Demands of Nagas
A series of high-level discussions was held in New Delhi on the eve of a meeting between the Prime Minister, Mr. Nehru, and a Naga delegation to consider the proposal of the Naga Convention for a separate State within India for the 500,000 Nagas who inhabit the hilly and inaccessible Naga area on the north-eastern border of this country. The Assam Governor, General Shrinagesh, who has special constitutional responsibility for the administration of the Naga area, called on the Prime Minister on July 25 for a discussion on the issue. The official attitude at present appears to be that a separate State for the Nagas comprising a small area and population without much resources of its own is not a realistic proposition. Nor can it be a viable unit without considerable Central aid. At the same time sympathy is felt for the legitimate aspirations of the Nagas for their independent cultural and political development within the framework of the Indian Union. Hope was expressed that a mutually agreeable formula would be reached at the tomorrow's conference.
Desabakta Chidambaranar
“Desabakta Chidambaranar”, a Tamil play about the great patriot, the late Mr. V.O. Chidambaram Pillai, was presented by T.K.S. and Brothers on July 22 at the Rasika Ranjani Sabha Hall, Mylapore, Madras. At a time when the public appears to have forgotten the many architects of our independence even within a decade of independence, such plays are quite welcome. Written by Mr. M. Sitharasu, the play highlights a glorious chapter in the freedom struggle in this part of the country during the early part of this century and the notable part played by Mr. Chidambaram Pillai and his comrades Sri Subramania Siva and Sri Subramania Bharati, to name only a few, in rousing the nationalist spirit among the people, and the trials and tribulations they had to undergo in that cause. T.K. Bhagavathi and T.K. Shanmugam as Chidambaram Pillai and Subramania Siva play their respective roles impressively. The play was presented with these artistes' customary efficiency. The off-stage sounds were particularly helpful for creating atmosphere.
