SHILLONG: The Tangkhul Katamnao Long Shillong (TKLS) organised its 61st Freshers Meet on Saturday, welcoming 85 new students who have come to the city in pursuit of their education. The event also saw the launch of the Tangkhul Zungphun Digital Library, an initiative aimed at preserving Tangkhul history and serving as a resource space for students.
The scheduled chief guest, John Somi R. Khathing, was unable to travel to Shillong from Guwahati due to the disruption in movement between the two states. Ngahuanyui Zimik, an Indian Revenue Service (IRS) Joint Commissioner posted in Shillong, attended as the chief guest, while Kazapmi Khangrah, Assistant Commandant, CRO, North Eastern Sector of the Central Reserve Police Force in Shillong, attended as the guest of honour.
Representatives from various student bodies and the Dorbar Shnong of the locality were also present.
Yaruikhan Raman, president of the Tangkhul Katamnao Long Shillong, broke down the theme, “Imayur Lengshik Lengrikda Semkausa,” explaining that it represented growing and thriving as a community in unity. He said unity, in this context, required the participation and contribution of people from all walks of life.
Describing Shillong as an ideal destination for education, Raman said there was little room for excuses and encouraged students to approach the elders whenever they faced difficulties or had questions, assuring them of his support.
The programme was divided into two sessions. During the first session, guest of honour Khangrah reflected on his own life as a student. He recalled wanting to study in Shillong but being unable to do so because of his family’s financial condition.
He spoke about not fully understanding the sacrifices his parents, who were farmers, had made for him. Later, while studying in Delhi, he faced another challenge in the form of a communication barrier, as most of his classmates spoke Hindi and some of his faculty members also taught in the language.
Coming from a background where he had already struggled and facing further difficulties because of his limited understanding of the language, he said he became discouraged. Carrying the attitude that he would do better with time, he instead found himself falling further behind.
Through his experiences, Khangrah urged the students not to procrastinate and to make use of the opportunities and time before them.
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Dr. Shomi Raman, a paediatrician and chief adviser of TKLS, advised the youth to take pride in who they are and where they come from. He said students could return home having grown into people like Zimik or Khangrah, or they could return with little knowledge and contribute to further chaos and problems in Manipur, urging them not to choose the latter path.
He also spoke about what he described as a growing deficiency of love for one another. Quoting the Bible, he spoke about the importance of loving oneself, not as an act of selfishness but as a necessary foundation, asking how one who does not love oneself could truly love others.
Naga Elders Forum president Lhouvirielie Usou said, “Change should come from you, it should start from you.” Referring to the Bible as a source of some of the “best words of wisdom,” he quoted, “Where there is no vision, people perish.”
He asked the students to reflect on questions such as, “Who are you?” and “What are you?” As Nagas strive towards unity, peace and a greater nation, Usou encouraged the students to look beyond their individual tribes and identify themselves as “Naga.”
Chief guest Zimik, referring to the ambitions expressed by many of the freshers during their introductions, recalled of Mr Armstrong around 23 years ago, when he too was a Mr Fresher, he was asked about his aim in life, Armstrong had confidently replied that he wanted to become an IAS officer.
Zimik said such clarity and confidence were necessary for young people, adding that it was his primary duty to ensure that the students were learning and rising as individuals who would become smarter and achieve much more.
“There has been a massive decline in intellectualism, especially among the Tangkhuls, in the last 15 years. There is absolutely no excuse,” Zimik stated.
Giving the students what he described as a reality check, he said that while he had been a gold medallist during his time at NEHU, the civil services examination was at least six times harder. He reminded students that finding employment was difficult and urged them to make the best use of their education and opportunities.
Zimik also spoke about the legacy of the Tangkhuls and the responsibility of the younger generation to protect and carry it forward. Referring to the achievements of earlier generations, including Professor Dr Horam, the first chairman of the Manipur Public Service Commission, he recalled a time when the Tangkhuls were among the communities recognised for their educational achievements.
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He, however, said that the community was now falling behind and stressed the need for unity, collaboration and healthy competition.
“Competition is a fact of life,” he said, adding that while unity among the Nagas was important, every community must also contribute towards bringing the Nagas together.
The Tangkhul Zungphun Digital Library was also launched during the programme. A Student Union representative explained that the digital portal was created as a space where students could access books and resources which they might otherwise be unable to purchase.
With the aim of enabling people to better understand and learn about Tangkhul culture and history, the library has been made open-source and downloadable. Students were encouraged to make the best use of the resource.
President Wokmaron Gachui also vouched for the initiative, stressing the importance of accessible education and making learning resources freely available.
The programme also witnessed the presentation of accolades to students who received distinction in their Class 12 examinations and those who successfully completed their PhDs.
At the higher secondary level, Theiyahor Shimray secured 81 per cent in MBOSE, Wungshimchan Raman secured 92.4 per cent in MBOSE, A. S. Khamathava secured 87.6 per cent in CBSE, Themchuichan A. Shatsang secured 89 per cent and Thanmung Dominic Zingkhai secured 95 per cent in CBSE.
Dr. Philayo M. K. Shimrah successfully completed her PhD in Anthropology with the thesis titled “Sustainable Agriculture in Ukhrul District, Manipur: A Study in Agricultural Anthropology.” Dr. Barnabus Mashangva completed his PhD in Anthropology with the thesis “Economy of the Tangkhuls of Kangpokpi District, Manipur: An Anthropological Study in Change and Continuity,” while Dr. Sochanphy A. Shimray completed her PhD in Cultural and Creative Studies with the thesis “Representation of Plants and Animals in Tangkhul Folklore: An Analytical Study.”
A special mention was also made of Anika Pachung Raman, who secured admission to Christian Medical College, Ludhiana, for a five-year MBBS programme.
The annual crowning of Mr and Miss Fresher was also held, with the students introducing themselves and sharing their hobbies and ambitions. Lanmaya Khareng was crowned Mr Fresher, while Elio Aungshi was crowned Miss Fresher.
The programme concluded with dance, musical performances and plays presented by Tangkhul Katamnao Long Shillong, Christian Youth Society, Silver Lining, Nok & Sons and Orange Leaves, bringing the 61st Freshers Meet to a close as the new students begin a new chapter of their educational journey in Shillong.
