A new book titled ‘Media’s Projection on Rani Gaidinliu & Her Memorabilia, Kohima-Nagaland’ was released on January 31.
PEREN, FEBRUARY 3 (MExN): A new book titled “Media’s Projection on Rani Gaidinliu & Her Memorabilia, Kohima-Nagaland” was released on January 31 at a solemn ceremony held at Shalom Resort Gaili, Peren. Authored by Neiba Ndang, the Former Speaker of the Nagaland Legislative Assembly (NLA), and co-authored by N. Haisoyi Ndang, the book delves into the life and struggles of the iconic Naga freedom fighter, Rani Gaidinliu.
According to a press release issued by K Elu Ndang, the book provides a detailed narrative of the oppressive British colonial rule in India and its devastating impact on the Naga people. It particularly highlights the reign of terror that led to the martyrdom of Lt. Haipau Jadonang and the subsequent rise of Gaidinliu, who, at the tender age of 13, took up the mantle of resistance against the colonial forces.
The release reveals that after enduring immense hardship and imprisonment, Gaidinliu was exiled to Yemrep, far from her homeland. Despite the suffering, she continued to fight for Naga self-determination. In her later years, she was granted protection by the Indian government and passed away at the age of 78, with her final resting place in Longkao, Manipur.
The book also discusses the fate of Gaidinliu’s personal belongings, which were seized by the British and are now housed in the British Museum of Archaeology and Anthropology in Cambridge and the Pitt Rivers Museum in Oxford. The ongoing DiMuse project, spanning four years, seeks to bring these artifacts back to Nagaland.
Author Neiba Ndang emaphasized the importance of understanding the historical context and urged media professionals and intellectuals to approach the subject with careful consideration. He stressed the need for a clearer, unbiased portrayal of Gaidinliu’s life and legacy, avoiding hasty conclusions based on misinformation or misconceptions.
