Nagaland 2025 – development consultation programme organized by Nagaland Baptist Church Council (NBCC) was conducted at Hotel Japfü Kohima in partnership with Development of Human Potential (DHP) Imphal August 29.
The session was divided into three parts spoke by different resource persons representing “government, youth and church perspective”.
Medical Ministry International (MMI), India director Rev. Dr. W. Pongsing Konyak, speaking on “Nagaland development vision 2025: church perspective”, said development cannot be limited to mere economic growth, material prosperity, infrastructures, five stars hotels, large metro cities, 4-lane roads, computerized office etc. but it included all aspects of human being, physical, mental and spiritual needs.
He said development was a process of opening to new prospects and possibilities, transformation through a process of education, motivation, training and local participation.
Based on Christian perspective, he said development was not only “material growth oriented” but it goes far beyond embracing aspects like mental development, physical development, spiritual development and social development in harmony with the whole creation of God.
“The Bible is full of development history and stories begin from creation and it ends with a transformation story –the new heaven and new earth,” he added.
Dr.Pongsing said there were numerous challenges to be addressed in Nagaland like problem of insurgency, infrastructures deficiency, corruptions, squandering public funds, fragile law and order, lack of transparency and accountability, bureaucratic hassle, non-performing govt. schools, various social problems like drug addiction, kidnapping, gun-culture, extortion, crime, violence, socio-economic inequalities, unemployment problem etc.
Speaking on the potential of Nagaland on land and its resources, presence of strong civil organizations, people’s organizations, Dr. Pongsing said Nagaland was a Christian dominated land and almost all the government servants, political leaders were Christians and can impact state government because leaders in the government were members of the church.
He also shared the windows of opportunities from India vision 2020 and Look East Policy with special reference to Nagaland and North East.
He also highlighted what Nagaland churches could do by 2025 to make Nagaland factional conflict free by playing peace and reconciliation roles, clean election campaign gains maximum maturity, liquor prohibition implemented in letter and spirit, churches fully prepared for disaster management, plan for Christian university, partnership and networking government, creating various awareness among the masses, directing peoples’ vision and energy to make use of the land etc.
Nagaland chief secretary Alemtemshi Jamir, in his speech on “Nagaland development vision 2025: government perspective”, focused on proper use of land, commercial production, access and analyze which area or sector to grow in the state.
He said the vision to achieve 100% literacy by 2025 in the state “can be possible if we put our heads together and strive for it.”
However, Alemtemshi Jamir warned the alarming trend of decreasing farmers in the state and urged the state government to focus on the policy “back to land” and see that attractive package was given to the farmers.
Jamir said state should plan out and work in terms of cities to grow for industrialization to take place in the state and also government should envisage on super highway.
He reminded that Nagaland would be affected by globalization with look East policy and trade with Myanmar border trade roads which was already initiated.
Earlier, the programme started with invocation prayer by Rev. C. Lima Sangtam president NBCC, welcome and introduction by Rev. Dr.L.Anjo Keikung general secretary NBCC. Dr. Botoholi secy.
Education & com. NBCC, Nuklu Phom executive secy.PBCA and Dr. Atsi Dolie executive director ABCC were the moderators for the first, second and third session respectively. Feedback and reflection roadmap to vision 2025 was led by Rev. Dr. Thamthing Ruiva Director DHP.