Kohima: The North East Zone Cultural Centre (NEZCC) Dimapur in collaboration with the first Azad Hind Sarkar Village Riizazho and Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose Memorial Society, Nagaland celebrated 125th birth anniversary of Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose at Riizazho village under Phek district on October 21.
The event was celebrated as part of the celebration of Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav.
Dr. Vekho Swuro, member High Level Committee on 125 Birth Anniversary of Subhash Chandra Bose, Govt. of India was the special guest.
Addressing the gathering, Swuro said “Today is a day to remember how Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose and his INA suffered in the battle of Kohima. Unfortunately, they were not able to move forward from Kohima to Dimapur to Kolkata to Red Fort at Delhi as planned but his sacrifice for our nation needs to be remembered and honored. We have to love each other and stand united while being patriotic as Subhash Chandra Bose and His team.”
Swuro said Prime Minister Narendra Modi initiated this programme of Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav on the 125th birth anniversary of Subhash Chandra Bose.
Dr Swuro while describing Netaji, he said “Netaji’s vision is purely democratic, to unite everyone regardless of caste, religion or color. Netaji’s thoughts were not on communalism but to unify all the diverse culture, religions to live happily and be the best country in the world. For our nation to be economically sound.”
Swuro also informed that Netaji came from Singapore crossing through Burma, and from Burma to Ruzazho Village of Phek District Nagaland.
When Subhash Chandra Bose and INA with the Japanese soldiers came to Riizazho Village, he appointed Late Vesuyi Swuro, elder brother of my (Vekho Swuro) father Poswuyi Swuro as DB the interpreter.
Dr. Swuro said that his father Poswuyi Swuro as DB Area Administrator and 10GBs and their names were noted in Netaji’s Personal Diary.
Swuro said “Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose had given a call to our villagers to help him and in return, he promised that he will develop our village, all our infrastructure, water supplies. As he was leaving, Because of his friendliness and personality many became emotional as he was going to the battle.”
“Subhash Chandra Bose told the villagers that he had not given anything to the village during his stay but promised, he will definitely defeat the Britishers and will return back to our village and develop our village,” Suro added.
He also informed that the NEZCC had organized this programme in collaboration with Ruzazho Village council (The First Administered Village by Azad Hind Sarkar in 1944 in Naga Hills, India) along with Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose Memorial Society Nagaland.
The programme was marked by sharing of eye witnesses from Cekrolhii Swuro, Pulesiih Sapu and Thupukha Sapu.
It was also marked by the presentation of folk song, warrior dance, felicitation of freedom fighters and evangelist Poswüyi Swuro.
The programme was led by Yashi Ao, programme officer NEZCC while the welcome address was delivered by Sesato Swuro, chairman Rüzazho Village Council.
Vote of thanks was proposed by Küduneyi Shijo, president Rüzazho Cultural Association.