Nagaland: Lecture on ‘Gandhi Katha’ calls to ‘inspire’
Dr. Shobhana Radhakrishna speaking during the lecture on 'Gandhi Katha' held at Durbar Hall, Raj Bhavan, Kohima on November 6. (DIPR Photo)
Kohima, November 7 (MExN): Lecture on 'Gandhi Katha' was delivered by Dr. Shobhana Radhakrishna, Chief Functionary, Gandhian Forum of Ethical Corporate Governance, New Delhi.
The programme was organised in commemoration of the 150th Birth Anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi at Durbar Hall, Raj Bhavan, Kohima on November 6, stated a DIPR report.
Speaking on the connection between Gandhi and Nagaland, Dr. Shobhana said on 19 July 1947, an eleven member Naga delegation from the Naga National Congress led by Angami Zapu Phizo met Gandhiji in Delhi. Mahatma Gandhi expressed solidarity with them.
According to Shobhana, in the year 1964, Gandhian leader Lokanayak Jayaprakash Narayan (JP) embarked on the Mission to Nagaland along with stalwarts like Shankarrao Dev, Bimla Prasad Chaliha and Rev. Michael Scott. JP’s younger associates from the Sarvodaya movement and Prabhavati Didi accompanied them to Kohima.
She said, “The first task before the Peace Mission was to bring about the cessation of hostility with the help of the Church friends. They sought out underground leaders in their various hideouts through rough roads, jungle trails, hillocks and braved the monsoon despite their advanced age and ailing health.”
She added that finally on May 23, 1964, the Peace Mission members met the underground leaders and signed the ceasefire agreement in front of 5000 people in Chakhesang area.
She urged the students at the event to become good leaders by following the footsteps of Gandhi “there was no difference in what he said and did, and his private life and public life.” She added, “You are the only person who can inspire yourself. Gandhi throughout his life did not have hatred toward anyone but offered the same respect to everyone.”
She said, “Gandhi also makes mistakes but what makes him different was that he identify and learn from his mistakes. We are unable to identify our mistakes because of our ego. Gandhi was able to transform himself into an extraordinary person because he remained a student all throughout his life.”
Citing the example of local self government in the villages, Shobhana advocated setting up of a centre of Gandhian studies in Nagaland because of many similarities between Gandhian thought and the systems in the state.
Around 250 students from Model College, Nagaland University, Mt. Olive College, Japfü Christian College and SCTE attended the event. Governor, RN Ravi and Chief Minister, Neiphiu Rio along with their wives graced the occasion.
