The 5th Rongmei Freshers’ Meet cum Cultural Day 2024 in Delhi NCR was held on October 26, 2024, at Grih Kalyan Kendra, Laxmi Bai Nagar, New Delhi, bringing together Rongmei freshers, community members, and distinguished guests for an inspiring day themed ‘Excellence and Self-Reliance.’ Organized by Rongmei Phwam Delhi (RPD) and Rongmei Chamnac Phwam Delhi (RCPD), the event aimed to promote cultural pride, unity, and achievement within the community. It attracted around 1,500 attendees, creating a vibrant atmosphere of celebration and connection.
The event commenced with the first session featuring Huay Kauhmei, where participants chanted “Ho-Ho-Ho” in a coordinated pattern, setting a lively tone. This was followed by Mai-Lapmei, a traditional method of making fire, demonstrated by Mr. Pouning Panmei and Mr. Gaizingam Rwangmei (Executive Member, RCPD). The audience then joined in singing the Rongmei Anthem, standing in unity, before listening to a Welcome Speech delivered by RPD Chairman, Mr. Levi Thaimei (Program Convener). The session continued with a captivating Rongmei Cultural Dance performed by the Rongmei Women Cultural Dance Troupe Delhi NCR, showcasing the rich heritage of the Rongmei people. A special Rongmei Freshers’ Introduction followed, with gifts presented to the freshers to warmly welcome them into the community.
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Mr. Gaikhonlung Panmei, IRS, Joint Commissioner of GST & Customs, Ministry of Finance, served as the Resource Person, providing attendees with invaluable insights into personal and professional development. Additionally, Mr. D. Thongongthui, Managing Director of United Builders India, delivered a keynote on entrepreneurship.
The program featured a soulful performance of traditional Rongmei folk songs by Mr. Dimkulung Pamei, Sports & Cultural Secretary of RPD, embodying the timeless spirit and cultural legacy of the Rongmei people. The first session concluded with a special performance by renowned Rongmei artiste Mr. Langunthai Daimei, highlighting the rich musical heritage of the Rongmei people.
Awards for Best Rongmei Traditional Attire were presented to Ms. Susanna Gonmei and Mr. Bruce Kamei in the Children’s category, and to Ms. Kazailiu Malingmei and Mr. Thuanreilung Pamei in the Adult category.
The second session began with special performances by Rongmei artistes Ms. Gaithailiu Gonmei, Mr. Lankhuingam Rongmei John, and Mr. Gugu Ruangmei. The event also highlighted freshers through the Top 10 Freshers’ Finalists competition, with Mr. Gaingamei Thaimei and Ms. Lulu Kamei being crowned Mister and Miss Freshers 2024.
The Panel of Judges for Mr. and Miss Freshers included esteemed individuals such as Ms. Peichun Gangmei (Advisor, RCPD), Mr. Lucas L. Kamsuan (Joint Secretary, Department of Public Enterprises, GoI), Dr. Janailung Francis Kamei (Assistant Professor, Satyawati College, Delhi University), and Ms. Singsing Panmei (Founder, Sings’ The Nails & Lashes Studio).
The Rongmei Achievers Award 2024 recognized outstanding individuals from the Rongmei community for their exceptional contributions across various fields, including entrepreneurship, academics, private sector achievements, and social work. Awardees included Mr. Henry Kaphunjok in the Entrepreneur category for his pioneering work and Mr. Pouning Panmei in the Private Company category for his professional excellence. In academia, Dr. Janailung Kamei Francis, Dr. Kungreiliu Panmei, Dr. P. Lanbiliu, and Dr. Gaidimlung K. Jacob were awarded in the Ph.D. category, while Dr. Marim Joice Gonmei was recognized in the Postdoctoral category for her research contributions. Ms. Purnima Kamei, Mr. Ningthuigong Kamei, and Mr. Kadaguang Malangmei were awarded in the Postgraduate category for their academic achievements, while Ms. Dingogailiu R. Panmei was recognized in the Undergraduate category for her academic excellence. Rongmei Nurses Delhi & NCR received a special honor in the Social Work category for their selfless service to the community.
An introduction of RPD & RCPD Executives and Advisors aimed to foster stronger community connections and enhance engagement. A major highlight of the day included an exciting Men’s Body Show, led by Mr. K. Rajuaklung Rongmei (Advisor, RCPD), with Mr. Khangamlung Kamei awarded the Winner title, followed by Mr. Suamthaulung Panmei (1st Runner-Up) and Mr. Namsinlung Amos Kamei (2nd Runner-Up).
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The event also showcased the Rongmei Cultural Show, featuring Ms. Gaipuangliu Gonmei (Joint Secretary, RCPD) and Ms. Lujianliu R. Panmei (Executive Member, RCPD) as show-stoppers, celebrating the elegance of Rongmei traditional attire. A special concert by renowned Rongmei singer Mr. Langunthai Daimei fostered an atmosphere of unity and cultural pride, followed by traditional Pazeihmei songs and dances with all attendees, marking a joyful celebration to close the event.
The event was co-sponsored by United Builders India, Christian Heritage, Ben Northeast Tour and Travel, Makaam Hospital & Research Institute, Ivy Healthcare, Faithheal Biotech, AASRA Luxury Stays, and Well Wishers, reflecting the Rongmei community’s commitment to cultural pride, unity, and mutual support.
In addition, support from individual co-sponsors added to the event’s success. Mr. Daisinlung Meiringmei generously funded the Rongmei Achievers Awards 2024 Delhi NCR, honoring the accomplishments of distinguished community members. Mr. Dimchuilung Gangmei sponsored the Dance Troupe and Media Team, ensuring the cultural performances and event coverage were memorable and seamless.
Ms. Rim Panmei sponsored the coveted Mr. & Miss Freshers titles along with the event carpet, adding elegance and a welcoming ambiance. Ms. Luh Peichun Gangmei graciously sponsored two beautiful bouquets for Mr. & Miss Freshers, enhancing the festive atmosphere of the day.
The event was expertly documented by Frame Story Production, serving as the official photographer and videographer, capturing the vibrant moments and essence of the day. Their work ensured that every highlight, performance, and celebration was beautifully preserved for the community.
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The emcees for the event, Mr. Gaisuamrei Panmei and Ms. Lujianliu R Panmei, kept the audience engaged with warmth and energy throughout the event.
The organizing committee, led by Program Convener Mr. Levi Thaimei (Chairman, RPD) and Program Secretary Mr. Mathiuduan Kahmei (President, RCPD), expressed deep gratitude to all participants, community leaders, and sponsors whose generous support made the event a resounding success. The event concluded with a heartfelt Vote of Thanks delivered by Program Secretary Mr. Mathiuduan Kahmei.
This annual celebration reaffirms the strength of the Rongmei community in Delhi, NCR, and beyond, embracing a collective journey of cultural pride and self-reliance.
(This is a press release of the Rongmei Phwam Delhi (Rongmrei Council Delhi NCR) issued on October 30, 2024)
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