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Leaders of Gorkha Public Panchayat Kohima and other sister organisations pose at WW-II Cemetery in Kohima on the occasion of Balidan Diwas on August 25.[/caption]
Staff Reporter
Dimapur, August 25 (EMN): Blood donation camps marked the ‘Balidan Diwas’ of the Gorkah community in Nagaland. ‘Balidan Diwas’ literal meaning ‘Sacrifice Day’ is celebrated all over India by the Gorkha community in remembrance of the supreme sacrifice made by Gorkha freedom fighter Major (late) Durga Malla.
Born on July 1, 1913, in Dehradun, Major Durga Malla was clever and brilliant from his childhood. Inspired by Mahatma Gandhi and other freedom fighters, he joined Gorkha Rifles at the age of 18 years.
When Indian National Army (INA) was formed under the leadership of Subhash Chandra Bose, Durga Malla left the British Army and joined the INA. Late Durga Malla was captured by the British at Ukhrul in Manipur on March 27, 1944, and hanged on August 25, 1944.
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Parliamentary Secretary, Dr. Longriniken, addressing the Dimapur Gorkha community at the 73rd Gorkha Martyr’s Day cum blood donation camp in Darogapathar Village on Friday.[/caption]
To mark the occasion, Dimapur Gorkha community today donated a total 106 units of blood to the Blood Bank of District Hospital, Dimapur. The blood donation camp was organised by Dimapur Gorkha Union with Darogapathar unit as the host at Darogapathar village.
Parliamentary Secretary of IT&C and DAN chairman, Dr. Longriniken, who graced the occasion as the chief guest, reminded the community of the contributions made by Gorkhas in the country and beyond. He also called upon the community to continue with their service and contribute in harbouring peace.
Senior specialist and in-charge of Blood Bank, Dimapur, Dr. Temsu Ao lauded the Gorkha community for their contribution towards the State through their annual blood donation drive. He remarked that ‘when we have social responsibility, a sense of ownership takes place.’
Darogapathar village council chairman, Nungtok Jamir, said blood donation is the highest form of humanitarian service and persuaded the community to continue with their noble service towards the people.
While calling upon the community to continue with their humanitarian service, he noted that DGU till 2016 had contributed a total 980 units of blood- 120 units in 2011, 220 units in 2012, 183 units in 2013, 165 units in 2014, 123 units in 2015, and 160 units in 2016.
In a related programme, Gorkha Public Panchayat Kohima (GPPK) along with other Gorkha NGOs observed ‘Balidan Diwas’ on August 25 by organising different activities.
In the morning, GPPK along with other Gorkha NGOs of the capital paid floral tributes to the Gorkha freedom fighters at World War-II Cemetery by instating the portraits of Major (late) Durga Malla and late Captain Neikezakuo Kenguruse.
The main programme was held at GPPK hall, Chandmari, in the evening with the Joint Director of Treasuries and Accounts, RN Lama, as the chief guest and the Reserve Officer, PHQ, Milan Sunam, as the guest of honour.
In his address, Lama encouraged youngsters to emulate late Durga Malla and be prepared to make noble sacrifice for the community, society and country to have a better future. He also exhorted them to lead a meaningful life by initiating welfare activities for the society.
Milan Sunam also exhorted the gather.
Delivering the significance of the day, GPPK secretary Jibon Pradhan said on this day in 1944, Durga Malla was hanged to death by the British at Red Fort Delhi.
His statue was erected at the premises of Parliament which was unveiled by the then Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh on September 17, 2004.
GPPK Secretary also highlighted the sacrifice made by late Captain Kenguruse, the brave Naga soldier who laid his life in the defence of the country during the Kargil War on July 26, 1999.
Marking the occasion, a blood donation camp was also held, wherein Gorkha youth donated their blood. A talk on blood donation was also delivered by Medical Officer In-charge of Blood Bank, Dr. Tina.
