ADDRESS OF SHRI. AJAY KUMAR BHALLA TO THE PEOPLE OF NAGALAND THROUGH AKASHVANI/DOORDARSHAN KOHIMA ON 25th AUGUST 2025 ON ASSUMPTION OF THE OFFICE OF THE GOVERNOR OF NAGALAND

My dear fellow citizens of Nagaland,

With a profound sense of duty and immense humility, I have today assumed the office of the Governor of this beautiful and vibrant state. I begin by expressing my deepest gratitude for the warm and gracious welcome extended to me by the people of Nagaland, led by the Hon’ble Chief Minister.

I am deeply mindful of the trust reposed on me by our country’s leadership led by the Hon’ble President of India and the Hon’ble Prime Minister. This appointment is not merely an opportunity to serve, but a sacred responsibility bestowed upon me to work for the welfare of the people of Nagaland and for the progress of our great nation.

On this day, my thoughts are inevitably with my distinguished predecessor, the late Shri La Ganesan ji. His sudden and tragic passing has left a void that is deeply felt across the state and the country. He was, in the truest sense, a people’s Governor. He demystified the Raj Bhavan, throwing its doors open to the common citizen, and served with a rare blend of dedication, selflessness and empathy. He has set a benchmark of public service that I can only aspire to follow. While his are very big shoes to fill, I assure you that I will strive to uphold the highest traditions of this honoured position and to live up to the expectations of the people.

Nagaland has always held a special fascination for me. The rich cultural diversity, the resilience of the people and the scenic beauty of this land have a unique allure. In my previous capacities in government service, I have had the privilege of being associated with the developmental journey of the Northeast, including Nagaland. I feel truly blessed and privileged to now return as the First Citizen of this beautiful state and with God’s blessings, that I pledge to contribute to Nagaland’s progress to the very best of my ability.

As we look to the future, we must build on the foundations laid by those before us. Nagaland is brimming with immense potential. The entrepreneurial spirit of our youth, the unique traditions of organic farming and horticulture, the untapped possibilities in tourism, and the rich heritage of art and crafts present a formidable opportunity for sustainable and inclusive growth.

However, we must also acknowledge the areas that need our focused attention. We must work collectively to further improve connectivity, enhance healthcare accessibility, provide quality education and skill development to our children and create more opportunities for employment and entrepreneurship. I assure the State Government  of my fullest support and co-operation  in these efforts, and work in close harmony for the welfare of our people.

This journey of Nagaland is inextricably linked to the journey of India. Today, our nation stands tall as the world’s fastest-growing major economy, a beacon of stability and growth. Our economic standing is strong and our growth rate is the envy of the world. But for our nation to grow stronger and realize the dream of a Viksit Bharat by 2047—a developed India—every region and every state must be an equal partner in this progress. No one must be left behind. Nagaland, with its unique strengths and strategic location, has a vital role to play in this national story. It is my earnest desire that we work together—the government, the civil society, the tribal bodies and every citizen—to ensure that Nagaland not only keeps pace with the nation but also becomes a shining example of its developmental ethos. Let us strive together so that one day, very soon, every citizen of Nagaland can enjoy the fruits of this national dream.

I seek your blessings, your cooperation and your active participation in this collective endeavour. Let us walk together on the path of peace, progress, and prosperity.

May God bless Nagaland!  May God bless our great nation, India!

 

Thank you,

Jai Hind!