1 Dec : As part of the Hornbill Festival of Nagaland, the inaugural function of the World War II Museum was held this morning at Kisama with Nagaland Governor, K. Sankaranarayanan as the chief guest.
Addressing the gathering, including the War veterans, the Governor stressed on the importance of the Battle of Kohima in the Second World War and how it proved to be ‘the turning point in the war with Japan’. He said that the World War II Museum is to immortalise the memories of the Second World War for the generations to come to remember the sacrifices of the valiant soldiers more than 60 years ago. He said that Kohima was a turning point in the war against Japan and hoped that the Museum will go a long way in helping the people to understand and to remember those who stopped the Japanese advance into Northern India.
The Governor said that the various memorabilia exhibited in the Museum remind us of the damage war and battles cause to society and people in general. He expressed hope that the Museum will become a landmark in the tourist map of Kohima and will also attract interest of researches and history students. The museum will also help students learn about the history of Kohima and the role played by soldiers in ensuring the future that we are living today, the Governor said. He also hoped that the museum, over a period of time, with a better collection and more detailed documentation of the Battle of Kohima, it will become one of the best War Museums in the world.
State Chief Minister, Neiphiu Rio in his address congratulated the Arts & Culture Department and the people of Nagaland for the bright idea of having the Second World War Museum which had been executed artistically and efficiently. He hoped that the Museum would further enhance the attractiveness of Kohima and Nagaland as a tourist destination, both for Indian nationals and foreigners.
Rio said that the museum will require not only further expansion and development, but enrichments in various aspects. He said that all have to think individually and collectively to enrich the museum and also be ready to collect and contribute materials for display. Rio said that the museum is intended to convey the folly of war, its costs and destructivity in terms of lives and properties and to convey the need of building peace and brotherhood amongst mankind. The museum will also serve as a memorial for those who had made the supreme sacrifice in defence of the nation, and to honour their memories, so that the younger generation may also imbibe the true spirit of sacrifice and patriotism, which is much need today, Rio added.
The chief guest earlier released the book ‘Festivals of Nagaland’ published by the Department of Art & Culture, Nagaland. He also unveiled the Plague of the Museum Inaugural and planted a cherry tree to commemorate the occasion.
The programme was chaired by Parliamentary Secretary, Art & Culture, Tourism, Law & Justice, Yitachu. Vote of thanks was tendered by Chief Secretary, Nagaland, Lalhuma IAS.
