Delhi: The Thawaijao Hungpung Shimkhur Kazip Delhi (THSKD) celebrated and concluded its Silver Jubilee celebrations on October 7, 2023 at the Community Centre, Hauz Khas, New Delhi. Many elders, families, members and special invitees attended and participated in the function. The gathering was conducted by Yuingam KS and Mosochon YR as comperès, and Tina YS, Ahornao KS and Yaominim CM as functional secretaries.
The function started with an invocation by Chistopher Hungshi, a welcome note by Khansing AS, chairman of THSKD, and a special song by Ramreiyo Mahung, music teacher. The special song was followed by a brief description of the theme: ‘Ilong Phamei Yameisa’ by the functional president CS George Theimi, senior editor, All Lawyer Media, and highlighted a brief background of how Thawaijao Hungpung Shimkhur Kazip Delhi started as an organization with the initiative of a few elders 25 years ago.
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Initially, like any shimkhur kazip (family gathering) in metropolitan cities, Hungpung Kazip started as an annual gathering with the initiative of a few elders and leaders from the village in the month of October and the numbers grew with time. Theimi also encouraged the youngsters in the gathering to actively engage and participate in all the various activities and events happening in the city for exposure and experiences.
Theimi finally called attention to the unity and integrity of Thawaijao Hungpung Shimkhur Kazip Delhi and he took the honour of releasing the Jubilee souvenir. The event witnessed performances by Hormishang HW and Osbert Hungshi in Traditional Tangkhul Naga wrestling and physical fitness display by Kapingshang Khapai, winner of Muscle Mania India 2017 & Mr Delhi 2 times. The occasion was also graced by 6 yorlas from Hungpung in Delhi.
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Guest of honor Asai Somayang Ngakuimiza, social worker from Lunghar village, shared his close relationship with Hungpung village. He congratulated the organizers as Hungpung is one of the first villages to celebrate the Silver Jubilee in a metropolitan city and the village is setting an example by organizing such a grand get-together. Ngakuimiza emphasized the need to re-connect to Tangkhul Hao moral values in resolving the critical challenges that we face in our society today through collective efforts. He made special mention of how Hungpung which is located at Ukhrul District headquarters has contributed to the Tangkhuls in many ways be it education, politics, religion, etc. He concluded his speech with the slogan: “I Hungpung Phameirano, I Hungpung Yameirano.” His speech was followed by a folk dance (Victory dance) called “Hopi-Hopi” by Chingai Villagers.
Chief guest Dr Rajkumar Ranjan Singh, minister of state for External Affairs and Education, govt of India, enlightened the gathering on the blood relationship between the Hungpung and Meitei Royal Families. He also urged the gathering to emphasise on preserving the cultural and traditional values of the Tangkhul Nagas. Dr Ranjan Singh expressed his appreciation for organizing the event and advised the gathering to harness and nurture love, peace and compassion through a gathering like this.
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Special artistes such as Pingmeiso Khapai, Yungyung Khamrang and Somaya Rumthao also attended the program and embellished the Jubilee with their melodious songs. The blessing ceremony for the Fresher’s 2023 was pronounced by Ninglum Shokchui. Special Police Unit for North-East Region (SPUNER), Tangkhul Katamnao Long Delhi (TKLD), Tangkhul Naga Soceity Delhi (TNSD), Naga Students’ Union Delhi (NSUD), Tangkhul Baptist Church Delhi (TBCD), Tangkhul Catholic Church Delhi (TCCD), Tangkhul Musicians Delhi (TMD) and many well wishers attended the Hungpung Delhi Shimkur Kazip Silver Jubilee celebration. The program was attended by more than 400 people. The convener of the organizing committee Mr Leishiyo CM delivered the vote of thanks and concluded with a benediction by Dr Luckyson Khapai.
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