Unveiling of statue, folk dance competition mark 93rd death anniversary of Haipou Jadonang
Source: The Sangai Express

Tamenglong/Noney, August 29 2024: Saluting the spirit of freedom that Haipou Jadonang embodied, the Zeliangrong people today observed the 93rd death anniversary of Haipou Jadonang at Jadonang Park, Tamenglong HQ.

The event was graced by Awangbow Newmai, Minister, Water Resources Department and Relief & Disaster Management; Dinganglung Gangmei, IAS (retd), HAC Chairman and Janghemlung Panmei, MLA Tamenglong as the chief guest, functional president and chief host of the event respectively.

The program began with the unveiling of the Haipou Jadonang statue by the chief guest.

In his speech, Minister Awangbow Newmai mentioned that the statue of Haipou Jadonang stands for unity, dignity and freedom.

Unveiling of statue, folk dance competition mark 93rd death anniversary of Haipou Jadonang

Jadonang was a visionary leader who started a movement to unify Nagas.

He was the pioneer of "Naga Raj", he said.

Minister Awangbow Newmai also urged the gathering to do their part to work for the community.

Meanwhile, Dinganglung Gangmei appealed to the Zeliangrong people to stay united and fight for their common cause.

Addressing the gathering, the chief host of the function stated that Haipou Jadonang, fondly known as the founder of Naga Raj Movement, was a valiant leader and a symbol of resistance against British colonial rule.

His fearless leadership and commitment to the cause of freedom have made him an iconic figure in Naga history in particular and Indian history in general.

The life-size statue unveiled today is expected to become prominent landmark, serving as a perpetual reminder of the supreme sacrifices made by Haipou Jadonang and his indomitable spirit in the pursuit of freedom, he added.

As part of the death anniversary, a football match and bike rally was also held at Tamenglong HQ.

Civil society representatives, church leaders, youths and chairman of various wards of Tamenglong HQ attended the function with great enthusiasm and a sense of patriotism.

Meanwhile, in commemoration of the 93rd Haipou Jadonang Martyr's Day, the Rongmei Naga Youth Organisation Manipur (RNYOM) organised Rongmei Naga Folk Dance Competition 2024 at Tengkonjang Higher Secondary School, Longmai-3, Noney under the theme "Unity through culture" .

Notable dignitaries at the event include Namsadai Piter, MPS, Superintendent of Police, Noney; Napoleon Rongmei, MFS, DFO, Kamjong Forest Division and Kasaigai Gangmei, Chairman, Longmai Village Authority.

Meanwhile, Ramas Riamei, Manager, SBI Noney; Elvis Phaomei, Manager MRB Noney Branch; Damchuilung Gangmei, Contractor; GD Daigong, Chairman, RNCM Longmai Luangrian; Guichung Gonmei, Chairman, Longmai Village Customary Court (Thoupei), DLOs and BLOs of Noney district attended as special invitees.

The program began with the Rongmei traditional ho-hoing performed by Longmai-3 Men's Society and was followed by a floral tribute on the freedom fighter's photo.

Eight competing dance troupes from different Rongmei villages took part in the competition.

Zuron Village Dance Troupe from Churachandpur district bagged the first position; Model & Cultural Dance Troupe, Longmai-1 stood second and St Joseph School Khumji-2 secured the third position.

Certificate and cash awards were distributed to the winning troupes and all participants.

Khuigai Kamei, Principal, Jadonang Memorial College, Longmai presented the closing remarks of the noon session of the event.

Meanwhile, Dinganglung Gangmei, Chairman HAC was present as the chief guest at the 2nd evening session candle lighting program.