Praising people of the northeast for making their mark in hospitality and IT sectors across the country, President Pranab Mukherjee today urged them to be global citizens and pursue the whole world as a footstool.
"I am pleased to know that so many young people from the northeast are working so well in the fields of hospitality and IT in many major cities in our country. I call upon the young to also pursue the whole world as your footstool," he said at a banquet hosted in his honour here.
Mukherjee said the 'Look East' policy of the Government will only be as successful as its citizens want it to be.
"I urge the citizens of the northeast bordering international borders to actively seek business and industry in our neigbouring countries and be a part of the great Indian diaspora, who are today transforming lives in our country and also the countries that they are naturalised in. I urge you to be global citizens in your work and you must begin with your outlook," he said.
Earlier, Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio made a strong plea for early outcome of the Naga peace process and that he was ready to step down in favour of an alternative arrangement.
He said the people of Nagaland have been longing for peace for the last 60 years.
"Though now the ceasefire and dialogue has resulted in peace, but unless settlement comes, the land will still be a disturbed area and insurgent area," Rio said.
The Chief Minister said he and his government were ready to vacate office in favour of an alternative arrangement as part of the settlement under the peace process.
"If solution comes, Naga people will remember you. This government is committed to solution for Naga people. It also made a statement that if solution comes, we are prepared to vacate our office for an alternate arrangement," he said.
Rio said if there was a settlement the people of Nagaland would be very happy.
"Specially the younger generation who has been longing for peace in our land so that they can pursue their activities," he said.
