75th Republic Day celebration showcases achievements of Nagaland

Kohima, January 27 (MExN): Governor of Nagaland La Ganesan inaugurated the exhibition stalls commemorating the 75th Republic Day celebration at the Secretariat Plaza, Kohima on January 26 in the presence of the Chief Minister of Nagaland, Neiphiu Rio, senior government dignitaries and officials. A total of twelve stalls were set up by various departments of the State during the exhibition, stated a DIPR report. 

The Department of Information & Public Relations exhibited a photography exhibition under the theme ‘Journey of Nagaland through the Lens’ displaying a number of photographs from the archives as well as developments made in various fields over the years. Photographs of all the district headquarters with their distinctive taglines were also displayed. The Department also exhibited and sold departmental publications including the Nagaland calendar, diaries and coffee table books.

The Department of Land Resources displayed various stages of the growing coffee plant and also served free coffee to all visitors. The Department of Rural Development exhibited food items including products made by Persons with Disabilities under Nagaland State Rural Livelihood Mission. 

Handicrafts made of wood and bamboo were exhibited by the Department of Industries and Commerce which also sold citronella oil produced by the Department. Traditional shawls and handmade jewelleries were sold at the Nagaland Handloom and Handicrafts Development Cooperation Stall under the Department of Industries and Commerce. 

The Department of Sericulture stall displayed different types of silks made of Mulberry, Eri, Tussar and Muga. Castor seed oil, which is highly in demand for its health benefits, was also sold in the stall. Portable weaving machine powered by solar panel was also displayed. 

The Department of Fisheries and Aquatics Resources sold fish food products   and live fishes. The Department of Animals Husbandry and Veterinary Services displayed and sold products by the Milk Cooperative of Nagaland (MILKCON) including poultry products. 

The Department of Cooperation sold various local products like kidney beans, honey, turmeric, Naga chillies, szechuan pepper and wooden utensils under the cooperative brand. 

The Nagaland State Disaster Management Authority displayed the 3D digital hazard mapping of all the districts headquarters. They also distributed departmental booklets and pamphlets to the stall visitors. 

The Department of Horticulture exhibited and sold organic oranges, vegetables, mushrooms under PMKSY and MIDH schemes. Special Shitake mushroom were also displayed and sold. 

The Department of Agriculture showcased a variety of rice and commercial value products. Agricultural machineries including portable paddy transplanter and women friendly equipment were also exhibited.

The Department of Health and Family Welfare conducted free check up for livestyle diseases. Governor of Nagaland, La Ganesan and Chief Minister, Neiphiu Rio signed a pledge extending support and commitment toward the TB Elimination Effort implemented by National TB Elimination Programme (NTEP) Nagaland to make the state of Nagaland TB free by 2025. 

The Department of Health & Family Welfare was declared the winner of the Exhibition. Horticulture and Information & Public Relations Department bagged the second and third place respectively.

March past and entertainment 
Governor La Ganesan unfurled the National Flag and took the Rashtriya Salute after which he inspected the Parade contingents with Dy Commandant NAPTC L Impung Chang NPS as Parade Commander and AC, 2nd NAP BnAlichen H. Pongloi NPS as 2nd Commander. 

Altogether 16 Parade Contingents took part in the March Past which consisted of 13 Assam Rifles Bn, 78 CRPF Bn, 37 BSF Bn, DEF Kohima, 4th NAP Bn, 5th (IR) Bn Mizoram, 10th NAP (IR) Bn, 15th NAP (IR) Mahila Bn, Home Guards & Civil Defence& SDRF, Ex-Servicemen, 1 Naga Girls Bn NCC Kohima, Kohima College, NPTS Brass Band, Nagaland Police Auxiliary Brass Band, 15th NAP (IR) Mahila Bn Pipe Band and 13 Assam Rifles Pipe Band. 

Other highlights of the celebration included a dance performance titled ‘Jigra’ from the Women Resources Department. Pochury Cultural Troupe Kohima presented an indigenous game while the Burgeon Society Chedema presented the Angami bamboo stilt game called ‘Phino Phitou’. Lotha folk song was performed by Yachummaro Cultural Troupe while folk dances were presented by the Phom Bhumnyu Cultural Troupe Kohima, Sangtam Women Cultural Troupe and the Zeliang Cultural Troupe Kohima which performed a traditional Skylark Dance titled ‘Roina’.

Football Exhibition Match 
A football exhibition match was played between Secretariat XI and DC XI as part of the 75th Republic Day celebration at Secretariat Plaza. Home Commissioner, Abhijit Sinha, IAS graced the programme as the special guest.

In a quick end to end football, Secretariat XI spurred a golden opportunity to take the lead and in the other end the GK made a brilliant save to deny DC XI

DC XI broke the deadlock through Kuolietuo Kets, who scored with a clever lob over the on rushing goalkeeper. The second half was more of cagey affairs with few chances. Secretariat XI pressed for the equalizer but it was the DC XI who extended the lead through Peteneizo Kire. Theja Peseyi got a late consolation goal for the Secretariat XI but DC XI held on to win the match.

The day’s events culminated with “Beating the Retreat” ceremony, which marked the end of the Republic Day Celebrations. The NPTS Brass Band and 13th Assam Rifles Bn Pipe Band enthralled the crowd with their captivating and foot-tapping tunes. Following the separate performances by the bands, the ceremony ended with ‘Abide with me’ tune played by the massed band and the lowering of flag. 

Home Commissioner, Abhijit Sinha gave away the prizes to the Parade and Exhibition Stall winners.