I have read Thepfulhouvi Solo’s write-up “How Sensible is Your Good Sense?” which intended to reply to A.Kamei’s article on the construction of Rani Gaidinliu Memorial Building at Kohima.
As far as I know, it is a joint venture of Government of India, Government of Nagaland and Rani Gaidinliu Memorial Trust which aims at facilitating intellectuals, scholars, students and tourists to research, preserve and promote Naga history, literatures, cultures, folklores, arts, artefacts etc.
Uncle’s write-up attracts my attention but not all in good taste. His write-ups are gradually inclined to parochial, tribalism and regionalism approach. His historical accounts on Rani Gaidinliu are a ‘history’ but his hostile accounts on communities are ‘his’story.
I couldn’t imagine how Mr.Solo of such public stature, felt the need to mention that Dr.Haralu was a Zeliang who captured Gaidinliu and that Rani Gaidinliu was venerated by Rongmeis. I bet readers would not disagree with me that thousands of Zemeis and Liangmeis in Nagaland itself adore her as their freedom fighter and every year they observe her anniversary.I wonder why Mr. Solo needs to say that memorials in Gaidinliu’s honour should be raised in her own village, which can only come from a person of reserved mind. Not to boast of, late Rani Gaidinliu is a national figure accepted by 1.5 billion Indians and in whose name President of India awards women every year for their outstanding contributions to the country.
As we know, late Dr. T. Ao was a legendary footballer who shot his name at International Olympic. Today, in his memorial, Dr. T. Ao Stadium is constructed in Assam. Can Mr. Solo tell that Dr. T. Ao Stadium should be shifted to his village from Assam?. Can Mr. Solo say statues installed in memory of Assam Rifles jawans at Kohima town and statue of St. Don Bosco at Super Market junction be dismantled from the soil of Nagaland? How sensible is your good sense in this case?
The world, particularly Nagas admire Late A.Z.Phizo for his determination, courage and sacrifice for the cause of Nagas as to his counterpart T. Sakhrie of Khonoma for his philosophical vision, outstanding writing skill and highly intellectual calibre as Naga nationalist. So too are other Naga heroes.
It is sickening to find Solo’s words like “Guests and Hosts”, “When in Rome behave like Romans” which he used repeatedly to counter others in the past too. He could better look for modern phrases instead. I think we Nagas need to learn to respect others, only then others will respect us.
When the world is becoming a global village in this era and when all are dependent on one another and show respect to each other’s values, it would be odd for learned people to write ills of other community in public forum like this. It only reflects how civilized or learned or conservative a writer is.
As a woman and avid fan of woman fighter Gaidinliu, I am very sorry to have stumbled upon Solo’s words, “Who is Rani Gaidinliu?.” He should first ask the Government of India why Gaidinliu was recognised as Indian freedom fighter like Rani of Jhansi; He should ask Indian Navy why a huge warship was built after Rani Gaidinliu’s name to guard the country in Indian Ocean; He should ask the President of India why he gives away Rani Gaidinliu Award worth Rs 3 lakhs and a citation to selected Indian women every year?; He should ask Indian Postal Department why Gaidinliu was recognised and her image used in Indian postal stamps?; He should ask the former Director Postal Department Kohima, Mr. Som Kamei why he took the initiative to use the image of a Naga woman of Nagaland in Indian Postal Stamp as given to Gaidinliu? ; Mr. Solo should ask concerned state governments why memorials of Rani Gaidinliu which are a central project constructed in Mumbai, and parts of Northeast besides what he sees at Kohima.
I request uncle Solo, before he questions what Rani Gaidinliu has done for Nagaland, he should first ask himself what good has he done for Nagaland besides blowing out negative criticisms on others.
Atleast Rani Gaidinliu, a woman found her place, respect and position in her Zeliangrong society. You could rather ensure Naga women also find respectable place in decision-making bodies in Naga society if you feel you are a public leader and not mere local writer from cosy home.
Do you know what T. Sakhrie had written? “We are equals. Men and women have equal status. There is no communal feeling, neither are there religious differences to disturb our harmony with our conditions. There are no minority problems. Our civil authority is God?” What a beautiful passage to remember!!!!
Uncle Solo, a fragrance you apply will attract beautiful women around you, but the rot you throw will only invite a swarm of dirty flies. Remember, Rani Gaidinliu is my Icon.
Good Day Uncle Solo.
Yours daughter-like Carol Gaidinliu
