Gov. Ganesan hopes bond between Nagas, Gorkhas grow stronger

KOHIMA — Nagaland Governor La. Ganesan today expressed hope that the bond and friendship between the Nagas and the Gorkhas would grow stronger and remain steadfast.

The Governor said this while speaking at the reception programme organised in his honour by the Gorkha Public Panchayat Kohima (GPPK) at the panchayat’s complex, Chandmari, in Kohima.

Addressing the gathering, Ganesan wished that the Gorkhas in Kohima will always remain as good citizens and continue to contribute towards nation building.

He also conveyed best wishes to the Gorkha community and prayed to the Almighty to bestow wisdom and prosperity in their future endeavors.

He lauded the Gorkha people for the history of sacrifice for “this great Nation.”

On the Gorkha settlers in Nagaland, especially in Kohima, he summarised that the genesis of the existence of Gorkhas in Angami region seems to be almost two centuries old, and that their forefathers must have come after the advent of the Britishers or they must have been brought for various purposes like recruitments as armed personnel in different forces.

As such, food habits, ancestral rituals, simplicity, bravery, modesty, honesty, trustworthy, faithfulness and hardwork in nature are almost similar to each other (Angamis and Gorkhas), he said.

This also shows the adaptability and the determination of the Gorkha people to become an integral part of the society wherever they are, and also to contribute in their best ways possible to the society, he said.

Ganesan said the Gorkhas being an amenable lot with an affable nature automatically started mingling with the natives of different neighboring khels and villages, thus establishing relationships as friends, godfathers etc.

When the number of the Gorkha community grew into a sizeable number, the British government with the consent of a few neighboring villages and khels established two distinct Gorkha villages by the name of Chandmari and Aradhura, he said.

Majority of the Gorkha settlements were concentrated in these two villages but now with the expansion of township and municipality, the areas though called by the same nomenclature, have been converted into colonies, he said.

Like most communities that came to the Naga Hills and settled in Kohima initially, the Gorkhas have contributed immensely to the growth and development of Kohima as a township, he said.

Acknowledging their contribution to the state, the Government of Nagaland declared them as Indigenous non-Naga local residents of Nagaland, Ganesan said.

The governor also witnessed the photo exhibition and the Gorkha Singhadevi Mandir.

Dr. Tsielhoutuo Rhutsho, MLA representing 9-Kohima Town assembly constituency, in his brief address thanked the Gorkha community for their support in the State General Election 2023. He also assured to extend all possible support to the community.

Leaders of Tsütuonuomia Council, as guardians of Chandmari Nepali community, were also present on the occasion. GPPK president Santu Thapa delivered the welcome address and former advisor of GPPK, Ranjit Lama shared about the genesis of Gorkhas of Kohima.