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Guizang Meru Zeliang[/caption]
Dimapur, May 6 (EMN): A group of young men from an organisation called the WAM Event Management Group wishes to honour an individual they state to be the 'first headmaster' of Impur Christian Higher Secondary School (ICHSS).
That way, a press release from the group stated on Saturday, his contribution to the growth of education in Nagaland ‘can be duly acknowledged and respected for posterity to come.’
“Perhaps forgotten among the Nagas today, the legacy of Guizang Meru Zeliang, who is the first headmaster among the Nagas is being revisited so that his place as an educationist would be remembered in his rightful place today,” the press release stated.
Guizang Meru Zeliang might be known among some senior citizens but for many from the younger generations, his name might be unheard of, the press release stated. His name was featured in the book ‘Education and the Nagas’ authored by former pro-chancellor Kiremwati, it stated.
According to the organisation, Guizang Meru Zeliang was born on June 15, 1894 to Heizieluing Meru Zeliang, who the press release stated was the “first Christian among the Zeliangs.”
“Heizilung as the first Christian, dedicated his first born child Gwizao to the service of the Lord. After appearing matriculation examination, Gwizo joined the Impur mission centre as a teacher as per his father’s wish. He became the headmaster in 1915,” wrote Kiremwati in his book ‘Education and the Nagas’.
Unfortunately, he passed away on November 4, 1918 during a cholera epidemic that broke out at Impur, the statement said.
“An epidemic of cholera broke in the year 1918 in which he took the responsibility of nursing the sick and got infected with the disease and died on 4th November 1918 at Impur...Today, his name is etched at Impur Christian Mission Higher Secondary School as the first headmaster of the school, and today his name and his contributions to the Naga society is being revisited so that the Naga people can honour him in a befitting manner,” the press release stated.
To celebrate the legacy of Guizang Meru Zeliang, the press release stated, the WAM Event Management Group is initiating various projects in collaboration with the Ao Baptist Arogo Mungdang (the Ao Baptist Church Council). That way, it stated, his name and contributions will be remembered among the Naga people today.
The WAM Group added that it has rebuilt his grave at Impur Mission Centre. Besides, the WAM is organising an inter-school competition in honour of Guizang Meru Zeliang, the press release added.
