Students presenting Mao cultural dance at the University of Delhi’s Sir Sankar Lal Hall. The Mao community in Delhi celebrated their historic moment of 50 years in Delhi on October 15.
Dimapur, October 18 (MExN): 50 years ago in 1961, a young Dr. Ashikho Daili left the remote confines of his Punanamei village and arrived at the far away national capital city of Delhi to pursue further studies against all odds and heralded the way for others to follow suit. At the time, it was unmistakably daunting and nothing less than a daring feat. Since then, much water has flowed down the Yamuna River and today the capital city is abuzz with thousands of Maos spinning out admirable success stories, from top Government and army/military officers, bankers, doctors and health professionals, engineers, scholars, writers to entrepreneurs, designers, bollywood actors et al.
Eighty percent of the top officials in government sectors amongst the Mao people are the educational products of the national capital city of Delhi. Surely, for the Mao people, the road to Delhi has been the highway of dreams coming true, a journey of God’s abundant blessings and realization of one’s true potentials.
Indeed, 50 years is a long journey, a time to look back and cherish the wonderful footprints of the Mao people in Delhi. As the mighty sun retreated from the Delhi sky paving way to a pleasant autumn morning, the Mao community in Delhi rose up on their feet on October 15, 2011 and celebrated their historic moment of 50 years in Delhi at the University of Delhi’s Sir Sankar Lal Hall. T.R.Zeliang, Minister for Planning and Coordination, Evaluation, Veterinary & Animal Husbandary, and Parliamentary Affairs, Government of Nagaland, graced the historic occasion as the chief guest. While congratulating the Mao people for completing 50 years in the national capital, he said “Naga history originated from Makhel village in Mao territory. Naga people are one because of this common history. The exodus of the Naga ancestors started from Makel who later settled down in different places suitable to them.
Today, the Naga people face a lot of problems and if we look at them, they will not be solved by themselves. We must look at our history for direction in solving the problem. History of the Nagas will not be completed without incorporating the history of the Mao people.” Addressing the huge gathering attended by the dignitaries of the apex Mao body, the Mao Council (Hoho), and other eminent people from different civil societies, high ranking officials and students, he enlightened that the mighty Indian Government had publicly and formally recognized the uniqueness of the Naga history. Even the Brithishers have documented our uniqueness”, he explained.
Exhorting the youth to change their mindset to bring change and development in society, he said, “Economic development can be elevated by changing the mindset of the society but this development should include preservation of our history and culture.”
Eighty percent of the top officials in government sectors amongst the Mao people are the educational products of the national capital city of Delhi. Surely, for the Mao people, the road to Delhi has been the highway of dreams coming true, a journey of God’s abundant blessings and realization of one’s true potentials.
Indeed, 50 years is a long journey, a time to look back and cherish the wonderful footprints of the Mao people in Delhi. As the mighty sun retreated from the Delhi sky paving way to a pleasant autumn morning, the Mao community in Delhi rose up on their feet on October 15, 2011 and celebrated their historic moment of 50 years in Delhi at the University of Delhi’s Sir Sankar Lal Hall. T.R.Zeliang, Minister for Planning and Coordination, Evaluation, Veterinary & Animal Husbandary, and Parliamentary Affairs, Government of Nagaland, graced the historic occasion as the chief guest. While congratulating the Mao people for completing 50 years in the national capital, he said “Naga history originated from Makhel village in Mao territory. Naga people are one because of this common history. The exodus of the Naga ancestors started from Makel who later settled down in different places suitable to them.
Today, the Naga people face a lot of problems and if we look at them, they will not be solved by themselves. We must look at our history for direction in solving the problem. History of the Nagas will not be completed without incorporating the history of the Mao people.” Addressing the huge gathering attended by the dignitaries of the apex Mao body, the Mao Council (Hoho), and other eminent people from different civil societies, high ranking officials and students, he enlightened that the mighty Indian Government had publicly and formally recognized the uniqueness of the Naga history. Even the Brithishers have documented our uniqueness”, he explained.
Exhorting the youth to change their mindset to bring change and development in society, he said, “Economic development can be elevated by changing the mindset of the society but this development should include preservation of our history and culture.”
