Talamsile Zeliang
There was, once a question in Nagaland Assembly about Rani Gaidinliu by a very senior politician in early nineties - who made her Rani? This was when her tour expenses was refused by Nagaland Govt. and complain was lodged on Rani’s behalf. This was a very painful experience for Ranni Ma. Rani Ma was living in a Govt accommodation with a section of Nagaland Police as her security pernonnels.
During her tour in Northeast region, the patrol party was provided by the State Government as the security measure. When she started attending the meetings outside the NE region, the stare Government refused to pay her tour expenditure and the question was raised on her bonafide. Pou N.C. Zeliang replied to the Government which was covered by local media.
It is not for the first time that we failed to value our own leaders. Not only in Rani Ma’s case, but in the case of other veteran Naga leaders, we have missed the opportunity to honour our own father figures and fallow what they had advised us to do. This is one of the major factors that today Naga society is in complete chaos and crisis of Naga identity is looming large.
Rani Gaidinliu was a great visionary, spiritual person by birth and a fiery lady committed to do anything to drive out Britishers from our native land and establish our own rule for the good of Society. She worked hard to popularize Naga religion, culture, ethos and customary village institutions. Because of her staunch faith in indigenous religion and commitment to society, she was not liked by a section of people.
But the path mown by her and the example set-forth by her are an inspiration to many for advancing on the path of prosperous life. She informed the nation that Nagas were good and very civilized at par with any other civilized society of the world and thus, she acted as a bridge over wide gulf between Naga and non-Naga society. With this one mission she toured the whole country. What she said during her life time is now being realized today by majority of Nagas.
With a view to popularize her ideals, her birth day has been celebrated each year in all the Heraka villages. Today, her ideals set-forth in front of Naga society are more relevant which can help in crisis-management faced by us. It is in this background, Rani’s 90th Birth Anniversary will be celebrated with great fanfare on 26th January 2006 at Jalukie.
Prof Gongmumei Kamei of Imphal and Shri C. M. Chang will bless the function as Chief guest and Guest of Honour respectively while Shri Ramkuiwang and Shri Besochiching Chang will throw light on various aspects of Rani Gaidinliu’s life and Zeliagrong Heraka Movement There will be a photo exhibition on Rani’s life and charming cultural programme in the function will be of special attraction. Several dignitaries and delegates out of Heraka fold are also expected to attend the celebration.
