New Delhi: Commending and extending a warm welcome to newcomers from the community, Tangkhul Katamnao Long Delhi (TKLD) organized its 18th Yarthot Kazip on Saturday, at Talkatora Indoor Stadium, New Delhi. Under the theme Yarthotkha wui Tantakna, Haimisa maikhaya thotchan, the event was graced by Losii Dikho MLA 48 – Mao as chief guest and Armstrong Pame IAS, Director, Ministry of Information & Broadcasting, govt of India as the guest of honour.
Among the many dignitaries, Rimai Varengam Konghay Sr associate vice president UTI Mutual Fund, Sh PN Khrimey IPS, Joint CP (SPUNER & SPUWAC) Delhi police, Yr Ramreichan Keishing TKS president, Lumpem Vashum IIS, Media & Communication officer at the Press Information Bureau, Ministry of Information & Broadcasting and Edward Siro Artistry Director and owner Siro Make-up Studio and Academy attended the kazip as special guests.
Also Read | NSU Bengaluru Celebrates 52nd Annual Freshers Cum Nagas Night
The first session started with the arrival of the chief guest followed by a soulful performance of Ili Pharasang Kahai Ngalei by sunday school children, Delhi NCR.
This academic year, around 25 freshers registered, introduced and were welcomed by the TKLD. The freshers were given an opportunity to give a brief self-introduction about themselves, their hobbies and their goals. A diary as a memento was handed out to each of the freshers as a token of warm welcome and a special benediction for the freshers was given by Rev Dr Mathanmi Zimik, pastor, TCD.
TKLD president Yr Rinchipam Zingkhai warmly welcomed incoming students and highlighted areas needing improvement. He noted declining student numbers in colleges like JNU, dropping from 50 to 10 in recent years, and a similar trend in PhD enrollments. He pointed out the absence of Tangkhul success stories, especially in UPSC exams, for over a decade. He stressed the need for Tangkhuls to catch up in sports and games. Zingkhai urged all students and professionals to selflessly embrace their responsibilities for community betterment and prioritize our community’s pride and glory.
Also Read | Chandel Naga People’s Organization Decries Recent Violence, Calls for Peace and Justice
The TKLD president outlined initiatives for the upcoming academic year to address the issues. These include establishing an Admission Helpdesk for CUET candidates, offering tutoring and study materials from January to March to increase admissions to prestigious colleges like JNU, DU, Jamia, and Ambedkar University, building on the previous tenure’s successful SSC coaching program. “Additionally, they have collaborated with football clubs to hold trials, resulting in students earning scholarships and academy placements in sports. They have also created community-based job contact points to enhance employment rates and economic growth within the community. Furthermore, the longnao launched a talent search competition called Yarthot Laakhon“] to support aspiring musicians, with the first season taking place this year,” the he added.
Following the speech, there was a special performance featuring Ngathingpam Tangvah’s popular song Leikashi Khara.
At the event, guest of honour Armstrong Pame encouraged new students not to be disheartened by challenges. He recounted his own experience arriving in Delhi in 2002 during a scorching summer, sharing his struggles as a UPSC aspirant in Gandhi Vihar and a poignant experience of his time in Shillong where he had to walk miles for a day’s meal. He urged everyone to relentlessly chase their dreams, even in the face of adversity, and turn them into reality. Pame shared his journey, saying, “Despite the struggles and poverty, I can proudly say I’m living my dream. I aspired to be an IAS officer and the DC of Tamenglong since the 3rd standard and wanted to do a lot for my people, and I’m proud to say that I have been able to accomplish quite a lot of it.”
Also Read | NE student of Hindu College in DU faces racially motivated-assault
Delighting the audience between speeches, the charismatic stand-up comic, Woyiso Siro, graced the stage intermittently. With his witty one-liners, hilarious musical sketches, and spot-on impersonations of Shah Rukh Khan, he infused the air with contagious laughter.
Vividly emphasizing the present situation in Ukhrul and outlining initiatives and future plans for the benefit of students and society, TKS president Ramreichan Keishing addressed the current challenges in Ukhrul’s education system and TKS’s efforts. These issues include a shortage of teaching staff and principals in government schools like JNV Ramva and JNV Jessami. TKS established an education team to advocate for change through petitions and dialogue with the authorities. They have already successfully appointed a principal for JNV Ramva, with efforts ongoing for JNV Assam. Ukhrul Higher Secondary School and the indigenous college face similar issues due to the Manipur crisis. TKS is in discussion with the education director for solutions, added Ramreichan.
To revive the competitive spirit and motivation, the TKS has proposed a monthly “Best School Competition” starting in September. They’re also launching “Mission Toppers” to produce more HSLC toppers from December to February in the current academic year. “Perhaps the most important action plan for the next academic year, TKS is planning to incorporate Tangkhul traditional attire into school uniforms. Design samples have been created and are pending public feedback. A meeting with school principals is scheduled for finalization” said TKS president, Ramreichan Keishing.
Also Read | Three Kuki Miscreants arrested in connection with dacoity in Assam
The program shifted its focus to the 10 finalists, 5 males and 5 females, vying for the coveted titles of Mr and Miss Freshers at the 18th TKLD Freshers Meet 2023. The panel of judges, including AR Mathing, Kahorngam Zimik, advisory board chairman of TKLD, and Soshomi Makang, TSNLD president, posed meaningful questions to evaluate the contestants based on confidence, presence of mind, clarity, and communication skills. The results were kept in suspense to be announced later.
The program burst into life with an electrifying start, featuring the dynamic and passionate performances of the Junior category champions from the first season of Yarthot Laakhon. Thayo Yangya, with his instrumental prowess, and Shirin Bliss Konghar, with her captivating voice, set the stage ablaze with their talent and energy.
It was an immersive and soul-enriching journey of music, dance, inspiring speeches, and heartfelt expressions. The event also featured a captivating folk dance (Pheichak) choreographed by Chingainao Delhi, followed by a high-energy performance by the dynamic two-man breakdance crew, Heatwave.
Also Read | Centre requested to permanently close Free Movement Regime with Myanmar: CM N Biren Singh
Many speakers at the event gave insightful advice and exhortations to newcomers. Lumpem Vashum, speaking at the event, shared her journey since arriving in Delhi in 2010 for postgraduate studies at IIMC. She worked as a copy editor at AIR and freelanced as an anchor for NE news at ANI. Additionally, she served as a news reader for Doordarshan’s main bulletin on DD National, managing commitments to three organizations seven days a week. Vashum highlighted her career progression and emphasized the crucial role of education, saying, “Education is essential, providing an edge that should never be compromised.”
The second session made way for exciting performances from homegrown artists like the legendary PC Makang, Ngathingpam Tangvah and Delhi-based Tangkhul musicians and artists.
An unforgettable performance indeed! Tangkhul Musicians in Delhi’s rendition of Guns N’ Roses’ November Rain and Scorpion’s You and I transported the crowd back to the electric atmosphere of a late ’80s live concert, creating a mesmerizing time-travel experience. The auditorium dazzled as hundreds of flashlights joined in a collective serenade to the lyrics of Oh Kachang, crafting an enchanting and spellbinding ambience.
Also Read | Indian Parliament Passes Landmark Women’s Reservation Bill; to reserve 33% Seats in LS
A day-long fun-filled event saw a huge turnout of more than 1,000 people from the Tangkhul community in Delhi.
The performances set the crowd on fire, showcasing the incredible talent of “Yarthot Laakhon” Season 1 winners. Khayingphi L Shimray rocked the stage with her drumming skills, leaving the audience in awe. Joanna Jamang, with her soulful vocals, cast a spell on the crowd, leaving the crowd completely enchanted.
Renowned artists such as Somaya Rumthao, PC Makang, and Ngathingpam took the stage, belting out their fans’ beloved hits. They did not just perform; they invited the audience to rise from their seats and join in the exhilarating dance, uniting the crowd in a shoulder-to-shoulder celebration of the moment.
Horchanphi Khapudang from Langri village and Thanngasung Zingkhai from Kuirei village were crowned Mr and Miss freshers at the 18th Yarthot Kazip, TKLD 2023.
Also Read | Inpui Baptist Church Delhi holds Decadal Celebration
About The Author
