A Tribute to Pi Thuangkhongai: A Beloved Mother of the Thangkhals

Pi Thuangkhongai passed away at Dorcas Veng, New Lamka, on 15 April 2019 at the age of 100.

“When I go to my eternal home to meet my beloved, I want the song dedicated to my husband, Vevaw Ta Zen Lai Ah Na Sa'ng, to be sung over my body by the composer, Rev. Khaikhanthang, himself,” her words still echo in our ears. This song tells how her husband, the gospel messenger among the Thangkhal people, was unwisely treated and cast out by some ignorant Thangkhal villagers who opposed the gospel.

She was married to Pu Thuangluan in a holy matrimonial service conducted by Pastor Raltawn. After their wedding, she once told KVMedia, “As there was no house available to rent immediately, we went straight to T. Khajang.” In Thangkhal, Pu is an honour title used for elder men, and Pi is used for elder women.

In Khajang, her husband, Pu Thawngluan, served as an evangelist among the Thangkhal people until 1947. Their first two children, out of eight, were born there.
 
Their children:
Ms Ngaizaniang – born in T. Khajang in 1934 (now 76)
Ms (L) Vungzanem – born in T. Khajang in 1942
Mr Ginzalian (69) – born in Mualpi in 1950
Ms Chiinkhanngai (67) – born in Mualpi in 1957
Ms Lalmuanching (62) – born in Pangliang in 1962
Mr Nengkhanthang (60) – born in Pangliang in 1959
Mr Thangkholian (58) – born in Pangliang in 1961
Ms Manhoihching (54) – born in Pangliang in 1965

Pu Thawngluan (1902–1983) arrived in Khajang village on 07 March 1939. There he began visiting Thangkhal villages and preaching the gospel. When his first wife passed away, he did not allow the Thangkhal women to cry for her. He gently told them, “No, you must not cry. She is peacefully resting in the bosom of our God in heaven. We are believers; we should not cry for her. She is at peace.” Out of deep respect, the Thangkhal women held back their tears.

Today, as we remember our beloved mother, Pi Thuangkhongai—the mother of the Thangkhal people—it was a sad day for the Thangkhals, for we mourned her passing. This time, we could not hold back our tears, as no one could truly console us.

Our beloved mother laid her hands on me and blessed me with her prayers. 
This became our last photo together.

Rest in peace, Pi Ngai. We still love you.
 
~ BRUCE K. THANGKHAL

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