THE story of the Gospel’s arrival in Senvon is a remarkable tale of faith and courage. It began in 1910 when Watkin Roberts, a Welsh missionary in Aizawl, received an invitation from Senvon Chief, Kamkholun. Despite a government ban on entering Manipur, Roberts felt a divine calling and trekked for five days through arduous jungle terrain. He arrived in Senvon on 7th May 1910, an event now celebrated as the dawn of a new era for the Kuki-Zomi-Hmar hill tribes.
Though Roberts’ stay was brief, the seeds he sowed were nurtured by a band of dedicated local pioneers. Today, we owe a great debt of thanks to Pu Thangkai and Pu Lungpau, who stood as pillars of the early movement, alongside Pu Savawma, Pu Thangchhingpuia, Pu Vanzika, and Pu Thangneirum (first convert at Senvon).
These men took up the mantle of leadership, translating the message into the local heart-language. Alongside the gifted hymnist Thangngur, they replaced old fears of animistic spirits with a message of hope and divine love. Their work was not merely religious; it brought literacy and social change, as they travelled on foot from village to village to share their new-found faith.
From Senvon, the movement surged across Southern Manipur, crossing tribal boundaries to reach the Vaiphei, Zou, Paite, and Thadou communities. This “indigenous wildfire” was driven by local converts who understood the culture and traditions of their peers.
Today, the region stands as a vibrant centre of Christianity in India. May 7 is observed as Missionary Day across Southern Manipur.
~ Zogam Today | Missionary Day Special | 07.05.2026
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