DIMAPUR/KOHIMA, AUG 15 (NPN): In commemoration of the 80th Independence Day, various organisations across Nagaland undertook goodwill visits and outreach programmes, reaffirming their commitment to community service and solidarity.
At Residential Hostel (Samagrah), United Colony, Half Nagajan, officials of the Naga Council Dimapur (NCD) paid a courtesy visit as assigned by the Deputy Commissioner, Dimapur District. The visiting team comprised M. Biremong Yimkhiung, vice president (Adm); M. Sapong Chang, vice president (CB); L.K. Peter Anal, general secretary; Medovie Koza, finance secretary; and Hotoshe Sumi, treasurer.
As a token of love, the officials handed food items to the 50 hostel inmates, all young girls from urban-deprived, tribal and disadvantaged backgrounds. The NCD team spent time with the children in prayer and joyful interaction, encouraging them to excel in their studies and remain obedient to their warden and teachers. M. Biremong Yimkhiung urged them to aspire to become officers. Hostel warden Annie Chakhesang briefed the officials about the institution’s mission of caring for and educating needy children. NCD appreciated her dedication and observed that the hostel required immediate facilities including six ceiling fans, four stand fans, iron-filtered water supply, and repair of the electric battery inverter or installation of a generator. The inmates requested the officials to visit them again.
On the eve of Independence Day, the Nagaland Contractors’ and Suppliers’ Union (NCSU), led by president Pele Khezie, visited Jo Foundation Inclusive School. Proprietor Daniel Thong, also vice principal of SCERT, welcomed the team, while Dr. Asüno Thong, joint director of Health & Family Welfare Department, gave a brief introduction to the institution, which currently has over 300 students including more than 80 children with special needs.
Addressing the students, Pele encouraged them to uphold the spirit of excellence in education and emphasised the importance of hard work, including manual activities. NCSU general secretary John Kath conveyed Independence Day greetings on behalf of the union and appreciated the sacrifices and commitment of the school authorities in promoting inclusive education. He described teaching as a noble profession deserving of the highest honour. The visit was marked by a Hindi prayer offered by the schoolchildren, described by the union as a first-of-its-kind gesture in its history. The NCSU team also interacted with the students, expressing encouragement and support.
Meanwhile, in Kohima, the Kohima Press Club (KPC) visited the Kripa Foundation, High School Colony, as part of its annual goodwill visitation on Independence Day. The team comprised KPC executives, senior members and regular members.
During the visit, the club held an informal interaction with the inmates and staff of the rehabilitation centre, sharing thoughts and concerns, while some inmates spoke about the challenges they face. The club also donated kitchen essentials and other amenities to the centre.
An official of the foundation highlighted its history and explained that the centre was being run solely through monthly fees collected from inmates, with no financial assistance from the government. He noted that rehabilitation centres in Arunachal Pradesh and neighbouring states receive full government support, unlike in Nagaland. He also pointed out the high cost of detoxification medicines, which many inmates are unable to afford, often deterring them from seeking treatment.
KPC members expressed their willingness to extend support to the inmates and the centre in addressing issues and challenges. The visit was aimed at fostering goodwill and solidarity with the inmates and staff of the foundation on the occasion of Independence Day.