Dr. Jitendra Singh and Kiren Rijiju grace day-7 of Hornbill Festival

Hornbill Fest has become ambassador of NE: Dr. Jitendra

Union minister of state for Development of North East Region (DoNER) Dr Jitendra Singh remarked that Nagaland has become an ambassador of North East for the rest of India through the medium of Hornbill Festival .

Speaking at the evening session of the Hornbill Festival ‘Cultural Connect’ programme, Dr. Singh said Prime Minister Narendra Modi has given the highest priority to North East and to state like Nagaland in the last five years.

Having visited the North East more than 30 times in five years, Dr. Singh said the Prime Minister described the region as the new engine of New India. He said because of the Prime Minister’s personal indulgence and personal outreach, North Eastern culture, food, dance and music have reached every part of the country.

He asserted that PM Modi has given the highest priority to North East and to the peripheral states like Nagaland.

Dr. Singh said he was delighted to be part of the Hornbill Festival and congratulated the state government for successfully organizing the festival annually.

He said Hornbill Festival has not only taken North East to every Indian household through social media or other media, but the people all over the world have also recognized the rich culture, custom and food of the Nagas. Dr. Singh said Hornbill Festival has become a torchbearer of the new cultural journey of North East.

‘Hornbill a symbol of Nagas, NE’

Union minister of state for Youth Affairs and Sports, Kiren Rijiju maintained that the Hornbill Festival has become a symbol of Naga people and North East.

Addressing the morning session of the ‘Cultural Connect’ programme as special guest, Rijiju said Hornbill Festival was not only a celebration, but depicts the spirit and the rich cultural heritage of Nagas. Rijiju said the festival has not only showcased the rich cultural heritage of the Nagas, but made it possible for people to witness the entire Nagaland in a single platform. Rijiju assured that his ministry would do its best to promote Naga indigenous sports.

In this regard, Rijiju said he would discuss with the chief minister and his colleagues to identify some indigenous sports of Nagaland.

Having travelled the length and breadth of the state, Rijiju also said that Nagaland had the potential for adventure activities and could become a hub. He further assured that his ministry would promote activities like trekking, hiking, cycling, biking and other events.

Narrating his close association with Nagas, Rijiju remarked that Nagas were hospitable, loving, simple, straightforward and very courageous.