03-11-2007, 08:05 PM
<!--QuoteBegin-->QUOTE<!--QuoteEBegin-->A NORTH-EAST DESPATCH
<b>Nationalist moorings of Naga society</b>
A decade ago, Naga insurgency was on the peak. Today, it is on the
decline. Factional killings, rampant corruption, carnal education and
lack of spirituality have destroyed the vigour of Naga society. Naga
people have realised that the fate of Naga society lies with
Bharatvarsh. Naga leaders like Haipou Jadonang, Rani Gaidinliu and Dr
T. Sakhrie have explained this to Nagas during their lifetime.
<b>Before the advent of Christianity, Nagas referred themselves as Hindu
by religion and nationality.</b> There are many common customs between
Naga Hindus and Hindus of other parts of the country. Nagas follow
solar calendar and full moon has special significance in religious
practices.
Nagas have realised that their forefather's religion, ancient
colourful culture, binding festivals, customary laws, traditional
village institutions, mother language, glorious history, virtuous
living, honesty and industrious Nagas have been replaced by one
phraseâ"unique Naga history." This is the reason that silent Naga
society has risen against these excesses. <b>They are silently working
hard to restore the lost glory of Naga.</b>
This is an extract from the speech by Sushri Aning Zeliang at the 3rd
World Hindu Conference, Kumbha Mela, Prayag
I am from Naga society of Nagaland. Our country Bharatvarsh is still
not fully aware of this Naga society. People have general impression
that all the Nagas have become Christian and by virtue of conversion
to Christianity they have become anti-Hindu and anti-India. <b>It is a
fact that nearly 85 per cent Nagas have converted to Christianity.</b>
This conversion has alienated Nagas from Hindu society. The Christian missionaries and British government did their best to keep Nagas away
from Hindu influence. They entrusted Church with a task to propagate
missionary education, primary health care and English language. They
distorted our history and condemned our forefathers as wild, savage,
heathen, naked, raw meat-eaters and head-hunters. They destroyed our
traditional village institutions and customary control of elders over
society particularly youths. They condemned our religion and culture.
They encouraged the youths to disobey Naga elders. They dishonoured
our customary laws and introduced foreign religion and strange culture.
Due to nexus between British government, bureaucrats and Church,
general Naga people were frightened. They were stunned to see the
cruel behaviour of "messengers of Messiah" and "preachers of peace" in
white gown. Anybody who opposed British rule and Christian coversion
was done away with. The Angami warriors of Khonoma, Mezoma and Kekrima
repulsed British army and British missionaries from their territory.
The people of Tuensang and Mon areas revolted against British
expansion and foreign religion. Forty-eight Chakhesang youths of
Thevopesumi village of Phek District were killed in one go for
opposing conversion and insurgency. Haipou Jadonang was hanged for
opposing British rule and Christian conversion. Rani Gaidinliu was
chased by British army to kill her and some of the Christian Nagas
were hired to spy against her. She was caught from Poilwa village and
awarded life imprisonment. Pou N.C. Zeliang met the same fate. He was
condemned for working for Naga religion, Naga culture and sovereignty
of Bharatvarsh. Many Naga elders are the witness of all these
tortures. I have been the President of Zeliangrong Heraka Pailei Baudi
(Heraka Women Society). My colleagues and I have similar experience.
A decade ago, Naga insurgency was on the peak. Today, it is on
decline. Factional killings, rampant corruption, carnal education and
lack of spirituality have destroyed the vigour of Naga society. Naga
people have realised that the fate of Naga society lies with
Bharatvarsh. Naga leaders like Haipou Jadonang, Rani Gaidinliu and Dr
T. Sakhrie have explained this to Nagas during their lifetime. Today,
present-day Naga celebrities like S.C. Jamir, Dr Hokishe Sema and Pou
N.C. Zeliang have been explaining this truth to Naga community. The
intolerant section of our society opposed this thesis vehemently and
reacted violently. But the reality cannot be suppressed. <b>Today, Nagas
have diverted their attention on quality education, economic
development, virtuous living and to shun anti-Indian image.</b>
Nagas have realised that their forefather's religion, ancient
colourful culture, binding festivals, customary laws, traditional
village institutions, mother language, glorious history, virtuous
living, honesty and industrious Nagas have been replaced by one
phraseâ"unique Naga history." This is the reason that silent Naga
society has risen against these excesses. They are silently working
hard to restore the lost glory of Naga. <b>They admire excelling of any
developed society of our country. The hostility against Hindu society
and Bharatvarsh has become a thing of the past. Nagas wish to live in
complete harmony with Hindu society. </b>Haipou Jadonang, Rani Gaidinliu,
Pou N.C. Zeliang, Dr. Hokishe Sema and S.C. Jamir have shown the parth
of harmonious living with Hindus society. They have built a bridge
over gulf between Nagas and Hindu society. All Indian citizensâNagas
and Hindusâcan cross the gulf of misunderstanding over the bridge
built by Naga geniuses refered above through their selfless
sacrifices. Zeliangrong Heraka Association has its on share of
contribution in bridging this gap and rejuvenating mutual trust
between Nagas and Hindu society.
Before the advent of Christianity, Nagas referred themselves as Hindu
by religion and nationality. There are many common customs between
Naga Hindus and Hindus of other part of the country. Nagas follow
solar calendar and full moon has special significance in religious
practices. Earth is regarded as "mother" and sustainer of all the
living beings. Our life is agriculture based, our festivals are
agriculture based, our food habits and way of the life are also
agriculture based, best suited in the given geography environment and
eco-system. Nagas worship formless GodâThe Almighty. Pooja articles
are agricultural produces and materials available in the surroundings.
These are all common with Hindu practices in other parts of the country.
Similar practices prevail also in other Vanvasi communities of the
north-east region. The way of worship in Lungpung festival of Khashis
and Jaintias of Meghalaya, pooja system practiced in Mizo society and
propagated by Nunnalal-chungkua in Mizoram and religious practices in
other Vanvasi communities of the north-east region have many
commonalities with larger Hindus society. These common bonds are
required to be highlighted. The process of social assimilation should
be accelerated and cultural exchange should be encouraged. But this is
not enough. <b>The larger Hindu society must come forward to the rescue
of their brothers in the north-east region who are struggling for
their survival in volcanic situation in the areas adjacent to
international border.</b>
<i>(Sushri Aning Zeliang is former President Zeliangrong Heraka Pailei
Baudi, Nagaland.)</i>
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<b>Nationalist moorings of Naga society</b>
A decade ago, Naga insurgency was on the peak. Today, it is on the
decline. Factional killings, rampant corruption, carnal education and
lack of spirituality have destroyed the vigour of Naga society. Naga
people have realised that the fate of Naga society lies with
Bharatvarsh. Naga leaders like Haipou Jadonang, Rani Gaidinliu and Dr
T. Sakhrie have explained this to Nagas during their lifetime.
<b>Before the advent of Christianity, Nagas referred themselves as Hindu
by religion and nationality.</b> There are many common customs between
Naga Hindus and Hindus of other parts of the country. Nagas follow
solar calendar and full moon has special significance in religious
practices.
Nagas have realised that their forefather's religion, ancient
colourful culture, binding festivals, customary laws, traditional
village institutions, mother language, glorious history, virtuous
living, honesty and industrious Nagas have been replaced by one
phraseâ"unique Naga history." This is the reason that silent Naga
society has risen against these excesses. <b>They are silently working
hard to restore the lost glory of Naga.</b>
This is an extract from the speech by Sushri Aning Zeliang at the 3rd
World Hindu Conference, Kumbha Mela, Prayag
I am from Naga society of Nagaland. Our country Bharatvarsh is still
not fully aware of this Naga society. People have general impression
that all the Nagas have become Christian and by virtue of conversion
to Christianity they have become anti-Hindu and anti-India. <b>It is a
fact that nearly 85 per cent Nagas have converted to Christianity.</b>
This conversion has alienated Nagas from Hindu society. The Christian missionaries and British government did their best to keep Nagas away
from Hindu influence. They entrusted Church with a task to propagate
missionary education, primary health care and English language. They
distorted our history and condemned our forefathers as wild, savage,
heathen, naked, raw meat-eaters and head-hunters. They destroyed our
traditional village institutions and customary control of elders over
society particularly youths. They condemned our religion and culture.
They encouraged the youths to disobey Naga elders. They dishonoured
our customary laws and introduced foreign religion and strange culture.
Due to nexus between British government, bureaucrats and Church,
general Naga people were frightened. They were stunned to see the
cruel behaviour of "messengers of Messiah" and "preachers of peace" in
white gown. Anybody who opposed British rule and Christian coversion
was done away with. The Angami warriors of Khonoma, Mezoma and Kekrima
repulsed British army and British missionaries from their territory.
The people of Tuensang and Mon areas revolted against British
expansion and foreign religion. Forty-eight Chakhesang youths of
Thevopesumi village of Phek District were killed in one go for
opposing conversion and insurgency. Haipou Jadonang was hanged for
opposing British rule and Christian conversion. Rani Gaidinliu was
chased by British army to kill her and some of the Christian Nagas
were hired to spy against her. She was caught from Poilwa village and
awarded life imprisonment. Pou N.C. Zeliang met the same fate. He was
condemned for working for Naga religion, Naga culture and sovereignty
of Bharatvarsh. Many Naga elders are the witness of all these
tortures. I have been the President of Zeliangrong Heraka Pailei Baudi
(Heraka Women Society). My colleagues and I have similar experience.
A decade ago, Naga insurgency was on the peak. Today, it is on
decline. Factional killings, rampant corruption, carnal education and
lack of spirituality have destroyed the vigour of Naga society. Naga
people have realised that the fate of Naga society lies with
Bharatvarsh. Naga leaders like Haipou Jadonang, Rani Gaidinliu and Dr
T. Sakhrie have explained this to Nagas during their lifetime. Today,
present-day Naga celebrities like S.C. Jamir, Dr Hokishe Sema and Pou
N.C. Zeliang have been explaining this truth to Naga community. The
intolerant section of our society opposed this thesis vehemently and
reacted violently. But the reality cannot be suppressed. <b>Today, Nagas
have diverted their attention on quality education, economic
development, virtuous living and to shun anti-Indian image.</b>
Nagas have realised that their forefather's religion, ancient
colourful culture, binding festivals, customary laws, traditional
village institutions, mother language, glorious history, virtuous
living, honesty and industrious Nagas have been replaced by one
phraseâ"unique Naga history." This is the reason that silent Naga
society has risen against these excesses. They are silently working
hard to restore the lost glory of Naga. <b>They admire excelling of any
developed society of our country. The hostility against Hindu society
and Bharatvarsh has become a thing of the past. Nagas wish to live in
complete harmony with Hindu society. </b>Haipou Jadonang, Rani Gaidinliu,
Pou N.C. Zeliang, Dr. Hokishe Sema and S.C. Jamir have shown the parth
of harmonious living with Hindus society. They have built a bridge
over gulf between Nagas and Hindu society. All Indian citizensâNagas
and Hindusâcan cross the gulf of misunderstanding over the bridge
built by Naga geniuses refered above through their selfless
sacrifices. Zeliangrong Heraka Association has its on share of
contribution in bridging this gap and rejuvenating mutual trust
between Nagas and Hindu society.
Before the advent of Christianity, Nagas referred themselves as Hindu
by religion and nationality. There are many common customs between
Naga Hindus and Hindus of other part of the country. Nagas follow
solar calendar and full moon has special significance in religious
practices. Earth is regarded as "mother" and sustainer of all the
living beings. Our life is agriculture based, our festivals are
agriculture based, our food habits and way of the life are also
agriculture based, best suited in the given geography environment and
eco-system. Nagas worship formless GodâThe Almighty. Pooja articles
are agricultural produces and materials available in the surroundings.
These are all common with Hindu practices in other parts of the country.
Similar practices prevail also in other Vanvasi communities of the
north-east region. The way of worship in Lungpung festival of Khashis
and Jaintias of Meghalaya, pooja system practiced in Mizo society and
propagated by Nunnalal-chungkua in Mizoram and religious practices in
other Vanvasi communities of the north-east region have many
commonalities with larger Hindus society. These common bonds are
required to be highlighted. The process of social assimilation should
be accelerated and cultural exchange should be encouraged. But this is
not enough. <b>The larger Hindu society must come forward to the rescue
of their brothers in the north-east region who are struggling for
their survival in volcanic situation in the areas adjacent to
international border.</b>
<i>(Sushri Aning Zeliang is former President Zeliangrong Heraka Pailei
Baudi, Nagaland.)</i>
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