Mizoram paid tribute to Zadingi on Saturday, the iconic tiger-slaying heroine who gained widespread recognition for killing a tiger with an axe 46 years ago. Zadingi, 72, passed away on Friday in her village of Buarpui, Lunglei district, after a prolonged battle with cancer.
Diagnosed with colon cancer in August 2021, shortly after her husband’s death, Zadingi underwent two major surgeries but her condition worsened this year. She is survived by five children and a grandchild.
Her funeral, held in Buarpui, was attended by community leaders and dignitaries, including Chief Minister Lalduhoma, who honored her bravery.
Hailing from the village of Buarpui in Lunglei District, Pi Zadingi was awarded the prestigious ‘Saurya Chakra’ by the President of India in 1980 for her extraordinary act of courage. She remains the only recorded Mizo woman, and perhaps the only woman in India, to have killed a Bengal tiger with an axe.
On the fateful morning of July 3, 1978, Pi Zadingi was collecting firewood in the forest when she encountered the tiger. As she was ahead of her companions, she found herself alone when she heard a growl nearby. Spotting the tiger ready to pounce, she had no time to flee and gripped her axe tightly. When the tiger leapt at her, she struck it on the forehead with all her might, a blow so powerful it penetrated the tiger’s skull, killing it instantly.
At the time, Pi Zadingi was in her 20s, with one child and three months pregnant with her second. Her heroic deed made her a household name in Mizoram and beyond.
Pi Zadingi had been battling cancer for some time and passed away around noon on July 19, 2024. Her passing marks the end of a life defined by remarkable bravery and resilience.
Her feat, accomplished at age 26, was included in Mizoram’s elementary syllabus for many years.
(With inputs from The Mizos)
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