107th Birth Anniversary of Rani Gaidinliu observed

IMPHAL, Jan 27
The Zeliangrong Civil Organisations (ZCOs) comprising of Zeliangrong Baudi, Zeliangrong Youth Front and Zeliangrong Students Union organized the observation of 107th birth anniversary of freedom fighter Rani Gaidinliu at Sangaiprou Village Community Hall yesterday.
The event was graced by Titus Kamei, Vice President, Zeliangrong Baudi (Assam, Manipur & Nagaland),  Poupoklung Kamei, President, Zeliangrong Baudi, Manipur State Unit, M Lunglailung, President Zeliangrong Youth Front (Assam, Manipur & Nagaland), Kadilin Gangmei, former Chairman, Zeliangrong Students Union, Manipur, Ashinpou Gangmei, former Chairman, Committee for Alternative Arrangement and former General Secretary, UNC, Irabot Gonmei, General Secretary, All Zeliangrong Arts and Cultural Organisation as the presidium members, said a press release by Zeliangrong Baudi.
The observance programme was also attended by village elders, women's leaders, various civil society organisations leaders, youths and students leaders, former Zeliangrong organisations' leaders and well wishers.
Speaking on the occasion, Ashinpou Gangmei elaborated about the life and struggle of Rani Gaidinliu, a valiant freedom fighter who strove relentlessly against the Britishers.
He went on to state that she struggled for an independent India as well as to secure the future of Zeliangrong people post India's Independence.
She was honoured with different prestigious awards like Tamrapatra in 1972, Padma Bhusan in 1982, Swami Vivekananda Puriskar in 1987 and Birsa Munda (Posthumously) in 1996 and was also honoured with commemorative coins, postal stamps, Coast Guard Patrol vessels, Stree Shakti Puriskar award etc by the Government of India in recognition of her selfless service and contribution towards the freedom movement.
Kadilin Gangmei spoke about the need to have  unity and integrity among the and stated that Rani Gaidinliu focused on collective future of Zeliangrong people and appealed to all to emulate 'Rani Maa'
Addressing the gathering, Titus Kamei dwelt on the present situation and the position of Zeliangrong people particularly living in Manipur. Stating that the  Zeliangrong people are scattered across the State, he appealed to the Zeliangrong people to exercise their democratic rights of universal adult franchise with wisdom so as to bring development and social progress, added the press release.
The Zeliangrong Civil Organisations (ZCOs) on behalf of the Zeliangrong people thanked the Central and State Government for approving to set up a 'museum cum library' at Luangkao village in Tamenglong district which is the native village of Rani Gaidinliu in recognition of her umpteen contributions.