Foundation stone laid for development of pilgrimage infrastructure

Dimapur, May 27: In a significant step towards recognizing and preserving Naga historical heritage, Advisor, Tourism, Art and Culture, Khehovi Yepthomi along with Minister for Higher Education, Technical Education and Tribal Affairs, Imna Along laid the foundation stone for Development of Pilgrimage Infrastructure in Nagaland under PRASAD Scheme at Molungkimong village on May 16. The programme was also graced by Tongpang Ozukum, Minister for Housing and Mechanical.
Pilgrimage Rejuvenation and Spiritual Augmentation Drive (PRASAD) scheme aims at integrated development of pilgrimage destinations to provide complete religious tourism experience. PRASAD scheme aims to enhance tourist attraction by developing world class infrastructure in religious destinations. It also seeks to promote local art, culture, handicrafts, cuisine etc.
The Union Ministry of Tourism provides central financial assistance to State Government for promoting tourism at identified places and it is hundred percent funded for the projects under PRASAD scheme.
The first baptism in Naga soil at Molungkimong conducted by American missionary Rev. Dr EW Clark on 22nd December 1872 marked the establishment of the first Church in Nagaland. The village has monuments for Rev. Dr. E. W. Clark on the site where he stayed while he was at the village, the first Baptistery, the first chapel hall monument, monolith erected in the name of 60 Molungkimong warriors (who went to escort Clark while coming to the village) on the gospel path through which Dr. Clark came to the village for the first time and the village gate which was opened to welcome Dr Clark for the first time. Therefore, Molungkimong was identified as a place of religious importance and development of Pilgrimage infrastructures to be done there under the PRASAD scheme.
To begin the project works at the earliest, the foundation stone was laid, despite the lockdown. The event was witnessed by the Molungkimong Baptist Church leaders and the Molungkimong Village council. Face masks were distributed to all the attendees and proper social distance was maintained, said a release. (Page News Service)