Nagaland vital to self-reliant India vision: Birla

Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla, who arrived in Dimapur on Sunday to attend the two-day Commonwealth Parliamentary Association India conference of the Northeastern states, said the North-East, including Nagaland, holds immense potential for growth and must work collectively to realise the vision of a self-reliant and developed India.
Birla will inaugurate CPA India conference on Monday at Kohima.
Speaking at a felicitation programme organised by Shree Marwari Sammelan at Lions Club, Dimapur, Birla highlighted the strengths of Nagaland’s people, culture and workforce, and underscored the importance of democratic institutions in driving the country’s progress. Birla said India’s growth over the past decade—whether in infrastructure, transportation, connectivity or digital services—was the outcome of a strong democratic foundation. “Nations that strengthen democracy see real and sustainable progress,” he said, adding that India’s unity in diversity, reflected in its culture, cuisine, attire and customs, remained the cornerstone of national strength.
He praised the people of Nagaland for their creativity, courage and strong work ethic, stating that these qualities embody the spirit of a self-reliant India. He added that Nagaland’s scenic beauty, cultural richness and unique traditions would soon position the state as a major tourist destination and urged stakeholders to work towards attracting more investors and visitors.
Birla said that in the past decade, new avenues of development had opened across the North Eastern states, and the region continued to hold immense untapped potential. He noted that opportunities existed in every sector and stressed that realising the vision of a developed India would require working in harmony with the culture and work ethic of Nagaland- qualities he said were closely aligned with the spirit of an Atmanirbhar (self-reliant) India.
He stressed that this momentum must be supported through collective effort, responsible governance and active participation from every section of society. Birla also lauded the Marwari community for its spirit of enterprise, resilience and integration with local cultures across India. He noted that despite challenges faced during migration, the community had consistently contributed through hard work, self-confidence and service. “The values and ideals of the Marwari community are rooted in diligence and respect for local diversity. Their spirit of service and sacrifice makes them ever ready to help during disasters and crises,” he said.
Speaking to media persons later, Birla said the 22nd Annual Conference of the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CPA), India Region Zone-III, scheduled to be inaugurated in Kohima on Monday, would bring together MLAs and presiding officers from all North Eastern states. Birla said the CPA conference would also serve as a platform for exchanging ideas and adopting policy approaches tailored to the aspirations and needs of the people of the North-East.
He expressed confidence that collective discussions would lead to actionable outcomes benefiting the region. Sharing his impressions of Nagaland, the Speaker said he was inspired by the people’s hard work, valour and contributions to the nation.
He added that Nagaland’s rich folk traditions, artistry and spiritual heritage would play a key role in boosting tourism and advancing the vision of a self-reliant India.
Earlier in the day, Birla was accorded a warm welcome at Dimapur Airport by ministers Jacob Zhimomi, and SIRD minister Metsubo Jamir, and senior state officials.
The Speaker was also accorded Guard of Honour by the 15th NAP (IR) at the airport.