The President Pranab Mukherjee has said that the North East region can play a major role in building a strong and powerful India. He said, it must be given the utmost importance and attention by our political leaders, policy makers and administrators.

Mukherjee was speaking after inaugurating the Nagaland State’s Golden Jubilee Year Celebrations and Hornbill Festival 2013 on Sunday at Kisama, Nagaland.

The President said, with its human and natural resources, the North East region has tremendous potential to achieve rapid, inclusive and sustainable growth.

He said this region can become a magnet for major investments from the rest of the country as well as abroad.

Mukherjee said, it can turn itself into a major centre for trade and business.

The President called upon the people of the rest of India to discover Nagaland, visit the state, contribute to the local economy and strengthen the bonds that tie different parts of our country and people together.

He urged all concerned to work towards establishing and maintaining a peaceful environment in the state so that the dreams of the youth can be realized in the shortest possible time.

He called upon Nagaland to lead the way in the building a new future for India.

The President congratulated the people and Government of Nagaland on their completion of 50 years as a state.

He also complimented them for organizing the Hornbill Festival 2013 which brings together all Naga tribes in a collaborative effort to preserve, protect and provide new impetus to their rich traditions of music, dance, food and culture.

A Commemorative Stamp of Nagaland and a Coffee Table Book on 50th Anniversary of statehood were also released by the President on the occasion.