The 33rd Conference of Zeliangrong Heraka Association Northeast Bharat was held on 3rd to 5th January at Kepeujung village near Peren town, 80 km from Dimapur. Total 800 delegates including 200 from Assam and 100 from Manipur attended the conference wherein 400 women delegates joined the function. The function started with hoisting of Zeliangrong Heraka Flag by the Chief Guest – Shri Som Kamei, Director, North East Zone Culture Council (NEZCC), Dimapur in presence of Shri Ramkuiji, President of Heraka Association (AMN) and Pautanjanji, General Secretary. This followed the Rehoi – the shouting in traditional manner. Dr. Krishna Gopalji, RSS incharge of North East Zone was also present. Shri Atul Jog i/c Kalyan Ashram NE Zone, Shri Pakaj Sinha i/c Vidya Bharati NE Zone and Jagdamba Mall were also present in the function. While delivering welcome address President of Nagaland unit of Heraka Association, Dr. Wilubo said that Zeliangrong Heraka Association has been tirelessly working for preservation of indigenous faith and culture of Zeliangrong Nagas living in all the three adjoining states. “We try to live upto the ideals propounded by Rani Maa and Haipou Jadonang” said Dr. Wilubo and informed that a film on Rani Maa has been made to popularize her contribution in achieving the freedom of this country from British yoke and in preservation, protection and promotion of eternal religion and eternal culture of Zeliangrong Nagas. Dr. Wilubo also recalled that the present Chief Minister of Nagaland Shri Neiphiu also applauded Zeliangrong Heraka Association for its unparallel contribution in preserving and promoting the cultural identity of Nagas which was fast eroding due to westernization. Shri Neiphiu mentioned this while speaking as Chief Guest on 12th October 2010 in the silver jubilee celebration of Zeliangrong Heraka School Tening. “Rani Ma gave slogan – Loss of Religion as Loss of Culture and Loss of Culture is Loss of identity,” said Shri Ramkuiji and added, “We try to live upto this ideal. While living upto ideals preached by Rani Ma and Haipou Jadonang, Zeliangrong Heraka Community is today blessed with doctors, engineers and high ranking officials which was lacking few years before”. He said further that Zeliangrong Heraka religion is the eternal religion of Zeliangrong Nagas which has become full grown in every respect and is most refined and scientic religion which everybody should follow. He pointed out that there is a holiday on the occasion of Chaga festival in Assam and in Manipur on the occasion of Ngan-Gaai but it is not there in Nagaland. He opined that there should be holiday on Chaga-Gaadi day to facilitate Zeliangrong people to celebrate this festival of devotion to Lord Tingwang. He informed that there are few who are now researching about philosophy and spirituality of Zeliangrong religion as theses for Doctorate degree. The Martyr’s Day of Jadonang on 29th August each year has also been observed by masses with full enthusiasm.
Shri Som Kamei-the Chief Guest said, “The society becomes a jungle if there is no culture and the said culture is dead if it becomes stagnant. The culture is a way of life. Rani Ma and Haipou Jadonang brought over certain reformation as per the need of the society which is promoted by Zeliangrong Heraka Association. It has its roots in fore-fathers’ eternal religion. Som Kamei appreciated Heraka Association for its yeoman service to the Naga society in the field of promotion of genuine cultural identity of Nagas. He exhorted that ladies should not remain confined to kitchen and they should also shoulder the responsibility of building stronger Naga society. Every member of society should help each other and nobody should be left alone. RSS i/c of North East Dr. Krishna Gopalji who hails from UP said, “Culture has two aspects – (i) The external manifestations in the from of folk songs, folk dances, rites and rituals, festivals etc (ii) The other invisible part is ethos and ethics, the behavioral aspect, the philosophy of life and spirituality. Both are an integral part. Without the one, the other is incomplete. Both should be taken care of equally to preserve complete culture.”
Shri Ihirie Ndang SP Peren was Guest of Honour and he said that discipline in the life of any society is very important. “I am happy to witness strict discipline in various dance forms of Heraka. This should be our habit to observe strict discipline in our day to day life. We are still lagging behind in the education and so special emphasis should be given for quality education which will take our society forward,” said Shri Ihirie Ndang, SP Peren.
Smt. Nambange, Shri Atum, Shri Pantanjan, Shri Jagadamba Mall Shri Atul Jog and elders also spoke on the occasion. The function was marked by dance and flute competitions. A colorful procession was taken in Peren town in the evening of 5th January led by Heraka leaders. The organizers expressed their gratitude to those organizations and individuals who had extended their help-cash and kind for the success of the conference.
Words: 826 Dated 8/2/2012
