Nagaland CM, Naga Hoho seek apology from Tharoor
New Delhi/Kohima, Aug 7 : Nagaland Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio on Tuesday demanded an apology from Congress leader Shashi Tharoor for remarking that Prime Minister Narendra Modi wore "outlandish" and "hilarious" Naga headgears but refused to wear a Muslim skull cap.
"We (Nagas) have rich heritage and vibrant culture. We are proud of our history and traditions. The Naga headgear is renowned and gifted with honour, definitely not outlandish," Rio told IANS before his meeting with Modi.
"Every Indian is proud of the rich diversity. This diversity is our pride and our strength and mutual respect makes India a great nation," the Naga leader said.
"He (Tharoor) must aplogize and withdrew statements that hurt others' sentiments," Rio added.
The Naga Hoho, an apex Naga tribal body, also demanded an unconditional apology to the Naga people from Tharoor for what it said an abuse of Modi for wearing Naga headgear. Tharoor's comments, he said, were "inexcusable from a person of such a stature".
"His statement, though meant to be humorous, showed the 'contemptuous mentality' of some of the mainstream Indians towards the Northeast and in particular the Nagas," Naga Hoho President P. Chuba Ozukum said.
"Even in the past, Congress leaders like Jawaharlal Nehru, Indira Gandhi and Rajiv Gandhi had worn Naga headgears and traditional dresses, keeping in mind that India was a democratic secular country, but no political party or individual showed such 'disregard and impudence' as that of Tharoor," he added.
The Naga Hoho also appealed to Congress leaders from Nagaland to find out the details and contact the persons and authority concerned towards resolving the controversial statement amicably on this pertinent issue.
Addressing a seminar, the Thiruvananthapuram MP said: "Why does our Prime Minister, who wears all sorts of outlandish headgears wherever he goes around the country and around the world, but always refuses to wear a Muslim skull cap?
"You see him in hilarious Naga headgears and feathers. You see him in various kinds of extraordinary outfits, which is a right thing for a Prime Minister to do. India Gandhi has also been photographed wearing various kinds of costumes. But why he still always says no to one?
"Why does he refuse to wear green, the colour that he says is identified with Muslim appeasement? What kind of talk it is?" Tharoor said.
Let the Truth be known. If you read VB and like VB, please be a VB Supporter and Help us deliver the Truth to one and all.
NRI Kannadiga community should achieve greater accomplishments: Dr. Arathi Krishna
Bahrain: Dr. Arathi Krishna, Vice President of the Non-Resident Indian (NRI) Forum, Government of Karnataka, participated as the Guest of Honour at the prestigious Global Women’s Economic Forum and Exhibition held on January 13, 2025 in Bahrain.
The international event, known for its pivotal role in empowering women entrepreneurs and professionals, provided a unique platform for showcasing business innovations and fostering leadership among women.
During the event, Dr. Krishna emphasized the significance of women’s contributions to entrepreneurship and technological advancements. She noted that the forum's dynamic workshops, panel discussions, and expert speeches offered specialized insights into innovative practices, financial management, and the adoption of new technologies. These knowledge-sharing opportunities are designed to support emerging women entrepreneurs, enabling them to thrive in a competitive global marketplace.
Highlighting the transformative power of such initiatives, Dr. Krishna remarked on the growing achievements of women entrepreneurs in traditionally male-dominated sectors. She acknowledged that the event not only celebrated success stories from across the globe but also inspired young women to pursue entrepreneurship and leadership roles. The participation of women-led businesses from diverse nations underscored the universal nature of entrepreneurial spirit and innovation.
Dr. Krishna also engaged in thoughtful discussions with successful women leaders and interacted with representatives of various Kannada associations in Bahrain. She reiterated her appeal to the global NRI Kannada community to strive for excellence and greater accomplishments in their respective fields.
