New Delhi, November 15: In yet another vibrant and enriching edition of the Annual Fresher’s Meet, the 19th Yarthot Kazip took place under the theme ‘Ngayuikhuilo Thuipopmirin, Mirinton Khayuiheo Okthuiya’ at Talkatora Indoor Stadium, President Estate, New Delhi. The event was graced by the Chief Guest, Qr Sword Vashum, President of the Tangkhul Naga Long, and the Guest of Honor, Qr. Asa Kazingmei, an internationally renowned fashion designer.
The opening session commenced with the arrival of the Chief Guest, followed by the soulful melody of the anthem ‘Ili Pharasang Kahai Ngalei’ performed by the TCD choir, accompanied by an invocation by Qr. Jimmy Raman, Home Missionary, TCD. This was followed by a breathtaking Tangkhul traditional folk dance, ‘Pheichak,’ beautifully delivered by Thawaijao Hungpung Shimkhur of Delhi. Through intricate and expressive movements, the dancers delved into the profound stages of life, weaving together cultural history, art, and the community’s shared heritage, all while celebrating the rich culture that binds them together.
TKL President Nganingam Pheiray in his presidential speech emphasized the importance of community and Christian responsibilities in his speech. He highlighted that being a Christian comes with duties that don’t change with time or location, and it’s essential to prioritize faith and humanity. “Christian is Christian, regardless of time and space… Let us put God first and humanity second,” Nganingam said.
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He expressed concern about the youth leaning towards popular culture and values, which can erode the community’s values. He stressed the significance of education and economy for the community’s progress and that it’s been over a decade since someone from their community achieved significant success in fields like UPSC or SSC exams.
Furthermore, Nganingam Pheiray cautioned against extreme liberalism and individualism that might undermine communitarian principles. He emphasized the importance of balancing personal freedom with community responsibilities.
In light of these challenges, TKLD President called for a revival of educational upliftment to strengthen community bonds and collective efforts. The community organization’s primary focus is on improving education through partnerships with coaching centers to provide subsidized facilities in premier institutes as he said, “We must revive our faith in God and focus on education; otherwise, we will not enjoy the same status in the years to come.””
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The speech was followed by the presentation of mementos and gifts to special guests and invitees, marking the beginning of a warm and engaging welcome to the new batch of freshers.
This academic year, 50 freshers were inducted into the community, each given the opportunity to introduce themselves, share their hobbies, aspirations, and reasons for coming to Delhi. A memento was handed out to each fresher as a token of the warm welcome, and a special benediction was offered by Qr. Rev. Luther Chamroy, Pastor, TBCD.
Following the induction, Diana Wungsek’s classic rendition ‘Ewui mirin wui Khararchan’ captivated the audience, sending everyone into a nostalgic trance. The event also took a moment to honor the 10 years of exceptional service by the SPUNER under the Delhi Police, celebrating their contributions to the community.
A young violinist, Chirchomri Sasa, a 10-year-old prodigy, added a soulful touch to the program with her mesmerizing musical performance, enchanting the audience with her incredible talent.
TNL President Sword Vashum emphasised the importance of collective identity and purpose in his speech. “Today, I stand before you, conscious that my presence is not accidental. God has willed that I be here, gracing this occasion,” as he began.
Sword Vashum encouraged the audience to reflect on their life’s purpose, urging them to be honest with themselves. He drew parallels between the TNL organization and the larger Naga community, stressing the importance of staying connected to their roots. “Consider TNL, a branch of the larger Naga family. To thrive, it must stay connected to its roots.”
He emphasized the need for individual and collective growth, warning against passing blame for personal shortcomings. Instead, Vashum advocated for introspection and self-improvement. ‘Introspect, don’t pass blame. Society may have flaws, but focus on standing on your own merit.” Vashum highlighted the interconnectedness of individual and community strength, noting that “your system, culture, and society also need to be in a position to push you from behind and support you.” This statement underscored the importance of collective growth, where individuals and communities must thrive together.
Ultimately, Sword Vashum emphasized that true strength comes from this collective identity, saying, “You are strong when Nagas are strong, you are weak when Nagas are weak.” This call to action encouraged the audience to recommit to their community and strive for personal and collective excellence.
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The focus of the event then shifted to the much-anticipated Mr. and Miss Freshers competition, where 10 finalists—five males and five females—competed for the coveted titles. The panel of judges, including Songashim Rungsungband and Chanchui Khayi, posed insightful questions that tested the contestants’ confidence, presence of mind, and communication skills. The results were kept suspenseful, with the winners to be revealed later.
The Manipur Bhawan Residential Commissioner, Devesh Deval IAS, addressing the gathering, expressed pride in the state’s rich cultural diversity and reiterated his support for Manipuri students in Delhi/NCR. He commended the Students Union for organizing the event despite the challenges and emphasized the government’s commitment to enhancing skills and employability, with coaching programs for medical and engineering entrances already in place with top institutions like FIITJEE and Akash Institute.
As the first session concluded, the TCD choir presented an a cappella performance of a powerful and uplifting song, retelling the epic story of Joshua’s battle of Jericho. The performance, highlighting themes of faith, obedience, and God’s power, left the audience moved and inspired.
The second session came alive with an electrifying breakdance performance by the renowned HeatWave crew, igniting the stage with their high-energy moves and creative flair. The excitement continued with captivating performances from Tangkhul community artists, including Diana Wungsek’s classical favorites, Chikami Raihing’s rap hits, and Shimshang Pheirei’s heartfelt love songs.
The session also featured inspiring talks from household names and rising stars of the Tangkhul community who have made their mark in various fields. Asa Kazingmei, Songashim Rungsung, and Chanchui Khayi shared their personal journeys, offering motivating stories that resonated deeply with the youth in attendance, instilling both hope and determination for the future.
Mumbai-based fashion designer Asa Kazingmei shared his inspiring rags-to-riches story, highlighting the importance of perseverance and prayer. Recalling his early struggles in Mumbai, Asa noted that his big break came in 2012 at Lakme Fashion Week. “Living a life on prayer, during struggles and success, is crucial,” he emphasized, crediting divine guidance for his success. Asa urged youth to never forget the strength and importance of prayer in their studies or chosen field, stressing that dedication, hard work, and prayer are key to overcoming obstacles and achieving excellence.
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Songashim Rungsung, Mr. India 2021, Mr. Friendship International 2022 Runner-up, and Mr. Friendship International Ambassador 2024, delivered a captivating speech highlighting fitness’s transformative impact on his life. Once a shy and uncertain individual, Songashim credited fitness for overcoming his confidence struggles. “Fitness helped me believe in myself,” he shared. Reflecting on his journey from a “lanky kid” in Bangalore to a successful model and influencer, Songashim encouraged youth to adopt positive addictions like fitness, rather than substance abuse. Drawing from personal experience, he shared the tragic loss of his elder brother to substance abuse, vowing never to follow the same path. Songashim’s message urged young people to prioritize wellness and self-care, emphasizing that “fitness is not just physical, but mental and emotional too.
Chanchui Khayi, Femina Miss India Manipur 2024 winner and multi-talented artist, inspired audiences with her heartfelt speech. “Dream as big as you can,” she encouraged, emphasizing that no dream is too stupid or too big if one works towards it.
A graduate in Masters of Performing Arts, Chanchui stressed humility and diligence, reminding that “blessings are not entitlements” and can be taken away at any moment. Drawing from her experiences in music, dance, drama, and theater arts, Chanchui urged young people to stay grounded and work for God’s glory. With a passion for helping children, Chanchui’s message promoted aspiration, gratitude, and humility.
A day filled with performances, speeches, and celebrations culminated in a huge turnout of over 3,000 people from the Tangkhul community in Delhi, making the 19th Yarthot Kazip a resounding success. The event not only celebrated new beginnings but also reinforced the community’s commitment to growth, faith, and collective strength.
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