New Delhi [India], December 6 : Union Minister Jyotiraditya M Scindia participated in the globally renowned Hornbill Festival of Nagaland, celebrating the state's extraordinary cultural heritage and the rich traditions of its 17 tribes, as part of his 3-day tour to Nagaland.
Echoing the deep personal bond he shares with the region, the Minister said, "My relationship with Nagaland and its 17 tribes is one I feel from the heart. I bring with me the hopes, aspirations and unwavering commitment of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, whose Act East vision is transforming the Northeast into India's first frontier to the world."
Held at the iconic Kisama Heritage Village, Hornbill has grown exponentially under Prime Minister Narendra Modi's focused thrust on the Northeast. The PM's emphasis on cultural diplomacy, connectivity and tourism has brought the festival global recognition, culminating this year in Switzerland, Ireland and the United Kingdom joining as official Partner Countries, a significant step in positioning the Northeast on the international cultural map.
The festival continues to be a vibrant confluence of tradition and contemporary creativity, with tribal dances, handloom showcases, indigenous games, village walks, culinary exhibitions, evening concerts and the celebrated Hornbill International Rock Contest, all while ensuring that cultural narratives remain authentic and community-led.
During his visit, the Minister engaged deeply with artisans, entrepreneurs and cultural practitioners. At the Regional Craft and Resource Centre in Touphema Village, he interacted with women artisans and designer Margherita, participated in Naga Khu (basket) weaving and observed the crafting of the Naga Dao. He also played the TaTi, an indigenous string instrument, alongside Angami artists.
Later, at a local coffee farm, he sampled freshly roasted Naga dal and handmade muffins prepared by Meyievino, Tolibo and Vitouzhuneo, with coffee brewed by Vitoswu. He joined Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio for a traditional coffee-making session and interacted with young coffee entrepreneurs. In the evening, he visited the Angami, Chakhesang and Konyak morungs, and concluded the day by meeting women weavers and craftswomen at the Hornbill handicraft market.
Earlier in the day, the Minister also took part in the revered Angami stone-pulling ceremony in Tuophema Village. Calling it a symbol of unity and collective spirit, he emphasised the enduring cultural strength of Naga society.
In the afternoon, he unveiled a nearly Rs 650 crore development package under the Ministry of DoNER and the Government of India's 'Act East, Act Fast, Act First' vision championed by Prime Minister Modi.
This included inaugurations worth over Rs 202 crore and foundation stones for over Rs 443 crore of new projects spanning healthcare, sports, power, education, innovation and key road corridors, a comprehensive push to accelerate growth, deepen connectivity and unlock economic opportunities across Nagaland.
Highlighting the transformational outcomes of PM Modi's leadership, the Minister noted the unprecedented momentum in the region's growth trajectory, stating, "From airports and highways to telecom and cross-border connectivity, infrastructure in the Northeast is advancing at unprecedented speed. With nearly Rs 650 crore worth of new projects in Nagaland alone, we are working closely with Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio to build a future worthy of our people's aspirations."
The Minister reaffirmed that the Northeast, revered by the Prime Minister as the Ashta Lakshmi of India, is now among the fastest-growing regions of the country, powered by a young, ambitious and enterprising population. Close coordination between DoNER and the State Government will continue to advance the next set of projects already in the pipeline, he asserted.