Ibobi hails spirit of Rani
Source: The Sangai Express / Newmai News Network

Imphal, December 18 2015 : Freedom fighter Rani Gaidinliu's birth centenary was celebrated today at the Manipur Film Corporation (MFDC) auditorium, Palace Compound in Imphal East.

Chief Minister Okram Ibobi Singh attended the function, organised by Indira Gandhi National Tribal University (IGNTU) as the chief guest.

On the occasion, Ibobi hailed the sacrifices and dedication of legendary freedom fighter Rani Gaidinliu.

He said the present and future generations should have great regard for her spirit and the contributions she had made for the common good.

The Chief Minister said peace and harmony will come if the people are determined to follow her path by recognising her spirit.

Ibobi said Rani Gaidinliu was one of the great freedom fighters from North East and the country as well.

"We should respect her" .

At the event, a souvenir was released and a documentary film on Rani Gaidinliu was also screened to mark the occasion.

IGNTU Vice Chancellor Prof TV Kattimani and Union Minister of the State for Tribal Affairs, Mansukhbhai Vasava were the president and guest of honour of the function.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi issued commemorative coin of hundred rupees and circulation of five rupees on Rani Gaidinliu during the inauguration of her birth centenary celebrations at Vigyan Bhavan in New Delhi on August 25, 2015 .

Born on January 26, 1915 at Nungkao, a Rongmei village in Manipur's Tamenglong district, Rani Gaidinliu was a Naga spiritual and political leader who led a revolt against British colonial rule in India.

She was also known as Ranima with respect and affection.

Gaidinliu had humble beginnings.

At the age of 13 she came under the influence of Haipou Jadonang, the leader who launched a religious movement that sought to reform the Zeliangrong Naga community.

The movement grew into a political struggle to uproot British colonialism from Manipur and the nearby Naga-inhabited area.

By the late 1920s, British officials began to view the political underpinnings of the movement with deep suspicion as they saw it as undermining their authority.

After the execution of Jadonang in 1931, Rani Gaidinliu took up the leadership of the movement for independence.

She was arrested in 1932 by the British authorities.

She became a political prisoner but at the same time emerged a veteran leader of the resistance movement.

Rani Gaidinliu identified her people's struggle with the wider Indian freedom struggle.

For her, the Naga people's journey to freedom was part of India's wider movement for freedom.

She also spread the message of Gandhiji in Manipur region.

Rani Gaidinliu left behind a vibrant legacy and instilled in the Zeliangrong people pride in traditional practices.

Rani Gaidinliu became a legend in her own lifetime.

She was honored with Freedom Fighter Tamrapatra, 1972, Padma Bhushan, 1982, Vivekanande Sewa Samman, 1983, Birsa Munda Award, 1966, Postal Stamp, 1996.Government of India instituted Stree Shakti Puruskar in honour of five eminent women in Indian History which included Rani Gaidinliu in 2000 .

The Hindustan Shipyard Ltd launched an in-shore patrol vessel name Rani Gaidinliu for the Indian coast guard at Visakhapatnam on November 6, 2010 .

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