DIMAPUR: Along with the rest of the country, district administrations, civil society organisations (CSOs) and Assam Rifles units across Nagaland celebrated the 80th Independence Day with patriotic fervour, cultural programmes and community outreach.
Indian Red Cross Society (IRCS), Dimapur District Branch visited the Selas Rehab Centre (Female Wing) as part of the programme organised by the District Administration.
The visiting team was warmly received by Nuklu Longkumer, administrator, and Arenla, director of the Centre. A short ceremonial function was held on the premises to mark the occasion.
In his welcome address, Chandu Agarwal, chairman, IRCS Dimapur District, conveyed greetings on Independence Day and thanked the managing committee members for their support. Addressing the inmates, he encouraged them to be responsible citizens and appealed to them to avoid returning to harmful habits of drugs or alcohol.
Other dignitaries who addressed the gathering included Capt. Hakiye, chief advisor; K.K. Paul, honorary secretary; Lipok Pongen and Kuldeep Jain, managing committee members; and Ashok Agarwal, treasurer. Bajranglal Bucha, patron, IRCS Dimapur District, expressed gratitude to all present.
As a gesture of care and support, IRCS Dimapur handed over essential items to the Centre.
It may be mentioned that the Centre currently houses 17 inmates in the Female Wing and 37 inmates in the Male Wing located near Sunday Bazar. The relief materials were jointly contributed by the managing committee members of IRCS Dimapur District.
At Dimapur, the Rotary Club of Dimapur (RCD), led by president Pradeep Goel, marked the occasion with flag hoisting, fellowship and “Project Aahaar,” distributing food packets and essential groceries to inmates of Prodigal’s Home. The initiative, undertaken with InnerWheel Dimapur, Agarwal Samaj and Agarwal Yuva Manch, reinforced Rotary’s commitment to community service and dignity for the underprivileged.
United Bengali Youth Organisation (Dimapur Bongs) celebrated with flag hoisting by Bishnu Bhattacharjee, chairman of the Linguistic Minority Forum of Nagaland. Bhattacharjee emphasised unity, service and cultural pride, highlighting the Bengali community’s contribution to nation building.
In Kohima, the Lions International Club Kohima (LICK) visited the State Mental Health Institute, and distributed gifts and interacted with the patients. Club president Er. Talitemsu Jamir stressed holistic health, while senior members encouraged inmates with words of hope and faith.
At Tuli, Mokokchung, ADC Imsenperong Wati hoisted the National Flag, took the Rashtriya Salute and delivered the Independence Day speech.
At Aboi, Mon, ADC MS Thangpong hoisted the National Flag, received the Rashtriya Salute and inaugurated exhibition stalls. Cultural highlights included performances by KU unit Ngangching Union and KNSK unit Langmeing Union. The programme concluded with the Beating of Retreat.
At Mangkolemba, Mokokchung, ADC Moakumzük Tsudir hoisted the National Flag, inspected the parade and inaugurated stalls by Agri & Allied departments and SHGs.
At Atoizu, Zunheboto, EAC Dr. Samuel Akho Konyak hoisted the National Flag, took the Rashtriya Salute and delivered the Independence Day speech. The programme concluded with the Beating of Retreat.
At Jakhama, Kohima, SDO (C) Vineikho Tetso hoisted the National Flag, took the Rashtriya Salute from Khuzama Police Station and delivered the Independence Day speech.
At Pungro, Kiphire, ADC Hotolu Sema hoisted the National Flag, received Rashtriya Salute from nine parade contingents and inaugurated cultural presentations by schools and associations.
At Pughoboto, Zunheboto, ADC James T. Khulu Tikhir hoisted the National Flag, received the Rashtriya Salute from 8th NAP A Coy, and delivered the Independence Day speech. The programme featured cultural songs, exhibitions, and presentation of Subdivision Awards to Khekaho Achumi and Hosto H. Wotsa.
At Chiephobozou, Kohima, ADC Vekusheyi Rhakho hoisted the National Flag, took the Rashtriya Salute and delivered the Independence Day speech. Parade contingents included Ex-Servicemen, Chiechama and 10th IRB Zhadima. The celebration concluded with a volleyball tournament and Beating of Retreat.
At Satakha, Zunheboto, ADC Satakha hoisted the National Flag, took Rashtriya Salute and inaugurated stalls by SHGs and 111 Bn BSF. The programme featured cultural activities, tug-of-war and concluded with the Beating of Retreat.
At Tamlu, Longleng, ADC T. Lankonsen Tsanglao hoisted the National Flag, took Rashtriya Salute and inaugurated exhibition stalls. The programme included cultural presentations, football exhibition match and Beating of Retreat.
At Naginimora, Mon, ADC N. Zubenthung Ngullie hoisted the National Flag, took Rashtriya Salute and delivered the Independence Day speech.
At Seyochung, Kiphire, ADC Chumlamo Humtsoe hoisted the National Flag, took Rashtriya Salute from three contingents and inaugurated stalls by SHGs and departments.
At Phomching, Mon, SDO (C) Vejoyo Swuro hoisted the National Flag, took Rashtriya Salute from Village Guards and delivered the Independence Day speech.
Across Tuensang, Kiphire, Phek, Mokokchung, Mon and Shamator, Assam Rifles celebrated with parades, cultural performances and community programmes. At Shamator, minister Bashangmongba Chang unfurled the National Flag and took the salute. At Kiphire, Assam Rifles organised a career guidance session for youth and commemorated 150 years of Vande Mataram at Government High School, Phelungre. Veer Naris were also felicitated at Kiphire Battalion.
In Peren, Assam Rifles hosted a cultural extravaganza and a “Best out of Waste” competition promoting environmental awareness. Assam Rifles Public School, Jalukie celebrated with flag hoisting, cultural performances and patriotic songs, inspiring students to uphold national values.
Assam Rifles also marked Independence Day across Dimapur, Kohima, Medziphema and Chieswema with ceremonial march pasts, wreath laying ceremonies and cultural displays, honouring the sacrifices of bravehearts and reaffirming its bond with the people of Nagaland.