SC recognises and upholds Naga customary laws: Justice Kaul
Curtains came down on the 10-day Hornbill Festival at The Heritage Village, Kisama here Saturday at the closing programme where Supreme Court Judge Justice Sanjay Kishan Kaul, was honoured guest, and chief minister Neiphiu Rio, among a host of dignitaries.
In his address, Kaul noted that Naga customary laws and traditions were unique and protected under the Constitution of India and to which even Supreme Court has been recognising and upholding in its verdicts.
Justice Kaul extended greetings to the “peace loving people of Nagaland” who he said, coexisted in harmony with their unique culture and traditions. He remarked that Nagas were known not only for their bravery, but also for their warmth and hospitality, which he claimed to have experienced during his visit to the State.
Kaul said Nagaland, a land of festivals, was already on the national and international map of tourism, and hoped that it would help ushering in development in the State. He mentioned that such festivals like Hornbill brought people together from across the country and globe in a spirit of unity in diversity.
He further pointed out that judiciary was an important pillar of democracy that gave an opportunity and mechanism for dispute resolution, stressing that a strong effective and vibrant judiciary was the backbone of the society.
The Judge also commented that to ensure that no one missed out the opportunity to approach courts due to social and economic barriers, it was his duty as executive chairman of National Legal Services Authority to ensure access to justice for all by bridging the gaps.
Meanwhile, in his closing remarks, Rio, who attended the programme as a special guest, expressed gratitude to all those who had helped in making Hornbill Festival a success.
He also thanked all guests and invitees for taking the time out and attending the 23rd edition of the festival over the past nine days.
Pointing out that the festival was an occasion for people to come gather, he noted that this spirit of unity was witnessed over the past nine days with all tribes and sub-tribes of Nagaland, government departments, NGOs, businessmen and women, adventure enthusiasts, artistes, farmers, etc, taking part in the festival.
He claimed that Nagaland had abundant wealth of wisdom that could be shared with rest of the world.
Rio also acknowledged all sponsors and partners who had helped to make Hornbill a huge success. He thanked Union Ministry of Tourism, health and hygiene partner Reckitt, digital partner Reliance Jio Infocomm Ltd, media partner Hornbill TV,Hornbill Music Festival partner Toyota, Tata Motors, Indian Oil Corporation, Reserve Bank of India, State Bank of India, etc, for their invaluable contribution to the festival. He also thanked all the cultural troupes for their participation.
He emphasised that unity was the need of the hour and called upon everyone to work together, adding that many things could be achieved only when there was unity.
Rio further thanked the organisers and all allied departments for fostering a spirit of collaboration and partnership over the years.
He urged the guests and visitors to take back the sweet memories of time spent at the festival and be Nagaland’s ambassadors.
Advisor, Tourism and Art & Culture, KhehoviYeputhomi said that post-pandemic, the Hornbill Festival recorded an overwhelming number of visitors and tourists. He said that this year, 1, 17, 753 tourists and visitors witnessed the Hornbill Festival. He also made a special mention of all the cultural troupes for performing at the Hornbill Festival and thanked the participants, organizers and sponsors for the successful culmination of the Festival.
Meanwhile, a cultural presentation ‘Made in Nagaland’ was performed on the occasion. Later, the chief minister along with Chef Gary Mehigan, author and restaurateur, and one of the original judges of Master Chef Australia lit the Hornbill Bonfire, which was followed by the Unity Dance, representing the Naga tribes.