in Kisama, which is near to the state capital of Kohima.
The “Festival of Festivals” was officially opened by the Vice President, the Nagaland Chief Minister, and the Governor by sounding the ceremonial opening gong.
Dhankhar, who was visiting Nagaland for the first time as Vice President, was honoured with a Tsiiphie (traditional Naga headdress) and an Amula kaxa (Naga shawl) at the inauguration ceremony.
The Vice President addressed the crowd, stating that Indians are proud of their tribal cultures and that India is a place of culture.
Dhankhar praised the Nagas for their distinctive culture and illustrious past “I admire tribal traditions. I honour tribal spirit.”
He referred to the state’s natural beauty as charming and emphasised that it has significant tourism potential that must be fully realised.
The vice president praised Nagaland for having the lowest rate of crime against women in the nation, saying that the state is paving the path for women’s empowerment.
Dhankhar stated that the world would be able to witness Naga hospitality when a G20 summit is conducted in the state in April of next year, noting that India has taken over the G-20 chairmanship today. The Vice President additionally unveiled a postage stamp to honour the festivities on this particular occasion.
The Vice President visited the Art Gallery and Morungs at Naga Heritage Village of Kisama, following the festival’s inauguration.