Zeliangrong Economic Summit, Shillong, 2015
We, the Zeliangrong citizens on behalf of our people of the North East India gathered for the “Zeliangrong Economic Summit” the first of its kind on the 19th September 2015 to discuss and deliberate on the theme “Economic Development of the Zeliangrong People” at the St. Mary’s School Auditorium, Don Bosco Square, Shillong, Meghalaya, India. The Summit was organized by the Zeliangrong Citizen’s Forum, established on the 11th of November 2011 with the vision to work towards Zeliangrong Unity and Integrity under the banner ‘one people, one vision, one voice’.
After several presentations and brainstorming sessions on various sub-themes, all the members present resolved to adopt and propagate the following declaration:-
Our History:
The Zeliangrong people live in three different states of India: Assam, Manipur and Nagaland tracing their roots to Makhelfrom where they dispersed. The Zeliangrong forefathers then moved to Ramting Kabin, which is close to present Guangphuning (Oklong) village in Manipur. It was from there they began their search for a permanent settlement. They began to expand and lived in the surrounding hills and set up the legendary village called Makuilongdi.
It is widely accepted among the people of Zeliangrong today that their forefathers lived prosperously, liken to a “Golden Era” with a number of households touching a magical 7777 (Video Cutter- R. Tale). From thereon, they dispersed to different directions in search of better pastures and are now settled in the present Zeliangrong territory.
Due to increasing population and continued search for livelihood, many are now staying in different parts of India and the world. Notwithstanding this geographical separation, the Zeliangrong people from different walks of life continue to feel as one people.
Our Understanding:
Our mission is to empower and strengthen our Zeliangrong people through economic development, availing natural resources for inclusive and sustainable growth.
Our Model:
- Though there is no concrete model that has been developed yet, we believe that all the Zeliangrong people must work together to create space for promoting their general welfare and economic development.
- In doing our work, we emphasize on the need for the Zeliangrong people to take ownership as well as feel accountable towards the various needs and issues that concerns the people (Socio-economic, Cultural and Educational).
Practice:
- We acknowledge that there is a need for the Zeliangrong people to map their strengths and weaknesses in order to know what areas they need to focus on.
- We acknowledge that there is a need to bring awareness to the Zeliangrong people about their common origin and history.
- We recognize the need to create a network of people with expertise from various fields and sectors to contribute as per their abilities in this initiative.
- We understand that there is a need to formulate and develop a strategic framework to guide us with a clearer understanding of this initiative.
- We recognize the need for creating awareness and sensitization on this initiative to our people in the three states wherever we are.
- We understand the need to look at successful models on sustainable development that exist within and outside the country that we can replicate.
- We acknowledge the need to commission a study to expert individuals or groups to take into account the negative and the positive impacts of various initiatives taken up in the Zeliangrong area.
- We assert that the Zeliangrong leaders must counsel and guide the youths who are at the forefront of this initiative.
- We also undertake to develop a specific, sustainable economic model for our people living in different areas.
Partnership:
- The need for collaboration and cooperation amongst individuals, NGOs, etc. and other bodies placed at the community level in working towards promoting the needs of the Zeliangrong people and addressing issues of concern in the best suitable way.
Pledge:
Finally, we pledge ourselves to strive for the unity of Zeliangrong people under the banner ‘ONE PEOPLE, ONE VISION,ONE VOICE’. We will do whatever possible to encourage our young people to strive for all-round development in socio-economic, cultural and educational pursuits. We also pledge to disseminate the message of this summit to our people.
Note of thanks and Gratitude:
We express our heartfelt gratitude to the Zeliangrong Citizens Forum for facilitating this summit, giving the people of Zeliangrong a platform whereby interaction, sharing and exchange of perspectives have been possible.
We thank all the resource persons, panellists and the chairpersons for sharing their experience.
We express our gratitude to the Zeliangrong community, Shillong, organizers, volunteers and participants for making this event a success.