Out of nothing but actions, they weave a common vision

A symbol of Peace-starved Nagas

Congratulations to Neidonuo Angami for being amongst the 1000 women nominees across the globe for the prestigious Nobel Peace Prize 2005. Neidonuo, one time president of the Naga Mothers Association (NMA), was born on October 1, 1950. She, by playing an important role in propagating “Forgive and Forget” and “Shed no more blood”, two of the more famous slogans of the organization , was a driving force behind the NMA’s endeavor to bring about a change in the Naga society. In recognition of her services to the people she also had received the Padmashre Award 2000 from the President of India.

“All of us want peace. Peace, we are learning, is more than ceasefires and treaties and handshakes. It requires non-stop day to day work of listening, negotiating, mediating and reaching out. There can be no peace without justice” says Angami. “When we say we are working for peace, it implies that we are fighting against all forms of injustice and oppression and that we are seeking the recognition of people’s rights and dignity. Our role as mothers is well defined in our context. We are bridge builders.  We care for all those affected by conflicts no matter which sides they are on. We are all agents of reconciliation. People will recognize any work for peace and reconciliation that heals, liberates and promote togetherness, “says the leader who also played an important part in setting up Mount Gilead Home in Kohima.

The 1000 women for the Nobel Peace Prize 2005 project was launched with a conviction that the commitment of women working for peace should finally be acknowledged and made publicly known.  This project is aimed at recognizing women’s effort to counter injustice, discrimination, oppression and violence at all stages, and to equalize the work for peace at home with the global effort for world peace.

“I am deeply honored and challenged by the recognition and inclusion of my name in the nomination for Nobel Peace Prize 2005. Recognition like this is a humbling experience. It reminds us of what we are and that what we do matters to the world, “says Neidonuo.

“This occasion has once again reminded me that I am part of a network of a collective people’s movement and all of you are part of the recognition because you supported the cause for peace and justice and you also celebrate the unique role of  women in that struggle.”

She said that the nomination for the award highlights the fact that peace cannot be achieved by one or two high- profile people but by unsung multitudes of people all over the world who dedicate their lives to creating peace, justice and dignity for the whole humanity.

The nomination however had her reflecting on the plight of the Nagas. “It is ironic that while the world recognizes our efforts for peace in our land, here at home we are continuously confronted with so many conflicts. Our situation seems to be breeding more and more uncertainties and there are severe conflicts prevailing in all fronts. This reality is challenging of all of us to get serious about peace efforts and broaden our strategies,” she reflects.

”It is telling us that making peace declarations and shouting peace slogans will avail us nothing. Making peace requires much more rigorous commitment and action, she says and stressed the need to be prepared and ready to face the challenges with all humility and become absolutely honest and serious with “our peace agenda.”

“Whatever I could do for our people during the last few years is not a personal achievement, I have always worked with a team of highly committed and efficient people and we have together supported each other in everything we did,” she acknowledges.
Energetic and hard working, Neidonuo is among 6 other nominees from North East India.

Nagaland Governor said the recognition was a testimony to the dedication of the Naga women who have been relentlessly making efforts for a better society. Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio summed up the feeling of every Naga when he said “Even to be in the list was in no way a small achievement. It is a great achievement in the history of the Nagas.”

The woman who listened to the silent cry

Zaputuo-u Angami, 78 years old and still going strong, was felicitated during the programme organized for her and Noble Peace Prize Nominee Neidonou at Durbar Hall, Raj Bhavan Kohima on July 21, 2005. Zaputuo-u Angami, caretaker of Kohima Orphanage and Destitute Home, and a well-known personality in Nagaland will add yet another feather in her cap. This time, she will be conferred with the prestigious Rajiv Gandhi Manav Sewa Award 2005 for her outstanding work in social service. She will be given a cash prize of Rs. 1 lakh at New Delhi on August 20 during the birth anniversary of the Late Rajiv Gandhi, former Prime Minister of India.

As a result of either a prophecy or dream, the 78-year-old is “mother” to 86 children today, many of whom have grown up and are standing on their own feet. She never thought of awards when she responded to her calling... ‘any award that comes to me is because of God’s blessings and my well wishers’. She always prayed that her ultimate reward would come from God one day. She started her career in nursing, another compassionate profession.

During her posting at the Kohima hospital, a poor woman was admitted in the hospital for delivery, but died shortly after giving birth. As the newborn infant lay in the ward, she was moved by its plight and brought it home. He became her first child and she named him Diezelie Angami. 

Over the years, she has become the mother of orphans and destitute children abandoned either due to poverty or born out of wedlock. 

At present there are 86 children at the Home built by her in 1973. 

Zaputuo-u has many children but only one is born to her - Neibauo, now a government employee. “This Home is not like a hostel. Children regard it as their own home and they never feel that they are in an orphanage”, said Neibauo. Out of 86 children, 69 are orphans while the others are destitute. The Home also houses children from Assam, Manipur and Arunachal Pradesh.

The children wake up by 5:30 am and by 7:30 am they prepare for schools. Prayer meeting is a regular feature in the evening. Children are being imparted education here up to Class IV. Children after completing Class VI are sent to different schools in Kohima and are provided free education in Catholic and Assam Rifles schools. Concessions are also given to them in Government High Schools. 

Today, two of them are graduates. Amho, who completed graduation from Alder College, Kohima attributes his success to Zaputuo-u. ‘She deserves the award’, he added. She took many pains and struggled to make us responsible persons and today many of us stand on our own feet, Amho said.                    

       
The Home is facing problems for daily maintenance as the children keep increasing. The State government provides grant-in-aid annually. Last year, the Social Welfare department provided Rs. 1:30 lakh.

This year it received Rs. 90,000. Currently, six children are pursuing higher education. Ngala is doing PU (Commerce), Vinuobi – BA 2nd year, while Kromi, Arhu, Rokovi and Avile are all doing in class 11 in Kohima. Three are in the armed forces, Solomon in the army, Rokuo in the Assam Rifles, and Santu in the Nagaland Armed Police. Ten girls are married and some are even settled in Assam.

The “mother” has begun imparting training in weaving, knitting and tailoring to the girls. Others are engaged in painting while some make flower pots, dried flower arrangements and sell it to well wishers. Meanwhile, Zaputuo-u had decided to donate her eyes after her death, “so that the person who uses my eyesight can see the light of the world.”

Compiled by Chizokho Vero