Governor Speech on State Day

CHIBAI!

I convey my heartiest greetings and congratulations to all the people of Mizoram today, as we celebrate the 34th Mizoram State Day across the State.

Long before we attained freedom from the British in 1947, the concept of a united India had always been there. After Independence, about 550 Princely States joined the Union of India. Then, the States Reorganisation Act, 1956 came into force, under which regional languages and identities were to be respected and maintained. Unfortunately, Mizoram did not get this status in 1956. However, after a prolonged hue and cry, demand and agitation by the Mizo people, we finally achieved Statehood. The people who took initiative from both the Centre and the State are in the sacred memory of the Mizo people.

The signing of the historic Mizo Peace Accord on 30th June, 1986 remains a beacon of hope for a world full of conflict, that peace can be attained and sustained if the people and leaders choose it above violence, and if they sincerely work hard towards keeping it. After we achieved Statehood in 1987, our continued aim has been to attain a self-reliant and self-respected Mizoram.

I am glad that virtually all of the important officials of the State Government have assembled here today. I want to remind all of us that we have a duty and responsibility to serve the people of Mizoram to the best of our abilities. We are fortunate to have a very energetic Chief Minister, who is leading by example as we attempt to usher in all-round development for Mizoram.

While it is a cause for celebration that we are performing quite well on various social indicators, I am sure we will all agree that we cannot rest upon past laurels, and that all of us need to do so much more. We all appreciate the fact that although the people of North East India constitute only as little as 3.5% of the total population of the whole of India, a huge amount of not less than 10% of the Union Budget is allotted for the development of this region. We all know that Development is the ‘mantra’ chanted by the Union Government under Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Let us make the best efforts to optimally utilize this vast sum of resources which has been earmarked for us by the Centre. It is no secret that we need to improve, as one seemingly small lapse somewhere can affect the fortunes of the whole State of Mizoram.

Our Constitution offers a Welfare State to the people of India. This means the minimum requirements for every citizen in terms of food, basic infrastructure, health, education, drinking water, purified air, good environment, etc. After more than 70 years of Independence, we have not achieved this fully. When the whole country was celebrating freedom on 15 August 1947, the Champion of the National Movement, Mahatma Gandhi himself, was far way from Delhi in a rural area of Kolkata. He did not celebrate as for him, freedom can only be truly achieved when the last person in the queue gets the minimum requirements.

In one of his last notes, Gandhiji said :

"I will give you a talisman. Whenever you are in doubt, or when the self becomes too much with you, apply the following test. Recall the face of the poorest and the weakest man whom you may have seen, and ask yourself, if the step you contemplate is going to be of any use to him. Will he gain anything by it? Will it restore him to a control over his own life and destiny? In other words, will it lead to swaraj [freedom] for the hungry and spiritually starving millions? Then you will find your doubts and your self melt away."

The Union and the State Governments should commit and endeavour in this line, and we should work hard towards achieving a Welfare State.

Also, it must not be our aim to rely solely on Central funding. In this regard, I am happy that the State Government has a clear-cut plan and vision to bring about self-reliance and prosperity. Mizoram is blessed abundantly on many fronts. We need to urgently unleash our untapped potential, be it in terms of horticulture, handloom & handicrafts, human resource, tourism, etc. It is our duty to provide a congenial socio-economic setting where our youth can flourish with pride.

Today, I am happy that the leaders of the Church, the NGOs and the civil society are present. Unfortunately, the time has come for us to tackle on a war-footing the various social problems such as substance abuse and high incidences of lifestyle diseases such as HIV/AIDS and Cancer. These problems are weakening our society and are dragging Mizoram down. It is high time that all of us together face this ugly truth, and vow to fight back for our physical, mental and spiritual well-being.

As we celebrate 34 years of Statehood, we need to rededicate ourselves for the development of Mizoram. The achievement of our vision and goals is especially reliant on the top Government officials who are present here. If you collectively give your best efforts, I am certain that Mizoram will progress in leaps and bounds. Towards that end, I assure you that I will also contribute in any way that I can. In fact, during my short tenure, I have visited 5 districts within the State. And I am planning to visit the remaining 6 districts within next month. As the Governor, I offer my services to all the people of Mizoram in our shared journey towards continued development.

I once again express my happiness and pride on our 34th State Day. In conclusion, I wish to remind all the citizens of Mizoram that as a full-fledged State under the Constitution of India, we have the responsibility to uphold the ideals of unity, integrity and nationality. 

Today, let us pledge towards working in full earnest to vault Mizoram to the glorious heights it deserves to occupy in all spheres of life. I am sure that the people of Mizoram will not disappoint, and I wish them success and happiness in all their endeavours.

KA LAWM E

JAI HIND

Speech of Mizoram Governor SHRI PS SREEDHARAN PILLAI on the occasion of MIZORAM STATE DAY CELEBRATION 2020 At Vanapa Hall, Aizawl On 20th February, 2020