Robert N Solo
General Secretary (For Kezekevi Thehou Ba)
Niketu Iralu, President, Kezekevi Thehou Ba, Nagaland Kohima, was a remarkable social activist, a man whose life was defined by truth, honesty, purity, courage and unselfishness. He was not a person who sought recognition, position or personal gain. His greatest concern was always to stand for what was right, regardless of who stood on the other side. For him, what is right was always more important than who was right.
He possessed a rare moral courage to speak the truth even when it was difficult, unpopular or personally costly. His convictions were not shaped by convenience, pressure or the opinions of others. He believed that truth must be upheld even when one has to stand alone. This unwavering commitment to righteousness made him a respected voice in Naga society and beyond.
Niketu’s activism was rooted not in anger or self-interest, but in a deep concern for his people and for the principles of justice, peace and human dignity. He believed that society could progress only when individuals were willing to put aside personal interests and work for the common good. His life demonstrated that genuine leadership does not necessarily come from holding office or exercising authority; it comes from character, integrity and the willingness to serve others without expecting anything in return.
What made Niketu Iralu especially admirable was the consistency between his words and his life. He sought to remain true to himself, true to his faith, true to his convictions and true to the people he served. His simplicity and humility were accompanied by a strong moral conviction. He could disagree firmly without losing sight of the larger purpose of peace and reconciliation.
To many of us, Niketu was more than a social activist. He was a moral example and a source of inspiration. His life reminds us that truth is not merely something to speak about, it is something to live by. Honesty is not merely a virtue to admire, it is a responsibility. Purity of heart is not weakness, it is strength. And unselfish service is one of the highest forms of leadership.
His physical presence may no longer be with us, but the values he lived by remain a lasting legacy. We remember him with gratitude and deep respect as a man who chose what was right over what was convenient, truth over popularity, and service over self-interest.
May his life continue to inspire us to walk the path of truth, uphold what is right, and serve our society with humility, courage and love. His legacy will live on in all those who believe that doing what is right matters more than who receives the credit.
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