A prayer, a remembrance and, perhaps most of all, a responsibility-members, friends and family gather at Shalom Bible Seminary for a memorial service honouring late peace advocate Niketu Iralu
DIMAPUR — The candles were 'small', but as they were lit at Shalom Bible Seminary in Sechü-Zubza on October 3, they seemingly held something larger than grief. They held a prayer, a remembrance and, perhaps most of all, a responsibility.
The Forum for Naga Reconciliation (FNR) had gathered there for a memorial service for its stalwart and visionary leader, the late Niketu Iralu — a gathering described by the forum in a press release as “solemn and celebratory."
At the end of the memorial service, a “moving candlelight prayer” led by Pari Sanyu became the symbol of the light Iralu had nourished through his life: hope, reconciliation and the unflinching belief that even a deeply divided society could find its way towards collective healing.
“The flickering candles became a collective pledge to uphold his vision of peace and to nurture unity among communities,” the FNR statement read —now the light belongs to those left behind.
Also read: Nagaland: Veteran peace activist Niketu Iralu passes away in Delhi
Remembering Niketu Iralu: The peace messenger who helped heal a wounded society
The evening at Sechü-Zubza brought together elders, friends and family not only to mourn Iralu’s passing but also to celebrate “a life lived in unwavering service to truth, peace, and unity.”
Niketu Iralu, who died in Delhi in August aged 91, was laid to rest at his home in Sechü-Zubza. In the days since, tributes have spoken of his commitment to peace and reconciliation.
The FNR memorial presented one more way to understand that legacy. His wife, Christine Iralu, and his nephew, Rev. Dr. Sanyu Iralu, spoke with “deep affection and respect”, recalling a man marked by humility, courage and moral clarity.
Their words, according to the FNR, were reminders to everyone in attendance that “Uncle Niketu Iralu’s legacy calls us to continue the journey he began.”
The candlelight at Sechü-Zubza on the evening of October 3 offered a metaphor and a doctrine. “In remembering Uncle Niketu, the Forum for Naga Reconciliation reaffirmed its commitment to the path he illuminated, a path of dialogue, healing, and shared responsibility for the future.
“His life remains a guiding beacon, reminding us that reconciliation is a sacred calling,” the FNR declared.
Niketu Iralu is gone. But the work remains; so does the light.