First Thangkhal IAS: Carolyn Chingthianmawi Makes Historic Achievement

It was a moment of great joy for the lesser-known Thangkhal community of Manipur when a young woman from their tribe cleared the IAS exams.

For the first time in Thangkhal history, Miss Carolyn Chingthianmawi secured a rank (AIR 453) in the Civil Services Exam 2023. She is believed to be the first tribal woman from the state to directly join the Indian Administrative Service (IAS).

She did not take any coaching or go outside Lamka for her UPSC preparation. She is also the first person from Lamka to clear the IAS exam without coaching, studying entirely from home.

She is the third among four children (two elder brothers and one younger sister) born to Mr T. Pauminlianthang and Mrs Lamneikim.

Mr Pauminlianthang is a well-known social worker. He once served as president of both the Thangkhal Tribe Organisation (TTO) and the Thangkhal Sinlai Pawlpi (students’ union).

Her mother also served the community by representing Thangkhal women in the Zomi Mothers’ Association (ZMA).

Carolyn disciplined herself and studied 9–10 hours a day. Even on Sundays, which are usually busy for Christians, she never skipped studying. She still managed to study 2–3 hours every Sunday.

She completed her entire schooling in Lamka:

• Nursery to Class V at Children’s Training School

• Class VI to XII at St Paul Higher Secondary School

• BCom at Rayburn College, where she became the topper under Manipur University in 2020

After Class XII, she cleared the CA Proficiency Test and went to Shillong for her CA Intermediate course. But due to health issues, she could not continue. Her first dream was shattered, but with strong determination she pursued BCom and later set her heart on becoming an IAS officer. And today, she has achieved it.

Carolyn is calm, soft-spoken, intelligent, and a good Christian. She loves singing and has served many times in church worship.

Her parents were moved to tears when the good news spread across the state. Her father said, “God has answered our prayers after many years, even the prayers we had forgotten.”

This year’s UPSC results also include three other tribal candidates from Manipur:

    Miss Chinzoukim Zou – IPS (Indian Police Service)

    Mr S. Christopher Aimol – IRS (Indian Revenue Service)

    Mr Dominic Sominthang Haokip – Indian Trade Service (ITS)

Thangkhal Sinlai Pawlpi (TSP GHQ) expressed their happiness at her success and wished her good health, and that she remains faithful to God while serving the government and the people.”

Leaders from the Thangkhal Baptist Church have visited her home to felicitate her on this historic achievement. The Thangkhal community wishes her all the very best as she serves the government and works for the upliftment of her people and her roots, for the glory of God.

Leaders of the Thangkhal Baptist Church

The community once again expressed gratitude to God for giving her such success—something only a few are able to achieve. Every year, they hold a Fasting Prayer at Mount Kulhvum (near Mulam Hills, their earliest settlement) in January, February, or March, seeking God’s blessing.

“Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and he will establish your plans.” – Proverbs 16:3

~ Khalvontawi News
(Voice of the Voiceless)

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