Binding With a Common Thread
In an effort to consolidate the Zou identity cutting across borders through practice of uniform culture, literature and language, a Indo-Myanmar seminar was organized recently.
By:- BRUCE K. THANGKHAL
United Zou Organisation (UZO) USA, Zou Literature Society (ZLS), Manipur and UZO, Moreh Block organised a two-day Indo-Myanmar seminar on Zou Language, Literature, Culture & Custom and Border Trade Centre Hall in Moreh on May 15-16, 2013.
The seminar was inaugurated by Mr. Lhukhosei Zou, Chairman, ADC Chandel in the presence of over 100 participants in which 45 Zou delegates from India and 26 from Myanmar attended.
Addressing the gathering, he said, "It's the right time, the Zou all over the world must have a global vision to have one common name."
The resource persons comprised of a retired senior surgeon Dr. M.Lachinkhai, Chairman ZLS,
Rev. Dr. Mark Thangkhanai Vice-chariman ZLS and Co-ordiantor of Radio Veritas Asia (Zomi-Chin Service), Aloysius T. Nehkhojang Secy ZLS, advocate Chinlunthang, Gen Secy UZO and Suankhanmang, Adviser UZO.
From the Myanmar side, Tamu Parish priest Rev. Fr. Andrew Cin Go Lian, Kalaymyo KZBC pastor Rev. Go Cin Lang, Zou Synod PCM Yangon pastor Rev. Ai Lien Mang and Kalaymyo ZBZ Mission director Rev. Thang Khan Khai had also presented seminar papers.
The United States-based United Zo Organisation (UZO) General Secretary, Thangboi greeted all the participants in his message, said "I wish our people in India and Myanmar should practice one culture, literature and language".
In Manipur, Zou is one of the 33 recognized tribes having a populaiton of about 20,000. The bulk of Zou populace, around 61,000 lives in Myanmar. The word 'Zou' or 'Zo' is believed to be the progenitor of today's Chin-Kuki-Mizo-Zomi tribes which are predominantly found in Northeast India - Manipur, Mizoram, Assam and Tripura (Zampui hill ranges), Chittagong hill tracts (Bangladesh) and Chin hills(Myanmar).
The term ZO dates back to antiquity, however, historical records refered them a sJo, Yaw, Zhou, Sho, and Zhou which references are found in the Pong Chronciles from AD 80-1604.
The Zou language constitutes Haidawi, Khuangnung, Thangkhal, Khodai and Tungkua dialect. Of which, Haidaw is the most widely spoken among the Zous, while Khuangnung is popular among urban Zou speakers and Thangkhal heavily inflences traditional Zou folk songs. Tungkua and Khodai still remains confined to remote villages. All these contributed to the richness of Zou language. The inclusion of Zou as a Major Indian Language (IX-XII Standard) by the Government of Manipur also contributed to the evolution of Zou as a standar literary language.
The Zou community has a script of its own known as "Zolai" which was developed by a man named, Pu M. Siahzathang in 1952, who still lives in Zoveng, Churachandpur. This script is still being taught within the Zou tribes. Participants at the seminar deliberated on the need to preserve and promote the Zou language, literature and culture.
There is a slight difference in usages and writings among the Zou tribe. For instance, the Burmese Zous prefer to use ZO while the Indian Zous preferred ZOU.
A pastor who heads the Yangon Zou Synod PCM, Rev. Ai Lien Mang said, “From our forefather’s time, we have the same religion, culture and language though there is slight variation today due to geographical areas, but we are still one blood and one such. Let’s not forget all these".
Most of the academic papers, declaration on promoting unity among the Zous and deliberation are completed in simple English. “It is the first time we met together in one big table to discuss how we can organize the seminar again,” wished Dr. Lalthankhum, Chairman, ZLS, Manipur.
The seminar concluded with joint declaration on promoting uniformity in Language, Literature, Custom and Culture among the Zou people. This is the first time we met together and we must join hands together sot hat we can organise the seminar again," wished Dr Lachinkhai, chairman, ZLS, Manipur.
Meanwhile, in ZO Diasporas all over United States flocked together in celebrating the 7th United ZO Organisation conference at Atlanta in Georgia on May 25-26, 2013. Around 2000 people gathered in the event. The two-day conference showcased the cultural items of the ZO people of Myanmar and India as well. Various games and sports competition were also organised.
The numerous cultural events, singings, amusements and funs mesmerized the Zos,who were scattered across many cities in United States. The next conference is slated to be held in Bossier City, Louisiana. The two daylong celebrations ended with traditional dinner.
NORTH EAST SUN | New Delhi | 30 June 2013
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