Tribute to Dr Gina Shanekham

Neingulo Krome 
Secretary General, Naga Peoples Movement for Human Rights 

“The Lord gave, and the Lord hath taken away; blessed be the name of the Lord” Job 1:21

Dr Gina Shangkham's leaving is not sudden. She has been unwell for few years now. But her departure leaves us bereaved. Even in her sickness, she was still Li comfort to us all because that was the aura she carried with her throughout the years of her dedication and devotion to the Naga people and to the nation, Dr.Gina was a leader who served. She held prominent offices in the Naga organizations and other collectives. She was a founding member of the Naga Women's Union, formerly known as the Naga womens' Union, Manipur (NWUM), and was its first president, taking the Naga women's politics and participation to new heights. She was also the Secretary General of the Naga Peoples Movement !iv human rights and later served as the convenor of South Sector, marking an unmatched trend: of a leader yet a foot soldier in her functioning, grace, and demeanor. It is most befitting for her to have won the `Laarchangnuw' Award (2022) and received a Moyon wraparound/mekhela in the same name, woven in her honor. 

Dr Gina walked into the making of Naga history from her youth, when women leadership was uncommon, and she will continue to live in our stories as one of the finest Naga women leaders ever. She was not the loudest, but never quiet when it came to human rights. She traveled widely to share and also receive solidarity by exchanging stories of struggles, especially of Naga people's love and quest to be free, across India and beyond. She walked and trekked the Naga hills with others in pursuit of reconciliation among Naga brethren. She was an active listener and held the thread of healing people around her by simply listening. Today, may we all receive this healing, knowing that she is at peace in her final resting place as we listen to her life in our hearts and memories. 
Farewell Gina!
 



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