Seventy-two years after she was conferred the title of “Rani” by Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru for her fight against the British, and sixteen years after her death, Nagaland government has finally decided to do something to keep alive the memory of the late Rani Gaidinliu. Responding to the memorandum submitted to him on the occasion of 25th anniversary of the Zeliangrong Heraka School, Tening, State Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio assured that a museum in memory of the late Rani Gaindinliu would be set up in Kohima where various documents, awards, token, etc related to the Rani would be preserved.
Gracing the occasion as chief guest, Shri Rio said the Government would approach the Centre with the proposal for a museum and announced that the State Government would provide the land for the museum and would also contribute Rs. one crore as its share. He said “we cannot ignore a freedom fighter,” while pressurising the demand for memorial museum for the late Rani Gaindiliu. On the title of ‘Rani’ Shri Rio said it was conferred by Pandit Nehru on the late Gaidinliu in recognition of her services as one of India’s freedom fighters.
He however regretted that the Zeliangrongs as well as the Nagas have not given due importance to the recognition conferred on Gaidinliu adding, “We have not done what we were supposed to do”. He also acknowledged the contributions of late Haipou Jadonang to India’s freedom movement. Shri Rio stressed on the need to recognise such awards/titles conferred on their fellow members for posterity.
On the Heraka movement, he said India is a secular country where everyone has a place irrespective of religion, caste, creed etc. He thanked the patrons of the Heraka movement for providing education in the district and described the Zeliangrong Heraka School as a “role, model and unique school.”
He also lauded the Heraka Association for a commendable work in the field of education in the district and assured it of the government’s support to strengthen the school. On the occasion, he also disclosed that the State government was contemplating on up-gradation of the school to Higher Secondary level, which was also contained in the memorandum submitted to him.
Minister for planning and coordination, veterinary and parliamentary affairs, TR Zeliang who was the guest of honour said there was “misinterpretation” of the aims and objectives of Rani Gaidinliu which led to confusion when the masses began to concentrate on the religious aspects.
He said there was a time when no one was allowed to remain in a village unless he adopted the Heraka religion. According to Zeliang, there were three main aims of Rani Gaidinliu-(a) social reformation and unity among the Zelaingrongs (b) self-protection, defence from the Britishers which led to formation of her own military organisation and (c) upholding of the Heraka religion. culture and tradition. He said though the Zeliangrongs and the Nagaland government did not recognise her contributions as “misunderstanding” prevailed, yet the government of India recognised Gaidinliu as a freedom fighter. He advocated liberty to allow anyone to follow any religion.
On behalf of the Heraka community, an appeal was made to government of Nagaland to protect, preserve and promote the fast decaying religion and culture of the Nagas. It was also appealed that the Christian community should stop converting the Herakas as they are the only section of Naga society practicing the indigenous Naga religion.
In a memorandum to the chief minister an appeal was made to the State government to declare August 29 as Martyr’s Day and also to declare it as State holiday in honour of Haipou Jadonang hanged by the British in Imphal in the year 1931.
Earlier, presenting the activity report of the school, the headmistress, Aning Zeliang said the school was envisioned by Rani Gaidinliu and Pou NC Zeliang, the foundation stone for which was laid by the latter in February 20, 1983.
The school paid tributes to its founder headmaster, Late Ram Nagina from Deora, UP and all other headmasters and teachers for their contribution to the institution.
Highlights of the jubilee celebration included Heraka dance by the school students, patriotic songs, dance competition, etc.
Max Zeliang, one of the sons of late Pou NC Zeliang who laid the foundation stone of the school in 1983 also spoke on the occasion. Naga Hoho Deputy Speaker and Chairman of the Reception Committee Hurui Zeliang chaired the programme.
