Rio felicitates Heraka School

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 memorial museum of late Rani Gaidinliu would be set up in Kohima where various documents, awards, token etc related to the late Rani would be recorded and preserved.
Gracing the occasion as chief guest here today, 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 contribute Rs. One crore its share.
Rio said that as Nagas do not possess vital materials of their history saying “we cannot ignore a freedom fighter, ” while addressing the demand for memorial museum for late Rani Gaindiliu.
On the title of ‘Rani’ Rio said it was conferred by Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru on 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 should”. He also acknowledged the contributions of late Haipou Jadonang to India’s freedom movement. Rio stressed on the need to recognize such awards/titles conferred on their fellow members for posterity.
On the Heraka movement, he said India was 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 upgradation of the school to higher secondary level, which was also contained in the memorandum submitted to him.
The chief minister also said he was happy to note that students from other states were also studying in the school and taking part in the state’s education process.
On the occasion, the chief minister donated an amount of Rs 25 lakhs towards the completion of the school building and construction of the school approach road. Earlier, the chief minister inaugurated the newly constructed building of the Zeliangrong Heraka School, Tening.
Minister for planning and coordination, veterinary and parliamentary affairs, T. R. 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 establish 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 Zeliangrongs (b) self-protection, defence from the Britishers which led to formation of her own military organization and (c) upholding of the Heraka religion, culture and tradition. He said though the Zeliangrongs and the Nagaland government did not recognize her contributions as “misunderstanding” prevailed, yet the government of India recognized Gaidinliu as a freedom fighter. He advocated liberty to allow anyone to follow any religion.
Zeliang said he agreed to chief minister, Neiphiu Rio’s past statements that 50 % of the Naga integration would be complete if the Zeliangrongs and the Konyaks integrate within themselves as they also inhabited the states of Assam and Manipur.
He said “we are backward because of the past misinterpretations,” and urged the people not to create confusion over religious issues but concentrate in the educational field and the economic problem. “If we concentrate on educational and economic reformation then we can change out people,” he added.
Distinguished guest on the occasion, president of Zeliangrong Heraka Association (NE Region), Ramkuiwangbe Newme in his speech said the Heraka movement was a reform movement which was started by Haipou Jadonang and advanced by Rani Gaidinliu. He said the word Heraka which literally meant “pure” in local language was better understood as a way of life than a mere set of rituals or religion. “Its adherents do not approach or view Heraka the way Christians and Islam have done. It is a school of thought focused on the quest of immortality,” he said. The followers of Heraka believe in Supreme Being called “Tingwang.”
On behalf of the Heraka community, the president appealed the government of Nagaland to protect preserve and promote the fast decaying religion and culture of the Nagas. He also appealed the Christian community “not to convert the remaining Herakas as they are the only section of Naga society practicing the indigenous Naga religion.” The president submitted a memorandum to the chief minister appealing 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 on the same day 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 N. C. 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. The headmistress said that the school which was a joint venture of the Zeliangrong Heraka Association Nagaland and Janjati Vikas Samiti Nagaland aimed at providing low cost quality education.She informed that the school currently has 330 students from 22 villages from Nagaland, three villages from Manipur and six villages from Assam.
Highlights of the jubilee celebration included Heraka dance by the school students, patriotic Hindi songs, folk songs etc.
Other dignitaries who were present on the occasion included, parliamentary secretary for industries and commerce, Dr. K C. Nihoshe, MLA Tarie Zeliang, DC and SP, Peren, IRB Saijang Commandant, AR officials etc. Thousands of people including those from Assam and Manipur joined the silver jubilee celebration of the school.