Dimapur: Nagaland Bamboo Development Agency (NBDA) Sunday observed World Bamboo Day with an objective of bringing the potential of bamboo to a more elevated exposure – to protect natural resources and the environment, to ensure sustainable utilization, to promote new cultivation of bamboo for new industries in regions around the world, as well as promote traditional uses locally for community economic development.

This year’s celebration put special emphasis on acknowledging bamboo farmers, artisans, craftsmen and bamboo Self Help Groups in the State, according to a press release from Dr. Tolto Metha, Team Member, NBDA.

The celebration was held at the Nagaland Bamboo Resource Centre (NBRC), 6th Mile (Sovima), Dimapur attended by people from various walks of life, including technocrats, farmers, entrepreneurs, and artisans.

The inaugural segment featured an invocation prayer by N. Savino and unfurling of the official ‘World Bamboo Day’ flag by the chief guest Naiba Konyak, Advisor of NBDA, which was followed by the bamboo anthem performed by students of the Margaret Shishak School of Music, Patkai Christian College.

The main function of the celebration was chaired by T. Imkonglemba Ao, IAS, APC and Mission Director, NBDA. The programme saw a special performance by Moa and Aren of Abiogenesis with their ingeniously developed bamboo musical instruments ‘Bamhum’ and ‘Tikzik’. Various awards were given to the best VBDC, best performing SHG, most promising entrepreneur, artisan and progressive farmer of the year, reported Morung Express.

Naiba Konyak in his speech stressed on the need to be more progressive in words and action, and requested special prayer from all quarters for the NBDA in implementing its activities. The Team Leader of NBDA, Peter Lichamo (NCS) pronounced the vote of thanks.