Seventy-seven years after the first meet in 1942, the 13th General Conference of Mera/Sechü/Rau clan was held Denis Elunglung’s residence, Jalukie on January 8.
Hosted by Nagaland Zeliang Rau, the historic event was attended by more than 2,000 members of the clan, including chief minister Neiphiu Rio, leader of opposition TR Zeliang and NLA deputy speaker Zhaleo Rio.
Both Rio and Zeliang univocally urged members to carry out research works on the clan’s history seriously for deeper understanding of the clan origin and family tree in their speeches, while thanking the organisers for the achievements so far. They also stated that in a democratic world there was no a permanent friend or foe.
In his address, Neiphiu Rio urged clan members to uplift each other as one clan wherever possible. He said “We must collectively support students, if there was anyone facing difficulty in pursuing education due to financial problems.” He went to say that if bright students could be nurtured among the clan members, Mera/Sechü/Rau clan would be stronger and brighter.
T.R. Zeliang recalled the popular proverb “blood is thicker than water” and stressed that blood relation could not be replaced or avoided whether one liked it or not, adding when humanity existed very much in the society “we can also have stronger bond among our clan members for a better future”.
In his welcome speech, Denis Elunglung remarked “It was a great day for our blood brothers and in the true spirit of brotherhood we all have gathered here as a mark of unity. God has blessed us with two shinning stars for which we must gratefully uphold each other as brothers, lest the blessing will go to others hands.”
Earlier, the clan’s gathering began with a prayer by Puilo New Baptist Church pastor Gohing.
While Rau, Mera and Sechü Yieko entertained the crowd with folk songs, Rüüngutuo delivered his presidential speech. This was followed by reports from the secretary, treasurer and research committee.
Kethozhapu Sahu delivered the vote of thanks before Heuzieteusing blessed the clan on behalf of Rau elders, which was followed by a mass prayer and brotherhood feast. This was stated in a press release.