Nagaland’s 63rd Statehood Day on December 1 with a sweeping display of unity, cultural richness and renewed political determination. From the historic Secretariat Plaza in Kohima to community events across districts, the day reflected the state’s resilience and aspirations since becoming the 16th state of India in 1963.
Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio placed the Naga Political Issue (NPI) at the heart of his address, while major announcements in education, health, infrastructure, tourism and youth development underscored Nagaland’s rapidly evolving growth narrative. The celebrations also marked the inauguration of the 26th Hornbill Festival, with participation from six international partner countries.
Key Highlights of Nagaland Statehood Day 2025: Political, Cultural and Developmental Milestones
- Strong call for an early, honourable and inclusive settlement of the Naga Political Issue.
- 26th Hornbill Festival launched with partner countries Austria, Malta, Switzerland, Ireland, France and the UK.
- Major developmental announcements across education, youth development, sports, health, infrastructure, agriculture and governance.
- Inauguration of Kohima Peace Memorial & Eco-Park; master planning for upcoming Nagaki City.
- Launch of tourism apps, 120 digital libraries, Nagaland Scholarship Nodal Cell and sanitation facilities.
- Progress in malaria elimination, CMHIS recognition, and construction of a 400-bed medical college hospital.
- Strong participation of cultural troupes, exhibitions, community events and traditional performances statewide.
- Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla and Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge extended Statehood Day greetings.
Nagaland’s Statehood: A Historic Journey That Shaped Its Identity
Nagaland attained statehood on 1 December 1963 under the State of Nagaland Act, 1962, marking a landmark moment for the Naga people. Earlier part of Assam, the region’s journey to statehood involved decades of negotiations, administrative reforms and the efforts of visionary leaders committed to protecting Naga identity, culture and political rights.
On its 63rd anniversary, the state honoured these contributions and reflected on the resilience that continues to guide its path forward.
CM Neiphiu Rio’s Strong Push for Political Settlement
The central message of the 63rd Statehood Day celebrations was the renewed push for resolving the Naga Political Issue.
Rio urged all Naga Political Groups (NPGs), the Government of India and tribal bodies to come together on a common platform to restart negotiations.
Important Points from the CM’s Address
- The government remains committed to facilitating dialogue for a peaceful, honorable and inclusive settlement.
- Political Affairs Committee endorsed the Ungma Statement and reaffirmed the 2018 JLF resolutions.
- Rio recalled the September 12, 2024 consultative meeting, where the House urged the Centre to appoint a political-level interlocutor.
- For Eastern Nagaland, the state submitted comments on the draft Memorandum of Settlement for the Frontier Nagaland Territory to the MHA.
Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla and CM Rio both emphasized unity, cooperation, dialogue and cultural preservation as pillars of future progress.
National Leaders Extend Greetings to Nagaland
Prime Minister Narendra Modi praised the “glorious Naga culture rooted in service, courage and compassion,” wishing prosperity and progress for the state.
Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge honored Nagaland as the “Land of Festivals,” emphasizing harmony among its tribes and communities.
Hornbill Festival 2025: A Global Cultural Showcase
The 26th edition of the Hornbill Festival opened with grandeur, featuring participation from:
Austria, Malta, Switzerland, Ireland, France and the United Kingdom, with Arunachal Pradesh as the state partner.
Festival Highlights
- Tribal dances, folk music, traditional sports, handicrafts, and indigenous cuisine.
- Round-table sessions with partner countries on MSMEs, agriculture, entrepreneurship, higher education, climate resilience and creative industries.
- Expansion of festival activities in Mon district.
The festival reaffirmed Nagaland’s reputation as a global cultural destination.
Major Launches and Events on Statehood Day
Important Initiatives Inaugurated
- 120 Children and Adolescent Digital Libraries.
- Nagaland Scholarship Nodal Cell to streamline scholarships.
- Tourism & governance apps: StateSync and Discover Kisama.
- Ten sanitation vehicles flagged off for urban bodies.
- Tablets distributed to accredited journalists.
- Publications released on tribal culture, disability empowerment and artisan crafts.
The exhibition “Journey of Nagaland Down the Decades” showcased the state’s evolution since 1963.
Education and Youth Development: New Opportunities for the Future
Nagaland announced sweeping changes in education and youth empowerment:
- Creation of 129 Assistant Professor posts.
- Upgrades under PM-USHA.
- Establishment of four Model Degree Colleges.
- NEP 2020 technical curriculum adopted.
- AI lab at ICIT under PM’s GDI initiative.
- New Technical Education Policy, revised regulations for private technical institutions.
- Rural Employability Skills Programme introduced.
- Nagaland World Music Festival 2025 announced by TaFMA.
Sports received a major boost with a ₹3 lakh LADP Sports Fund for every district and the announcement of:
- National School Games (Taekwondo)
- Asian Women’s Sepak Takraw Championship 2026
- Dr Talimeren Ao U-17 Football Championship
Healthcare and Social Welfare: Major Advancements
Rio highlighted key improvements:
- Swasth Nari Abhiyaan launched.
- Seven districts record zero malaria under Malaria Mukt Bharat.
- CMHIS receives national recognition.
- Construction begins on a 400-bed Medical College Hospital with JICA support.
- The Chief Minister’s Corpus Fund continues supporting critical patients.
Infrastructure, Connectivity and Urban Growth Projects
Key Developments
- Road upgrades under PMGSY and NESIDS.
- Improvement of NH-61 and NH-702A.
- Four landing strips upgraded to enhance air connectivity.
- Inland waterways projects underway at Noune, Shilloi and Doyang, with a proposal for Tizu–Zungki submitted.
- Power sector improvements at Nagarjan and Tsitrongse substations.
- Nagaki City master plan advancing in Chathe Valley.
- Inauguration of Kohima Peace Memorial & Eco-Park in collaboration with Japan.
Agriculture, Rural Livelihoods and Coffee Sector Growth
Nagaland’s agricultural progress included:
- Digital transformation through Agri Stack.
- Organic farming boosts under MOVCDNER.
- MoU with National Jute Board.
- Expansion in horticulture, sericulture and fisheries.
- Significant rise in coffee cultivation and exports.
- NSRLM expanded SHG coverage; 64% women participated under MGNREGA.
- Border-area development through DUDA and cultural promotion via the Konyak Heritage Complex.
Also Read: PM Modi’s Mann Ki Baat 128: November Becomes India’s Month of Historic Achievements
Moving Forward With Collective Strength
Nagaland’s 63rd Statehood Day was more than a celebration—it was a reaffirmation of the state’s resilience, cultural pride and political aspirations. From the call for an inclusive political settlement to ambitious developments in youth, education, healthcare, agriculture and urban planning, the day reflected a united vision for progress.
As Nagaland steps into its 64th year, the spirit of unity, cooperation and shared responsibility stands at the heart of its future—a future that blends cultural heritage with social harmony and sustainable development.
FAQs on Nagaland Statehood Day 2025
1. What is the significance of Nagaland’s 63rd Statehood Day?
Nagaland’s 63rd Statehood Day marks its recognition as India’s 16th state in 1963 and celebrates political progress, cultural identity, and ongoing efforts for peace and development.
2. What key message did CM Neiphiu Rio give on Statehood Day 2025?
CM Neiphiu Rio urged a swift, honourable, and inclusive resolution to the Naga Political Issue and emphasized unity, development, youth empowerment, and cultural preservation.
3. Which countries participated in the 26th Hornbill Festival?
The 26th Hornbill Festival featured partner countries Austria, Malta, Switzerland, Ireland, France, and the United Kingdom, along with Arunachal Pradesh as the state partner.
4. What major development initiatives were announced during the celebrations?
Announcements included new colleges, digital libraries, sanitation vehicles, road upgrades, AI labs, health schemes, sports infrastructure, agriculture reforms, and the planning of Nagaki City.
5. What role does the Hornbill Festival play in Nagaland’s identity?
The Hornbill Festival showcases Nagaland’s tribal culture, music, cuisine, and art, strengthening tourism and promoting global cultural engagement while celebrating Naga heritage and resilience.
