Fitting tributes paid to General Thangal, Charai Thangal
Source: Chronicle News Service
Senapati, August 13 2021:
Fitting tributes were paid to patriots like General Thangal and Charai Thangal who were hanged to death on this day by the Britishers for waging war against the British regime during the Patriots' Day observance held on Friday.
The commemorative event was organised by Thangal Union under the aegis of the United Naga Council (UNC) at Thangal General Ecological Park, Mayangkhang and it was attended by UNC president S Kho John as chief guest, Naga Women's Union (NWU) president Asha Wungnam as guest of honour and Thangal Union president YK Kaping as functional president.
All the dignitaries laid wreaths at the statue of General Thangal at the beginning of the event followed by national anthem presented by the 65 (M) Girls' Battalion, NCC cadets of Mt Everest higher secondary school.
In his address, YK Kaping stated that such observance depicts the courageous sacrifices made by the patriots, adding that the day recollects the supreme sacrifices made by them for the freedom of the next generation.
While stating that in the past, such observance used to be organised by the district administration in a grand manner, he recounted that many patriots from the valley and the hills the supreme sacrifices on this day.
The Union president also stressed the need to maintain love and peace between the hill and the valley of the state.
According to Asha Wungnam, Patriots' Day is not only a mere observance but a day when the patriots gave away their precious lives for the freedom of all.
Thangal General and Charai Thangal gave away their lives to defend the rights of the people during their time to give freedom to the future generations in defence of their rights and freedom.
The forgone leaders had shown the way, imprinted with spirit of patriotism and left a legacy for the next generations to learn from them while defending the land, she added.
Meanwhile, S Kho John called the observance an important event and stated that although more than 200 years have passed, people still remember them for their sacrifices and heroic deeds during their lifetime.
The UNC president then recalled that Thangal General gave his all to serve the princely kingdom during his life.
He served more than 60 years as a great soldier and later became the general although he might not be highly educated.
Princely kings trusted the general during his time for his wisdom and the courage.
With his folk knowledge and integrity, the general was known for being very tactful and leadership skills.
The general was known to have served 2-3 kings during his life, he added.
S Kho John then suggested bringing some experts to deliberate on Thangal General's contribution, role and history for younger generations to know the story of the great leaders and give importance to nationalism.
The UNC president also stressed the need to learn from the great leader - how he had served the princely kingdom and how one should learn the good lessons of his life where many failed to draw the importance of leadership from the forgone leaders.
So many great leaders had given their lives for better days of younger generations.
To be truthful and honest, and to take stand on principle are some life lessons one need to learn from them, he said.
N Rajendra, former president ICHAAM, who is also a member of Thangal General Ecological Management Committee, lauded the Thangal community for preserving the legacy of Thangal General.
Delegates from UNC, NWU, ANS-AM, NPMHR, NPO, SDSA, SDWA and their federating units were also present at the event.