“We are not satisfied with the Mizoram Government, we will continue to demand Union Territory,” says P.P. Thawla, MLA
THE Mara Students’ Organisation Joint Headquarters (MSO) Delhi held its 15th Freshers’ Social and Educational Festival at Mizoram House, Vasant Vihar, south Delhi on 14 September 2013. Ms Sangchhin Chinzah, MCS, Additional Resident Commissioner of Mizoram House, Delhi, was the Chief Guest. Special Guests included Shri P.P. Thawla, MLA and Founder President of the Maraland Democratic Front (MDF); Shri M. Laikaw, President of MDF; and Shri C. Lawbei, MDC of the Mara Autonomous District Council.
The event began with the well-known Mara song Thyu ula Marasaw (“Rise up, the Children of Mara”) and a prayer led by Miss Ngosapia Hlychho, an MA student at Annamalai University. Gospel Thalai Nohro, President of MSO Delhi, presented a bouquet of flowers to the Chief Guest.
In his welcome speech, Mr Nohro, who is currently pursuing a Master’s in Mass Communication at the International Institute of Management, Media & IT, Delhi, warmly welcomed everyone. “Today is a happy day for all of us; let’s make this celebration even more beautiful,” he said. Mr K.C. Tennyson Lalroneiha, the General Secretary, hosted the session with great enthusiasm.
Speaking as the Chief Guest, Sangchhin Chinzah encouraged the students, saying, “You have come to Delhi with a purpose. Your parents have sent you here to study or learn, so you must take it seriously. The amount of time you spend studying is very important. Everything depends on time, so use it wisely.” She also emphasised the importance of obeying parents. “If one of us gets a bad name, it affects us all. But if one does well or achieves something great, we all share in the good name. Knowing yourself is also important,” she advised, adding, “I am always ready to help you in any way I can.”
Senior Adviser of MSO Delhi, Mr F.C. Beirachhuady, spoke about the Code of Conduct. “First, as students, your primary duty is to study. Second, we must respect our parents and elders and always remember God in everything we do. Third, we should work together in unity. Fourth, we must practise good manners. Fifth, if anyone tarnishes the image of our community, we will advise them three times and also inform their parents. If they continue, MSO Delhi will send them back home to Saiha (headquarters of MADC),” he stated.
Miss Ellery Kristangia Syhly, the Treasurer of MSO, introduced the freshers, who were warmly welcomed with loud applause. The Secretary’s Report was delivered by Assistant General Secretary Mr VT Benison Beibyhnarona, a third-year BA student at Shyamlal College. Finance Secretary Mr Beiphatlua T. Azyu, who is preparing for the Civil Services exam, provided details about the organisation’s financial status.
Two talented singers, Miss Jael Byhnakhai Syuhlo, a second-year BA (Political Science) student at Lakshmibai College, and Miss Ellery Kristangia Syhly, who is pursuing an MA in Political Science from DU (Open) and an MA in Sociology from Annamalai University, entertained the audience with a variety of songs. Their performances were met with loud cheers and excitement.
Later, everyone stood to sing Maraland ei pina ei laiseihna (“Born and brought up in Maraland”). The first session ended with a prayer led by C. Lawbei, MDC. Young women in traditional Mara attire cheerfully served refreshments during a short 15-minute break.
The Education Festival started with a prayer by Mr Beizachhua Nohro, an Adviser who is also preparing for the Civil Services exam. MLA P.P. Thawla dedicated a Mara song to everyone, while MDF President M. Laikaw encouraged the students to work hard and achieve their goals.
Speaking to our correspondent, P.P. Thawla expressed dissatisfaction with the Mizoram government. “The Lai, Mara, and Chakma communities make up 15% of Mizoram’s population but receive only 2% of the state budget. If we were given our fair share of 15%, we could manage. We, the Maras, have been demanding Union Territory status since 1996. We have come here to meet the country’s top leaders,” he said.
Various competitions were held during the festival. In the Debate competition, Mr VT Benison Beibyhnarona won first prize, while Mr Lalnunkima Chonzah took second place. In the Extempore Speech competition, Miss Ellery Kristangia Syhly and Miss Jael Byhnakhai Syuhlo won first and second prizes, respectively. In the Quiz competition, Mr Thomas Maratha Hlychho secured first place, while Mr Abednego Chhaihlo came second. For the Essay Writing competition, Mr K. Beisungia won first prize, and Mr Beizchhua Nohro, who also won the Article Writing competition in the Mara language, secured second place.
The Best Male Dress award went to K.C. Tennyson Lalroneiha, while Miss Babina Jothyu won Best Female Dress. The coveted titles of Mr and Miss Fresher were awarded to Sahnei Thlyutha and K. Ngohlaki, respectively. Led by Mr Nick Mopathalua Solo from the Information & Publicity team, prizes were distributed to the winners. MSO Delhi also honoured ten of its members with Certificates of Appreciation.
The event’s two comperes, Mr Michael Solo and Miss Babina Jothyu, wore traditional attire from head to toe. Miss Jothyu’s hair was neatly tied at the back with a small wooden piece. Their lively and engaging announcements kept the audience entertained throughout the event. Mr Solo is a doctor (Animal Husbandry & Veterinary), while Miss Jothyu is a second-year BA (English Honours) student at Jesus & Mary College.
The audience was further entertained by musical performances from Mr KL Beikhokhei, a third-year BCom student at Sri Guru Gobind Singh College of Commerce, professional singer Mr RK-a Bawitlung, and a group of young Mara students from West Delhi. The fashion parade, featuring young Mara boys and girls, captivated the audience, who laughed and smiled at their playful and humorous performances. The laughter was so uncontrollable that, thankfully, no one fainted from it!
The celebration ended swiftly, like a whirlwind. The final moment of the night was a grand dinner at dusk. Earlier, the annual sports meet had also taken place. Now, everyone is eagerly discussing the upcoming Educational Trip to Jaipur in the first week of October.
~ BRUCE K. THANGKHAL
Special Correspondent
THE MIZORAM POST | MANIPUR CHRONICLE | ZOGAM TODAY
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