<span style="color: #222222;">President  Droupadi Murmu has said that the topography of the hilly region poses special challenges for development; yet Mizoram has done remarkably well on all parameters, especially when it comes to human development.<br />''<br />''Addressing Mizoram Legislative Assembly today, the President said the development of village roads, highways and bridges not only helps in meeting the education and healthcare goals, but also unleashes economic opportunities in the region.  <br />''   <br />''She said that as a tribal majority state, Mizoram can explore its past and find best governance practices from pre-modern days that can be revived within contemporary systems.<br />''<br />''Noting that the Mizoram Legislative Assembly celebrated its Golden Jubilee in May this year, the President said that over the years, this house has evolved a model of debate, healthy discussion and mutual respect as an effective instrument in finding solution to people's problems.  <br />''<br />''They said that in Mizoram, women are an empowered lot in every sphere of life, be it sports, culture or business. She highlighted that there should be increased representation of women in public life particularly, among lawmakers in the state.<br />''<br />''The President said that the development of Mizoram and the rest of the North-East is also significant for the nation to scale greater heights. India's stature on the global stage has been rising.<br />''<br />''Our ties with the neighbours, especially in South-East Asia, are of high value to us. Our 'Act East Policy' places emphasis on the North-East for improving our ties with the extended neighbourhood in the Asia-Pacific region.  <br />''<br />''She said Mizoram has the highest forest cover among all Indian states, providing an ideal home for extraordinary and rich biodiversity. The Himalayas, its fragile ecology and flora and fauna are our priceless heritage. We must conserve them for generations to come.<br />''<br />''President Droupadi Murmu has said that India's ties with the neighbours, especially in South-East Asia, are of high – value. Country's Act East Policy has placed emphasis on the North-East for improving the ties with the extended neighbourhood in the Asia-Pacific region.<br />''<br />''She said that once an economic initiative, the policy has gained strategic and cultural dimensions. She said that Mizoram benefits from and also contributes to the nation's endeavour to engage with the neighbours in the region.<br />''<br />''In her address Smt Murmu said that the development of Mizoram and the rest of the North East is the key to the nation scaling greater heights, with the country's stature on the global stage being rising.<br />''<br />''She said that the whole nation has been celebrating the 'Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav' this year, marking 75 years of freedom from colonial rule. We are also moving into the 'Amrit Kaal', towards the centenary of Independence.<br />''<br />''She said such historical landmarks serve a useful function: they remind us of our living links with the past. Referring to the freedom fighters' sacrifices, she said that this is the time their dreams speak to us with a fresh urgency. She urged all to introspect on their dreams and also take inspiration from their struggles to continue on the path to people-oriented development.<br />''<br />''She expressed happiness to note that Mizoram Legislative Assembly celebrated its Golden Jubilee in May this year. She said this has been a half-century of deepening democracy and of working hard to meet people's expectations for development.<br />''<br />''She said that in climate action, India has taken a lead, showing the world the best way to counter the effects of environmental degradation.<br />''<br />''Our multiple initiatives in promoting renewable sources of energy have won admiration around the world. She urged all as individuals, policymakers, lawmakers or administrators to strive at their own level to help heal the planet.</span><br />