Guests at the inauguration of Raj Bhavan in Kohima on Saturday. A Telegraph picture

Kohima, Feb. 13: Over the years, Raj Bhavan here has earned the sobriquet of being the meeting ground of Naga culture and customs, besides being the abode of the state?s first citizen. Thanks go to governor Shyamal Datta, who is an incisive reader and observer of the state?s unique culture.

On Saturday, Nagaland got its new sprawling ?Naga-style? Raj Bhavan. The need for the sprawling 12,000 square feet complex was felt in 2002 when President A.P.J. Abdul Kalam visited the state. The government also felt uncomfortable to host the then Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee when he came calling on a three-day historical visit to Kohima in October 2003.

Plans were chalked out following these visits and on Saturday, chief minister Neiphiu Rio dedicated the new building to the people. It has a more modern facade while the interiors are replete with Naga artefacts and symbols.

The complex was constructed at a cost of Rs 5.02 crore.

Governor Shyamal Datta showered praise on the fine workmanship of the people behind the new building, describing it as one of the best buildings in the state. He also lauded the government for allotting the funds.

Unveiling the monolith of the new building, Rio said the physical transformation of the face of Raj Bhavan was significant as it had been constructed in Naga style, blending tradition with modernity.

The sloping roofs and glass panels of the building give one the whiff of modern architecture while the design connotes Naga elegance. An intricately-carved wooden door has Naga motifs while there are signs of a morung or carvings elsewhere within the governor?s home.

Shawls and handicraft items have been brought in from the remote corners of Nagaland. The new building had largely been conceptualised by the governor himself.

When Datta visited Kiphire district last year, he had specifically ordered rock tiles from the area for the Raj Bhavan, sources said.

Rio said after the inauguration, ?Today we are witnessing an important landmark in the history of Raj Bhavan.? The chief minister said the Kohima Raj Bhavan had undergone significant transformation in appearance, grandeur and ethos because of the open approach of the successive governors in recent times.

He particularly lauded Governor Shyamal Datta for making the Raj Bhavan accessible to the commoners by organising various activities and functions.

He wished that it would continue to maintain cordial relations with Naga citizens and civil societies of the state and also continue to be a centre of learning and interactive social activities.

The Darbar Hall of the Raj Bhavan is often the venue for several programmes like the governor?s recent date with spastic children. Uphill in the older premise, there is a bird enclosure. Methods are adopted to attract birds to the premises.

A host of ministers, parliamentary secretaries, MLAs, government officials, special invitees and others attended the inauguration function on Saturday.