Kohima, June 26: Nagaland Chief Minister Dr. Neiphiu Rio on Thursday inaugurated the Kohima Village Multipurpose Building at Ziekezou, which will now serve as the nerve centre for community initiatives, ranging from village council meetings to programmes for youth and women’s groups.
Speaking on the occasion, Rio said the multipurpose centre was a significant landmark that would serve not only as a meeting and workspace but also host cultural events, skill development programmes, training sessions and public functions, adding a new chapter to the continued progress and betterment of the Naga people.
Present at the inauguration were ministers, advisors to the state government, MLAs, administrative heads of departments, tribal leaders, village elders and representatives from various khels of Kohima Village.
The ceremony, marked by the unfurling of the Kohima Village Council flag and the unveiling of a commemorative plaque by the Chief Minister, also featured colourful Angami folk songs and dances. “If our villages are strong, united and self-reliant, Nagaland will prosper,” asserted the Chief Minister, while highlighting the responsibility that rests on Kohima Village, one of Asia’s largest villages, to preserve Naga identity while embracing progress and development. He also urged the people of Nagaland to preserve their languages, culture and traditions while remaining open to new ideas and opportunities. Stressing the need for greater unity and understanding among different communities, Rio said no meaningful development and prosperity is possible without lasting peace in the state.
He thanked the state government for supporting infrastructure that benefits young people, educational initiatives and organisations working for art, culture and the empowerment of women, saying such efforts would strengthen this important community institution.
The new multipurpose facility, which will host village council meetings, community programmes, sports-related activities and a public library, is set to become another landmark in Nagaland’s capital, serving one of Asia’s second-largest villages.
