Death anniversary of Rani Gaidinliu observed at JNU
Source: Hueiyen News Service
Imphal, February 18 2013 :
The 20th Death Anniversary of Rani Gaidinliu cum Seminar under the theme "Empowering the Enfeebled" was organized jointly by Zeliangrong Students' Union, Delhi (ZSUD) and Zeliangrong Welfare Association, Delhi (ZWAD) on February 17at JNU, New Delhi.
Jagdamba Mall of Kalyan Ashram (North East) and Ms.Catriona Child aka Haihangyile were resource persons of the seminar.
The first session began with Welcome Address by Dr..MGairiangmei, President ZSUD and it was followed by floral tribute, Zeliangrong Anthem and the raising of Zeliangrong slogans in remembrance and honour of the departed leader Rani Gaindinliu by the congregation.
In the second session Ms.Catriona Child continuing the legacy of her illustrious mother Ursula Graham Bower, who had spent many months living with Zeliangrong people and studying them in the North East in the 1930s, strongly advocated for the promotion, sensitization and safeguard of the freedom and rights of women folks in Delhi city.
At a time when fear and anxiety seem to have become the recurring talks in the city especially on women safety, Ms.Child pleaded for practical tips and empowerment of Zeliangrong women and the North East women in general through sensitization of the legal and political rights received enthusiastic response from the congregations.
She also highlighted the imperatives of familiarizing oneself with the provisions of the Indian Penal Code on sexual harassment and others forms of discriminations so as to enable women to fend for themselves better.
Jagdamba Mall, who has been associated with Zeliangrong people for a long time, touched upon many issues from Jadonang Naga Raj Movement, the Naga Movement, Heraka Movement to Rani Gaidinliu.
He gave his opinion on the causes and failures of these movements and the impacts of these movements on Zeliangrong society.
He opined that the Zeliangrong people have produced outstanding leaders who were well ahead of their time unlike any other Nagas.
However, Zeliangrong people could not realize their dreams under Haipou Jadonang and Rani Gaidinliu because of the deep-seated internal differences within Zeliangrong society.
Zeliangrong peoples' unfulfilled visions and dreams such as the desire to be integrated under one administrative roof can only be fulfilled by the next generations if they are willing to come together by giving up their differences.