Durbar Hall at Raj Bhavan has been dedicated as ‘Dr T Imkongliba Hall’ during the “At Home” programme hosted by governor RN Ravi at Raj Bhavan Sunday.
Ravi and chief minister Neiphiu Rio along with their lady wives unveiled the plaque for dedication of the Durbar Hall as Dr T Imkongliba Hall in the presence of the family members of Dr Imkongliba Ao, special invitees of the family members of Naga leaders and officials.
In his address, the governor said dedicating the Durbar Hall and naming it Dr Imkongliba Hall was a sign of respect and honour for his deeds and sacrifice.
“Your fathers and grandfathers did what was unimaginable and today the State and people are reaping the benefits. So we remain grateful to your fathers and grandfathers and today is an attempt just to say a small thank you and a modest gesture that we have not forgotten and that you will forever remain in our hearts,” he added.
Ravi said Republic Day was an occasion to remember and pay homage to father of nation Mahatma Gandhi and other leaders who through peaceful means carried on the political process leading to decolonisation of India.
While paying homage to the founding fathers of Nagaland, he said one could only imagine under what extraordinary circumstances these leaders got together, kept their heads cool and thought what was best for their people who were caught in the crossfire.
Ravi said when guns were booming, the people were caught in the cross-fire, adding the founding fathers displayed extraordinary sense of unity through reason as Nagaland was administratively not one then.
He acknowledged their political maturity and foresight as they were not swayed by emotions, but could assess what was in the best interest of their people.
Speaking on the occasion, Rio said January 26 was a day of great significance as it was on this day in 1950 that the Constitution of India came into effect, making the country a sovereign, socialist, secular and democratic republic.
He said the programme was meant to commemorate the values enshrined in the constitution and to reaffirm “our commitment to liberty, fraternity, equality and unity across our society and among all our citizens”.
Speaking about Dr. Ao, he said his sacrifice and selfless effort under the banner of NPC along with his committed colleagues were instrumental in inking the 16 Point Agreement that led to the formation of Nagaland.
Rio described Dr. Imkongliba Ao as a man of great determination and had with a far-sighted vision to bring all Nagas together to find practical solutions during the turbulent time of Naga history and became the first martyr of the 16 Point Agreement for the sake of Nagaland.
He conveyed his gratitude to the governor for renaming the Durbar Hall after Ao and termed it very befitting of the personality.
Tali Longkumer , son of Ao, expressed his gratitude for honouring his late father and his colleagues who were architects of the State. He described his father as a simple person who loved his family and people.
As one of his sons, Tali said he could only vouch the fact that he accepted the overwhelming challenge of shouldering the Naga politics of his days that was going through a crisis of identity and survival.
“One will find it hard either to overlook or ignore the privileges and advantages our people have got following the creation of this State as a result of sacrifices made by its pioneers,” he remarked.
Meanwhile, governor and his wife Lakshmi Ravi felicitated 21 prominent Naga personalities on the occasion. They included Dr SC Jamir, JB Jasokie, Kheloshe Sema, RC Chiten Jamir, Goyiepra Chakesang, TN Angami, Etssorhomo Ezung, Tanwang Konyak, P Demo, Imtichuba Yimchunger, Bauting Phom, Sentsi Rengma, Sashimeren Aier, R Khathing, Chuba Sangtam, Loyem Chang, Chingai Konyak and Hokishe Sema.
Governor’s Awards for outstanding contribution in conservation and protection of environment was also presented to Masuki Wildlife Sanctuary and for creating awareness and mitigation of social ills to Joint Action Committee Against Opium Addiction (JACAOA). Chief Secretary Temjen Toy gave the vote of thanks.
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