Peace in Nagaland key to India’s progress: Kurian

Union Minister of State for Minority Affairs; Animal Husbandry, Fisheries and Dairying, George Kurian on Sunday underscored that lasting peace in Nagaland is fundamental to building a prosperous and secure India, while reaffirming that the North-East is not the country’s periphery but the gateway to the Act East Policy.
Kurian made the remarks while inaugurating the Peter Armacost Multi-Purpose Hall at North East Christian University (NECU), City Campus, Anchor Complex, Burma Camp, coinciding with the university’s Foundation Day celebrations.
The minister was accorded a traditional welcome by NECU students dressed in ethnic attire, followed by a cultural dance reflecting the rich diversity of the North-East. He later unveiled the commemorative plaque of the newly inaugurated hall and laid the cornerstone for the proposed NECU North East Village Retreat, envisioned as a space representing the architectural styles and cultural ethos of the region.
In his address, Kurian expressed appreciation for the infrastructural and developmental strides made in Nagaland and across the North-East in recent years. He conveyed gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi for giving focused attention to the region and reiterated the Centre’s commitment to inclusive growth.
Highlighting key initiatives, the minister referred to the Prime Minister Jan Vikas Karyakram (PMJVK), launched in 2018 to address infrastructure gaps in minority-concentrated areas, and noted that several projects had been completed in Dimapur district under the scheme.
He also spoke about PM VIKAS, a skill development programme for minority youth, encouraging students to explore emerging sectors such as the Internet of Things and entrepreneurship.
Commending NECU’s academic initiatives, Kurian lauded the university’s postgraduate programme in emotional healthcare, emphasising its relevance in the post-pandemic context. He also appreciated the institution’s focus on traditional studies and certification in indigenous healing practices, underscoring the importance of preserving community-based knowledge systems and cultural identity.
The inaugural programme was chaired by Dr. Kangzangding Thou, director of Academics, NECU. The ceremony began with a dedicatory prayer by Rev. Dr. Bonny Resu, governing council member, followed by a welcome address by pro-chancellor Prof. Darlando Khathing, who outlined the university’s vision for holistic and inclusive education.
Cultural presentations by students added vibrancy to the occasion. Messages from the family of Dr. Peter Armacost were conveyed by his wife and daughter, reflecting on his enduring legacy in education.
Alemtemshi Jamir, IAS (Retd.), former chief secretary Nagaland and governing council member, also spoke on Dr. Armacost’s contributions to NECU’s growth.
The programme concluded with a special song by students and a vote of thanks proposed by Registrar Vizeto Kin, followed by the National Anthem.
The event was attended by university officials, faculty members, distinguished guests, students and media personnel, marking a significant milestone in NECU’s continuing commitment to educational excellence, cultural preservation and community engagement in the North-East.