Nagaland Minister’s Special Gift For Deepika Padukone; What’s The Significance?

Bengaluru: Nagaland’s Tourism & Higher Education Minister Temjen Imna Along is one of India’s most popular politicians.

He is very active on social media, where he regularly shares amusing and witty posts besides articulating different ideas and promoting his state. Most of his posts are lapped up by his 3.2 lakh followers.

Recently, Temjen posted a picture of a special gift he sent for Bollywood diva Deepika Padukone when he met her parents Prakash and Ujjala.

The minister is seen handing over a locally sourced organic pumpkin to badminton legend Prakash as Ujjala looks on.

Temjen jokingly linked the gesture to Deepika’s character of Mastani in the superhit film ‘Bajirao Mastani,’ implying recognition of Nagaland’s distinctive crops.

“Deepika Padukone ke liye organic taufa (an organic gift for Deepika Padukone)… Just handed over an organic delight to Deepika’s parents – kyuki kahin ka kahin Mastani bhi maan jati Nagaland ki shaandar sabiziyon ki khasiyat ko (Just handed over an organic delight to Deepika’s parents because Mastani would also agree about speciality of Nagaland’s wonderful vegetables),” Temjen wrote.

The organic pumpkin is a staple in Nagaland, and symbolises the region’s agricultural abundance.

Temjen recently shared glimpses of Nagaland’s celebrated Hornbill Festival showcasing the north-eastern state’s rich cultural heritage.