Speech by Jacintha Lazarus, IAS, DC/CCpur on I-Day 2013
“On this occasion of 67th Independence Day, I wish all my fellow citizens a very happy and joyous Independence Day. At this moment let us all remember our forefathers whose efforts and selfless sacrifice has given us the joy of independence. At this juncture I would like to salute our security forces who have been sacrificing themselves to ensure that we continue to breathe the air of freedom.
In this Independence Day we are emphasizing the theme of clean and green Churachandpur in our district. The Bible in Deuteronomy chapter 8 verse 7 says, ‘for the Lord your God is bringing you into a good land, a land of brooks of water, of fountains and springs, that flow out of valley and hills”. God has blessed and given us also an Israel through Churachandpur. It is our duty to ensure that we preserve our land, if we continue with our unplanned and rampant deforestation, mindless quarrying we are choking our land to its death. Not only in the town area but even is the lush green interiors are turning barren now due to excessive jhumming leading to climate change which in turn effects our basic subsistence. We have to break off from this vicious cycle. We are very happy that the second phase of catchment area plantation was inaugurated yesterday. I would like to appreciate the village chiefs who had upheld their arrangement to donate and preserve the plantation along the river 2 years back. At the same time I would request the chiefs who are unable to preserve the area to uphold and fulfill their promise to the people of Churachandpur.
At the same time recognizing the importance of cleanliness and sanitation a massive drainage connection was executed under MGNREGS. I would once again appreciate and thank all the village authorities who executed the work sincerely and effectively. Also our district was the only district in the whole state that was able to provide 100 days of wages to every job card holder last year under MGNREGS.
This year it is planned to provide emphasis in water supply. A District Level Committee will be set up to plan out the requirement of small water tanks and pipes at every locality. It is also planned that the locality maintains the internal distribution by themselves so that all of us can be stake holders in this process. It is planned to execute this as a convergence work between MGNREGS and BRGF. Last year though we lost our second instalment in BRGF due to late receipt of fund. But the Ministry has increased the allocation this year to compensate the loss to a certain extent. I would request all the work agencies to executive their work sincerely for the speedy development of the district.
Apart from the normal development schemes implemented by various departments, special mention needs to be made about the newly inaugurated SSA Residential School at New Lamka which has more than 100 students of BPL families. Also 6 hostels for boys and girls are sanctioned under MSDP at every constituency apart from the NEC sponsored Hostel at Rengkai for school children. Also NEC has sanctioned a circuit house at Bijang. A National Institute for Electronics & Information Technology, Churachandpur Branch has been started at its temporary location at Churachandpur High School. Also it is planned to include social audit in various schemes so that local participation is brought out.
In this juncture, I remember about my recent training in South Korea where we learnt about the Seamul Undong movement, this is basically about how a country ravaged with war developed its rural economy through self-help movement. All the infrastructure in the village was developed by villagers themselves and those who excelled were given more. We also should follow the same way as there is no alternate route for development. Self-sustenance is the core for development.
Dear brothers and sisters, we need to realize that active participation of local communities is the essence of our democracy. The participation is required in all field of development, right from spreading awareness on issues ranging from health to biodiversity conservation, building common community infrastructure to nurturing local business, from agriculture development to youth development. Development through participation may look a difficult path. But let me assure you that the path of popular participation in the decision making and actions if chosen will bring about sustainable development and true nation-building.
My appreciation are due to women association who have involved themselves effectively and resolutely in preventing drug abuse and ensuring that our youngsters are not led astray. Also the whole district rallied during the recent storm when many families were rendered homeless. Lots of civil organisation and individuals contributed generously for the same.
But at the same time in the recent past, the district has been witnessing certain disturbing events which threaten our peace and tranquility. Our forefathers received this Independence as they had started a march; a march for truth, march towards peace, march for our rights, a march that gave us our freedom not just from the British but a march that restored our freedom of thought. So, independence and freedom can exist only if our thoughts lead us to what is right.
Nelson Mandela said, “for to be free is not merely to cast off one’s chain but to live in a way that respects and enhances the freedom of others”. The peace and freedom we have in our district is also very hard earned. We had already sacrificed a lot. We have to be careful that this is not spoilt carelessly. We have to ensure that there is peace and harmony between all the communities in this district. We have to remember that we can have our freedom of expression to the extent that it does not disturb another person’s freedom.
Dear people of Churachandpur, unless we join hands together and stand united, understanding each other, sharing each other’s problems and remembering all the hardships each one has suffered, we cannot move forward in the path of development.
In this Independence Day, let us vow to our self that we will shed all differences among us and move forward with sustainable development and harmony as our only goal.”
‘Jai Hind’
Source: I Love Khawvaiphei People