New Delhi, Nov 14, 2012: The Thangkhals in the
national capital celebrated their annual social gathering today here in JNU.
The 8th Khalvontawi Meet was held throughout the evening with ‘Righteousness
exalts a nation’ as a theme. Around 300 people attended the meet. It
was a fascinating moment where different people from different communities
gathered at a same place. The big SSS-I Auditorium hall was fully packed, it
looks like a swanky hall. This gathering is a sort of brotherhood, unity and
peace. The function has a variety of items – singing, dance, speech,
messages, and lots of entertainment stuff.
The word KHALVONTAWI literally means Chidlren (sons/daugthers) of Thangkhal. However,
the word THANGKHAL is less heard in Manipur. Thangkhal, according
to them, is a village name in Chin hills, from where they came.
In the due course of time, this little-known community came to be known as THANGKHAL.
Their dialect is similar with Paite, Tedim and Zou dialect. It is unique in the
sense that the Thangkhals are a composite of different people belonging to
different clans; almost all the clans of CHIN-KUKI-MIZO-ZOMI are
found in this group. They have all the clans!
The Thangkhals are peace loving people, though their forefathers were
head-hunters and sharp-shooters. As it was, today, the young generation --- the
so called --- KHALVONTAWIS are so warmth in welcoming any outsiders
into their fold. Thus this reflects back their forefather’s nature.
Important persons who attended this annual meet were – ‘KHALPIPA’
Rev Khaikhanthang (the 1st Evangelist among the Thangkhals), Rev Dr
Langkhanthang Lianzaw (1st Doctorate degree among the Thangkhals), Rev
Jangkholun Mangte (a well-known leader among the Thangkhals), Rev Kamsuanlal
(TSP founder & former Zomi Fins’ singer) and Upa Kamsuan (founder of Laina
Gospel Team, a team which seeks heaven’s blessing for the Thangkhals).
The 8th Khalvontawi Meet ended peacefully with a grand dinner called ‘Itna
annkuang.’ Everyone enjoyed the sumptuous meal. It was when we all have to say GOODBYE.
~ Bruce K. Thangkhal
Source:zolengthe.net
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