SHILLONG: A programme was organised at Naga Community Hall here on Saturday to mark the 25th death anniversary of Rani Gaidinliu, the spiritual and political leader of the Zeliangrong Nagas.
Governor Ganga Prasad, who lit the ceremonial lamp, spoke about the woman leader and her struggles.
Rani Gaidinliu was born on January 26, 1915, at Rongmei Naga village in the Trans-Barak basin in the West District of Manipur. Always independent and strong-willed, she joined the social, religious and political movement at 13.
After the execution of her leader Jadonang in 1931, Rani Gaidinliu took charge of the movement for independence. Rejecting British rule in Manipur, she had said, “We are free people, the white men should not rule over us.”
Gaidinliu was also dedicated to preserving the traditional Naga culture. Her religion was Heraka, which means ‘pure’ and she never liked any alien religion.
The leader, who was revered by her people as goddess, received Padma Bhushan in 1982. In 2000, the Centre instituted one of the five Stree Shakti awards in Gaidinliu’s honour.
The programme on Saturday was organised by Zeliangrong Students’ Union in the city. Among other events was a folk song performance and a lecture on ‘Cultural and Religious Aspects of Rani Gaidinliu’.
The leader first went to jail in 1933. She was also lodged in Shillong Jail for six years from 1934-39. The Congress government tried to release her in 1937 but in vain as Manipur was not a British province. She was also in Tura Jail from 1943-47.
