Gaon Buras (GBs) are the guardians of Naga tradition and customary laws, and without them, the existence of an Angami village would be unimaginable, said Thejau Vihienuo, President of the Angami Public Organization.
Addressing the 45th General Meeting of the All Angami GB Association as the Chief Guest today at Sovima village, Vihienuo emphasized the importance of GBs in Angami villages since ancient times. He recalled how the British were amazed to discover that the purest form of democracy existed in Angami villages when they first ventured into Angami territory in the early 19th century.
“Whereas democracy was a new concept to the Western modern world, the British found, to their surprise, that the purest form of democracy was practiced in Angami villages since time immemorial. The GBs, or elders of the villages, were the mainstay of this democracy. They were the voice of the public, and their words were unquestionable,” Vihienuo stated.
“However,” he added, “the status of the GBs in the present day seems to have diminished, and the esteem that the earlier GBs enjoyed appears to have decreased in the eyes of the general public. Therefore, it is up to you GBs to introspect and take corrective measures to restore the past glory of GB-ship.”
“You are not only the upholders and keepers of tradition and customary laws, you are the key players in passing down laws and customs to the future generations, thereby ensuring the continuity of Angami heritage,” he said.
Sebastian Zumvü, Chairman of the host village Sovima, welcomed the GBs and emphasized the importance of their government-issued uniforms. He urged the GBs to respect their red waistcoats and to wear them with pride, as they lend dignity and solemnity to the functions they attend.
“GBs are the representatives of the government at the lowest level and are, in essence, police officers in their respective Khels,” he said.
Zumvü also proposed that the Angami GB Association be included as either Special Invitees or full-time Executive Members of the Angami Public Organization (APO), pointing out that government employees, such as members of the Angami Gazetted Officers’ Krotho, are already part of the APO executive.
Zhato Kimho, President of the Chakhroma Public Organization, also shared his thoughts on the significance of the GBs’ uniforms. He highlighted their critical role in practicing and upholding justice and described them as custodians of customary laws in Naga society. Kimho stressed the importance of fostering stronger connections and making sound decisions for the welfare of the community.
Zhato Kimho, President of the Chakhroma Public Organization, also shared his thoughts on the significance of the GBs’ uniforms. He highlighted their critical role in practicing and upholding justice and described them as custodians of customary laws in Naga society. Kimho stressed the importance of fostering stronger connections and making sound decisions for the welfare of the community.
The meeting was chaired by Thepfukedo Kuotsu, President of the AAGBA and Head GB of Sovima Village. The opening prayer was delivered by Rev. Zhau Sanchu, Associate Pastor of Christian Revival Church, Sovima.
A key highlight of the meeting was the launch of the Angami Customary Book, a vital document aimed at preserving and promoting the customs and traditions of the Angami people.
The event also featured a cultural performance by the Angami women of Sovima village, who enthralled the gathering with an Angami cultural song.
A total of 301 GBs out of the 325 Angami GBs attended the meeting, which was hosted by the Sovima Village Council.