Theyiechüthie Sakhrie (1908 – 17 January 1956), commonly known as T. Sakhrie,[1] was a prominent Naga nationalist and social activist, remembered for his commitment to non-violence and his role in the Naga National Council (NNC).[2] Born in Khonoma, he was a significant figure in the Naga independence movement, advocating for the rights and self-determination of the Naga people.[3][4]

T. Sakhrie
Born
Theyiechüthie Sakhrie

1908
Died17 January 1956(1956-01-17) (aged 47–48)
Kohima, Naga Hills District, Assam Province, British India (Now in Nagaland, India)
Occupation(s)Social activist and Politician
Known forNaga National Council, advocacy for non-violence

Early life and education

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Theyiechüthie Sakhrie[5][6] was born in 1908 in Khonoma,[7] a village known for its history of resistance against British colonialism.[8] Sakhrie pursued his education with a focus on social issues, which later influenced his political and social activism. Growing up in a region marked by socio-political upheaval, he developed a deep understanding of the Naga struggle for identity and autonomy.[9]

Political career

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Sakhrie became actively involved in the Naga National Council, NNC, an organization aimed at securing Naga independence from British and later Indian rule.[10] The NNC, formed in the early 1940s, played a crucial role in the Naga nationalist movement. Sakhrie's involvement with the NNC began in the late 1940s, and he quickly rose to prominence due to his eloquence and dedication.[11]

Leadership and ideology

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As a leader within the NNC, Sakhrie was known for his belief in non-violent methods of protest and negotiation. His leadership was characterized by efforts to unify various Naga tribes[12] under a common cause while promoting peace and dialogue over armed conflict.[13] Sakhrie was deeply inspired by the principles of non-violence and forgiveness, which he regarded as one of the fundamental core teachings of the Holy Bible.[14] He believed that lasting peace and autonomy for the Naga people could only be achieved through peaceful means.[15]

Advocacy for non-violence

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Sakhrie's commitment to non-violence was a cornerstone of his activism. He believed in achieving political goals through peaceful means, and his teachings emphasized reconciliation and understanding.[16] Sakhrie's writings and speeches often highlighted the importance of dialogue and mutual respect in resolving conflicts. He argued that violence would only lead to further suffering and hinder the progress towards Naga self-determination.[17][18][19]

Key teachings

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Sakhrie's teachings centered on the principles of non-violence, unity, and self-respect. He encouraged the Naga people to embrace their cultural heritage and strive for self-sufficiency.[20] His emphasis on education and social development aimed at empowering the Naga society to achieve their political aspirations through peaceful and constructive means. Sakhrie also worked towards bridging the gap between different Naga tribes, fostering a sense of collective identity and purpose.[11][21]

Death and legacy

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Sakhrie was assassinated on 17 January 1956, by extremists[22] who opposed his moderate and non-violent stance. His death marked a significant loss for the Naga nationalist movement. Despite his untimely death, Sakhrie's legacy lives on as a symbol of peace and the ongoing struggle for Naga self-determination.[23] His then girlfriend, to whom he was engaged to had also written a popular song dedicated to Sakhrie.[24] His contributions to Naga society and his advocacy for non-violence continue to inspire generations of activists and leaders in the region.[25]

Impact and recognition

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Sakhrie's life and work remain a source of inspiration for those advocating for human rights and peaceful resolution of conflicts. His teachings on non-violence and unity are particularly significant in the context of the Naga independence movement, which has seen various factions and periods of violent struggle.[26][27][28] Today, Sakhrie is remembered and honored in Nagaland and beyond for his unwavering dedication to peace and his visionary leadership.[29]

See also

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Further reading

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  • "The man who saw tomorrow". Retrieved 18 June 2024.
  • "A Brief Discourse On Naga's Struggle For Self-Respect And Freedom". Retrieved 18 June 2024.
  • "The Naga National Council and its Role in the Naga Struggle". Retrieved 18 June 2024.

References

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  1. ^ "Part I - Nationalist Claims-Making". www.cambridge.org. Retrieved 18 August 2024.
  2. ^ "My Native Country: The Land of the Nagas, V.K. Nuh, Spectrum Publications, 8187502487". 14 March 2009. Retrieved 19 June 2024.
  3. ^ Said, Coinbar on (20 April 2023). "Nagaland: The Beginning of Insurgency - I". Indian Defence Review. Retrieved 19 June 2024.
  4. ^ Rajan, Pavithran (3 March 2024). "Avi's Wedding – Return to the Naga Hills". Strategic Perspectives Foundation. Retrieved 19 June 2024.
  5. ^ "Decoding the Naga Babel Tower". The Morung Express. 17 March 2016. Retrieved 18 August 2024.
  6. ^ "Who convened Naga people convention?". Nagaland Post. 22 June 2011. Retrieved 18 August 2024.
  7. ^ "Who convened Naga people convention?". Nagaland Post. 24 March 2020. Retrieved 18 August 2024.
  8. ^ Desk, U. T. (13 August 2023). "77th Independence Day Greetings: Yaruiwo (Chairman) NSCN | Ukhrul Times". Retrieved 19 June 2024. {{cite web}}: |last= has generic name (help)
  9. ^ "Nagaland: 'Politics is a noble pursuit'". NAGA REPUBLIC. 15 January 2023. Retrieved 19 June 2024.
  10. ^ "Rediff On The NeT Special: All Nagaland needs to go up in smoke is a Neroesque politician". m.rediff.com. Retrieved 19 June 2024.
  11. ^ a b "The Vision of T. Sakhrie for a Naga Nation". MorungExpress. Retrieved 19 June 2024.
  12. ^ Guruswamy, Mohan (21 July 2019). "Is PM Modi giving the Nagas 'Azadi'?". National Herald. Retrieved 19 June 2024.
  13. ^ "Expanding the Identity Naga Nation and Threat to Integrity Neighbouring States Part 4". e-pao.net. Retrieved 19 June 2024.
  14. ^ "A Book "The Vision Of T Sakhrie For A Naga Nation" Released In Kohima". easternmirrornagaland.com. 14 January 2023. Retrieved 19 June 2024.
  15. ^ "Clarification on T Sakhrie". MorungExpress. Retrieved 19 June 2024.
  16. ^ "A Brief Discourse On Naga's Struggle For Self-Respect And Freedom| Countercurrents". countercurrents.org. 12 June 2018. Retrieved 19 June 2024.
  17. ^ PTI (14 January 2023). "Book release: The Vision of T. Sakhrie for a Naga Nation". Nagaland Tribune. Retrieved 19 June 2024.
  18. ^ "A Passing Coup D'oeil At The Naga Political Movement - Nagaland Page". 6 May 2021. Archived from the original on 6 May 2021. Retrieved 19 June 2024.
  19. ^ "Explained: Everything you need to know about Nagaland insurgency". The Indian Express. 4 August 2015. Retrieved 19 June 2024.
  20. ^ "You are being redirected..." nagalandpost.com. Retrieved 19 June 2024.
  21. ^ "Important Events in Naga History - Part Two - Nagaland GK". nagalandgk.com. 11 April 2024. Retrieved 19 June 2024.
  22. ^ Kautilya (1956). "The Naga Challenge". India Quarterly. 12 (4): 426–435. doi:10.1177/097492845601200405. ISSN 0974-9284. JSTOR 45068761.
  23. ^ "A Naga Odyssey : Visier's Long Way Home 9781925495836, 9781925495829". dokumen.pub. Retrieved 19 June 2024.
  24. ^ "The rise and fall of Th. Muivah in Nagaland". suryaa. Retrieved 19 June 2024.
  25. ^ "You are being redirected..." nagalandpost.com. Retrieved 19 June 2024.
  26. ^ "Ardent patriot T Sakhrie remembered". MorungExpress. Retrieved 19 June 2024.
  27. ^ "Accord". Fifty Two (52). Retrieved 19 June 2024.
  28. ^ "Why commemorate Naga Plesbicite Day 16th May 1951 Part 2 By Phungchamnao Kharei". e-pao.net. Retrieved 19 June 2024.
  29. ^ "An Unsung Legacy". MorungExpress. Retrieved 19 June 2024.