REVEREND DR. PAUL PAOLEN HAOKIP: A ROLE MODEL FOR BIBLE STUDENTS
PAUL CONFERRED DOCTOR OF THEOLOGY
ZALENGAM TIMES | 11 Dec 2023: Theology, simply, is a systematically developed study on the the nature of God and religious beliefs. In Eimi parlance, it’s often, a different matter altogether. For some, it’s ‘Meology.’ Most take the reverenced course lightly, without a divine calling, as a last-resort destination when all other doors of study are closed.
Yet, there were a few among our brethren who opted for theological course for the love of God and a zeal to labour in the Lord’s kingdom
One such who has been consistently on fire to serve the Lord was Dr. Paul Paolen Haokip who was conferred Doctor of Theology by Aizawl Theological College, Senate of Serampore, in 2018.
CARRYING OVER SAINIK SCHOOL DISCIPLINE:
Paolen was not born with a silver spoon in his mouth.
He started from a small village in Saikul Sub-Division of Kangpokpi District in Manipur. On behalf of family’s bread and jam, he had mid and high school grounding in Sainik School, Imphal.
Under strict student-level military discipline, young Paolen shot to popularity among his peers as he represented Sainik school, Imphal in football, basketball and cricket.
HOLDING A B.Sc DEGREE IN ZOOLOGY:
Paul did his college education in Poona College, Pune, and completed B.Sc in Zoology and emerged out as the topper (1st class with distinction) in his batch.
Having done exceptionally well in studies, he could have grabbed any secular job or gone for a secular Post-grad degree. But a desire to study Theology was kindled in his heart.
AN UBS, PUNE ALUMNUS:
Like many of his seniors who have made it big in spiritual leadership, Paul wanted to ‘launch out in the deep’ waters with a BD degree from UBS, Pune.
Having finished with Bachelor in Divinity course, the Bible student thought it prudent to make a further dent in Theology with a Master’s degree.
An M.Th degree attained from North India Institute of Post Graduate Theological Studies (NIIPGTS), Serampore, Kolkata, was another feather Paul added to his scholastic credentials.
To equip himself better to tackle the awesome responsibilities ahead in his chosen career, Paolen slogged further to get a Master’s degree in Psychology from Madras University, Chennai.
HE PLAYED BALL WITH WHAT CAME ALONG:
A former player of Young Physiques football club, Imphal, physically fit and endowed with a socially ‘sporting’ bent of mind, Paolen never missed chances to ‘play ball’ with societal part-time offers as long as he could score brownie points to enhance his spiritual goals.
So he served KSO, Pune, as GS from 1997–98 and as president of the same CSO from 2002-03.
He also got involved in Christian Ministries like as Library incharge, Pune EU (1996-97) and as music incharge (1997-98); as Chairman, KWS Pune (2004-05); as Asst Pastor, KWSD (2005-07) and as Pastor of KWS, Kolkata from 2009 to 2010. Multi-talented, on the pulpit, Paul could put up a one-man show - playing the guitar, singing and preaching.
BUMPS AND JOLTS ON HIS WAY:
To Paul Paolen, the path of his spiritual journey has been not without bumps and jolts. The challenges he faced mid-field were financial constraints, conflict of people’s expectation and one’s limited ability to achieve things, lack of integrity in the Church-fold, and misleading issues of theological heresy.
Yet, the Bible scholar is undaunted. He has plans intact to make an impact with the youth in spiritual and educational reformation; awareness of human sexuality; and character formation. He also want to use his psychology background to help young mobile addicts to come out of ‘mobile gaming.’
MARRIAGE AND FAMILY:
Paul Paolen Haokip was married to Tingneivah Lotzem, a well-groomed resident of Zomi Villa, Imphal.
A Theological student, like a military personnel, do not enjoy the luxury of staying at home for long.
But while her hubby was ‘hunting’ for degree after degree, his better-half, Tingneivah Lotzem- turned- Haokip, had been patiently taking good care of their two kids, William Letginlal and Glorie Neideithem, at home.
Paul is presently serving MTC, Kpi as Professor of Theology. May the Almighty God bless him and his family.
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