The 16th Mera, Sechü and Rau Seyie Kehou (clan meeting) was held at the Naga Heritage village Kisama on January 16. This year’s event was hosted by the Kigwema Mera and Phesama Mera clan.
The program was graced by the Chief Minister of Nagaland Neiphiu Rio (Sechü) and Deputy Chief Minister TR Zeliang (Rau) as special guests.
In his speech, Chief Minister Rio reflected on the family that stands as the primary institution in Nagas lives. The importance of maintaining close ties, especially when families are geographically dispersed, was emphasized.
“Coming together in gatherings like today holds significant value, as it unites us despite our physical distances. It is crucial to recognize and appreciate our history and ancestry, staying humble and living in reverence. Embracing our roots and preserving our heritage proves essential,” said Rio.
He also advised that in order to hold successful meetings and gatherings, financially stability needs to be encouraged. In this regard, Rio suggested holding of common property and the creation of ventures to yield revenue for future endeavor, and assured the gathering of his support.
T.R Zeliang in his speech, highlighted the history of the Mera, Sechü and Rau clan, stating that it has been 82 years since the first recorded meeting of Mera, Rau and Sechü clans at Phesama took place. According to the ancestral ties shared by Zeliang, there were seven brothers including the 3 brothers -Mera, Rau and Sechü. It was told that the two brothers, Mera and Rau migrated towards other Naga areas from Kigwema Village.
The Zeme Sub-tribe comprises of two brothers- Hau and Heu of which Hau is the elder brother and Heu is the younger. Among the Angamis, it is told that the elder is called Tevo and the younger brother, Tepa. Rau Clan among the Zemes is the descendent of the elder brother, Hau and hence, all Zeliang Rau belongs to the lineage of Hau.
The first available record of Mera, Rau and Sechü Clans Meeting was in the year 1942. Prior to that, no available information is on record, since most of Naga’s historical facts depended on verbal accounts narrated down by our ancestors.
The Meeting of Mera, Rau and Sechü Clans held at Phesama Village in 1942 was attended by elders such as Late Ibwaleung from Poilwa Village, Late Izuing also from Poilwa Village and Late Aulie from Kigwema Village. Zeliang also highlighted that they came together at different places during different times mentioning in details the date and venue. Zeliang also hoped that this 14th Meet of Mera, Rau and Sechü Clans will renew their unity and strengthen their brotherhood.
“It is high time to invite the women folk in this kind of gathering because our lady wives/ sisters also can contribute not only in material but in knowledge for future references,” said Zeliang mentioning that the intellect of women cannot be undermined in today’s world.
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With the progress in technology, Zeliang also suggested that further researches can be taken up to trace more lineages. Unlike other organizations, Zeliang said, this brotherhood organisation is linked with blood relationship. Therefore, Zeliang urged all their brothers and sisters from Mera, Rau and Sechü Clans to come together and unite their hearts in every way possible in order to “strengthen our unity, strengthen our brotherhood and progress as brothers”.
Earlier, Rüüngutuo Sechü gave the presidential address and Dr.Joseph M .Angami delivered the welcome address. Rev. Dr. Rachülie Vihienuo (Sechü) blessed the program with a prayer while the invocation was pronounced by Ruokuovilie Zashümo (Mera ).
Special numbers were also presented by Rau community, Mera community and Sechü community. It has been informed that about three thousand members from 27 villages attended the event.
The new executives for the tenure 2024-2029 are :-
1) Chairman: K. Francis Zeliang (Rau)
2) Vice Chairman: Khomeze Jakob (Mera)
3) General Secretary: Vithuzol Kikhi ( Sechü)
4) Joint Secretary: Vesekho Thisa ( Thenyieu), Twambe Zeliang ( Rau)
5) Finance Secretary: Khrielakuo Sekhose ( Sechü)
6) Treasurer: Neilhouvi Chútso ( Mera.)
7) Advisors: : Gaiwang Rau, Rüüngutuo Sechü , Zachisato Tetseo( Theyieu ), Ketoupuzo Lhoushe (Mera)
