Mary Kom attends North East Festival in New Delhi on Nov 7, 2014.
Bruce K. Thangkhal
Mary Kom attends North East Festival in New Delhi on Nov 7, 2014.
New Delhi, Nov 7, 2014: Gen. (Retd.) VK Singh, Minister of State for DoNER, inaugurated the North East Festival, 'Connecting People, Celebrating Life,' at the IGNCA grounds, Janpath, New Delhi, on 07 November 2014 (Friday). Kiren Rijiju, MoS (Home), and North East icon Mary Kom also participated in the lamp-lighting ceremony.
PIC - BRUCE K. THANGKHAL
New Delhi, Nov 05, 2014: Zou Sangnaupang Pawlpi, Delhi Branch in "Siemsinna toh i gam miel tanvah vai" chi thupi a nei in a 22-veina Freshers Meet cum Annual Conference, Shankar Lal Concert Hall, Delhi University ah November 1 ni'n nuomtah in jang uhi.
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| Mr Lal Guite, Spokesperson, Zomi Students Federation, Delhi Cell |
New Delhi, Nov 5, 2014: The Zou students celebrated their 22nd Freshers Meet cum Annual Conference at the Shankar Lal Concert Hall, Delhi University, on November 4. Organized by the Zou Sangnaupang Pawlpi (Zou Students Association) Delhi Branch under the theme "Dispel the Darkness with Education," the daylong event was a vibrant celebration.
Shesei Zou, Chairman of the ADC Chandel District, Manipur, was the Chief Guest, while Saket Bahuguna, Delhi State Secretary of ABVP, served as the Guest of Honour.
Among the notable attendees were JT Mate, a social worker; Nenglam Mate; Luncha Zou, Secretary of the United Zou Organisation, Moreh Block; and Sochung Lhungdim, President of Congress Block, Moreh, along with their spouses.
Prominent student leaders at the event included Lal Guite, Spokesperson of the Zomi Students Federation (Delhi Cell); Stephen Valte, General Secretary of ZSF; H. Lalminlun, Vice President of Khangthah Zuun Pawl (Simte Students Association); Swapan Debbarma and Dharanjit Reang, Vice President and General Secretary of the Tripura Students Forum, Delhi; and Sunny Tayeng, General Secretary of the Adi Students Union, Delhi.
The celebration commenced with the ZSP Anthem "Thou un! Thou un!" (Rise up! Rise up!), followed by an invocation prayer led by Rev. Jangkholun Mangte, Pastor of the Zomi Christian Fellowship, Delhi.
S. Langkhanhau, President of ZSPDB, warmly welcomed the gathering and invited everyone to join in the festivities.
In his speech, Chief Guest Shesei Zou encouraged the students to pursue their goals and strive to make their parents proud of their achievements. Guest of Honour Saket Bahuguna emphasized that "Delhi belongs to all of us; it is not limited to any particular ethnic community." He added that attacks on people from the Northeast are attacks on the essence of India, assuring attendees that they could seek help if they faced any issues.
The ZSP Choir, cultural dance performances, Zoutawilienu choreography, and a Freshers Parade captivated the audience, filling the hall with energy as people danced, sang, and cheered along with the performers. The vibrant atmosphere was heightened by attendees wearing traditional attire, showcasing the unique culture of the Zou tribe. Notably, the Zou tribesmen have a rich history of defending their ancestral lands and resisting British colonial rule between 1917 and 1919.
A group of freshers received blessings during a prayer led by Rev. T. Liankholal, Pastor of PCI (R). The ZSP Study Forum also honored 12 outstanding members, with coordinator Malcolm Hangmuanthang sharing a brief history of the forum. The first session concluded with a prayer from Rev. Zamlianpau Zou, Pastor of the Zou Presbyterian Church Synod, Delhi.
After lunch, the second session commenced, hosted by Ginminlun and Sarha Chingdeilun. The Zou Youth Organisation, Delhi, recognized Zou youths who had voluntarily donated blood during emergencies with the Samaritan Awards.
ZSPDB awarded the Personality of the Year to Bruce K. Thangkhal for his exemplary service to the Zou community and the Northeast people in Delhi and NCR. Thangsuankap and Niangneivah were crowned Mister Fresher and Miss Fresher, respectively. Additionally, ZOiNN.com sponsored awards for Best Male Traditional Attire and Best Female Traditional Attire, which went to Mangminlun Munluo and Niangneilam, respectively.
ZSPDB General Secretary Hauminlun presented the annual report, while Vice President Joseph Zamchinlian delivered the vote of thanks. The celebration concluded with a benediction by Rev. Khamkhenthang, Pastor of the Manipur Evangelical Lutheran Church, Delhi.
The audience was further entertained by singers Diana, Ruth, Rose, Snoopy, and the Zotal Band, who delivered soulful performances.
~ Bruce K. Thangkhal
North East Festival will start new era of communication about North East Region
The four-day Festival kicks off in the capital from tomorrow
(7th-10th Nov)
'Insurgence to Resurgence' is the theme of the festivaltheme this year; aims to attract investment and tourism promotion
· Bigger and better than before, the four day carnival to focus on the opportunities inthe 8 North Eastern states and will include IT & ITES, Agri- Food Processing, Tourism, Handloom & Handicraft
·
Volunteers
have gone door to door to various areas of Delhi to invite Delhiites to the
festival
·
A
quiz competition ‘Know Your North East’ is organized as an awareness drive in
JNU & DU
New Delhi, 5th November, 2014: After a hugely successful inaugural last year, the second edition of the North East Festival is back in a brand new avatar in the capital. Being held from 7th to 10th November 2014 at IGNCA, Janpath, New Delhi, this year’s edition of the festival will be focused on the various business and investment opportunities that the region presents, apart from showcasing the multifarious culture and rich heritage of the North Eastern states.
North East Festival is organised by the reputed socio-cultural trust, Trend MMS, in association with North East Community of Delhi, Ministry of Home Affairs, Govt. of India, Ministry of DoNER, Govt. of India and IGNCA. . North East Festival has recently become the part of prestigious Delhi international art festival.
Around
30 bands will perform day and night and enthral the audience
in the entire festival. Some of them are
Guwahati Lights, Akhu- Imphal Talkies, Yesterdrive, Chethuwang, Vinyl Record,
Soulmate and The Local Train, Foot Wings, Stuti Choudhury, Minutes of Decay and
Mayukh Hazarika, Tetseo Sisters, Guru Rewben Mashangva, Frisky Pints,
Bluestring Parth, Zubeen Garg, Jeli Kayi, Emielyn D. Das, Aborginals Project,
Brahmaputra Boys, Late Too Soon, Simanta Sekhar, Girish & the Chornicles,
MSonic and Bollywood singer Ash King.
In the inaugural session, medal winning athletes from the North East who have brought glory for the country in the recent CWG & Asian Games will be felicitated under NEC Chairman’s Sports Awards for Excellence in International & National Sports meets, including Mary Kom, Sarita Devi, Devendro etc.
The “North East Festival”, has become a brand which is synonymous with the unification of the various stakeholders of North East under one dynamic platform.The event is expected to be attended more than one lakh people, top North East icons like MC Mary Kom, Adil Hussain, Everester Anshu Jemsenpa etc., Policymakers of the country, Chief Ministers of various North Eastern States, top bureaucrats, intellectuals, students, Investors, Tour operators, among others. Hon’ble PM is invited to inaugurate the Festival which is also expected to be attended by many senior union cabinet Ministers including Mr Rajnath Singh, Mr VK Singh, Mrs Smriti Irani, Mr Nitin Gadkari, Mr Piyush Goyal, Mr Kiren Rijiju, Mr Sarbananda Sonowal, Mr Jewel Oram.
Speaking about this year’s edition, Shyamkanu Mahanta, Organiser in Chief, North East Festival said, “This year, the theme is Insurgence to Resurgence” with focus on highlighting the positive stories of entrepreneurship and development. Apart from the Carnival, Exhibition Cum Sale showcasing unique artisans and weavers of the region, organic fruits and vegetables would be presented. The objective is to present people of Delhi to understand North East India in one platform, to encourage tourism to NER.”
Mr. Mahanta informed there would be serious discussion on critical issues of the region. To attract investment in ITES Sector in association with Ministry of IT, Govt of India a Seminar is organised with investors to explore investments in the ITES sector in the North East. A session on Education is expected to be chaired by Union HRD Minister would discuss about ways of introducing subjects from North East in the School College curriculum to create awareness about the region.”
“This year our focus is on what we could contribute to our region beyond the festival, be it skill & entrepreneurship development, investment and tourism promotion etc.”, Mr Mahanta added.
Discussion Sessions:
Alienation feeling in the North East & Implementation of Bezbaruah Committee Recommendation: Two discussion sessions Alienation feeling in the North East & Implementation of Bezbaruah Committee Recommendation will be held with the help of North East Community of Delhi.
Agro
– Food Processing Sectors in North East Region: North East
India is very resourceful in nature and its soil is very fertile which
definitely provides possibility of Agro – Food Processing Sectors in North East
Region.
Entrepreneurship
and Investments in the North East: A session
on Entrepreneurship and Investments in the North East will be held on 8th
November.
To inculcate and promote entrepreneurship in the youth of North East region North East Festival has tied up with Startup Weekend- a global grassroots movement of active and empowered entrepreneurs who are learning the basics of founding startups and launching successful ventures.
Insurgence to Resurgence: At a time when business communities show reluctance citing reason of insurgence to go and invest in the North East inspite of the plentiful opportunities the region provides, the reality is different. Many insurgent groups recently joined hands with the government in the peace talk process. It is time to communicate to the world that North East is no more an insurgents’ place and people of all the eight states will welcome all the positive steps be it investment in the region or any contribution towards its economy.
Ex-ULFA leader Mr Arabinda Rajkhowa who is also actively working on the peace process along with other leaders like Dilip Nunisa, Ex-Chairman, DHD will join a discussion session “Insurgence to Resurgence.”
North East in Education: When there is a racial discrimination happens towards North Easterner or a blooper happens about North East by govt agencies or ignorance shown about North East, people are disheartened and blame them of racism and ignorance. To counter this it is very necessary that people are well educated about their fellow brothers and sisters from their childhood. North East Festival is creating a platform to discuss inclusion of contents of North East which can be systematically included in the curriculum which will help people understand from their childhood about one India and its diversity.
A session “Integrating
North East India through Education” will be held on 9th November
where top officials of HRD ministry will be present.
Sports
and North East India: Hon’ble Minister, Mr. Sarbananda Sonowal, Minister
of Sports & Youth Affairs, Skill Development & Entrepreneurship, Govt.
of India will chair a discussion session on Sports and North East India.
In the sports scenario, North East India’s contribution is enormous to the nation. Building adequate infrastructure and other support will optimize the potentials of all the sportspersons and motivate people to play more.
Tourism and North East India: North East India has the potential to be the top after-sought destinations for tourists in India. A discussion session among the tour operators of India and policy makers how to include North East in their itinerary and promote its tourism.
The Carnival:
Music & Dance: Around 30 bands will perform day and night and enthral audience in the entire festival. Some of them are Guwahati Lights, Akhu- Imphal Talkies, Yesterdrive, Chethuwang, Vinyl Record, Soulmate and The Local Train, Foot Wings, Stuti Choudhury, Minutes of Decay and Mayukh Hazarika, Tetseo Sisters, Guru Rewben Mashangva, Frisky Pints, Bluestring Parth, Zubeen Garg, Jeli Kayi, Emielyn D. Das, Aborginals Project, Brahmaputra Boys, Late Too Soon, Simanta Sekhar, Girish & the Chornicles, MSonic and Bollywood singer Ash King.
Everyday there will be ethnic Dance by
artistes from various States of North East India and Sangeet Natak Akademi.
Fashion: North East is famous for its fashion. On 8th & 9th fashionistas will see the fashionable side of North East. A mix of established and gen-next designers based out North East will fire the stage with their haute couture. The designers who will showcase their creations include Dhiraj Deka, (Assam), Garima Saikia Garg (Assam), Yana Nogba (Arunachal Pradesh), L.D.Rosylyn Konshai (Manipur), and some gen-next designers like Arita Kashyap (Assam), Ephica lyngoh (Meghalaya), Manhira Christina (Nagaland), Pushpa Chaube (Meghalaya), Rinzing c Bhutia (Sikkim), Neikupe (Nagaland), hottimwon Kapai (Manipur), Payal Oshan Goswami (Assam), Bithunglo (Nagaland), Lalremsiami (Mizoram).
Food:
The North East Festival will present best of North
Eastern food. It’s food hub will see reputed names famous for its ethnic and authentic food like Rosang Cafe(North East Food), Dzukou tribal
kitchen- (Naga Food ), Nagaland Kitchen (Naga Food), Tribal Taste (Arunachali
Food), R&R kitchen-Ro Hmar (Flavours of Manipur), The Cousine Boulevard
(best of Assamese and NER cuisines) etc.
On the sidelines, Sanghita Singh’s book “The Seven Sisters, Kitchen Tales from the North
East" will be launched.
Photography and Painting Exhibition: Vikramjit Kakati is curating the Photography Exhibition where there will be more than 150 photographs related to North East from 100 photographers from and outside North East will be exhibited. Some photography clubs have joined hands with the North East Festival in this exhibition such as Faridabad Photography Club, Ghaziabad Photography Club, Immagine, Kerala (India Waved in Frames ), Manipur Photography Club, Mizo Photographers' Society, Noida Photography Club, Photo Musings Colour Lab, Photographic Society of Assam, hotography Club of Assam, Photography Club of Tripura, Photography Naga, Tinsukia Photographic Society. On the sidelines North East Festival organised a Photography Contest on the subject ‘North East’.
Bikramaditya
Choudhury is the curator of Painting Exhibition. Works of
38 young artists have been selected and will be showcased in the festival. The
main aim of the painting exhibition is to promote as many young artists as
possible.
Film
Festival: To promote upcoming filmmakers and film making in
North East a Film Festival has been organised on 8th November.
Quiz: To create awareness about North East among the people North East Community in Delhi will host a quiz in Delhi University, JNU named “Know Your North East” on 6th November.
The
festival will see exhibitions of Agri
& Food Processing Exhibition cum Sale – Organic Farming, Floriculture, Exhibition
cum sale of Handloom & handicrafts. People from 8 states will play various
indigenous games as well.
Highlights:
·
Photography exhibition showcasing
the vibrant culture, tribes and important landmarks of the region. Art
Exhibition showcasing top artistes of North East both modern and traditional
art forms
·
Film Festival of North East to promote
young upcoming flimmakers
·
Traditional Sports of North East
·
Fashion show displaying the rich
ethnic fabric collections by top North East designers.
·
Cultural programs in evening –
musical performance by popular musicians from the North-East Region like Zubin
Garg, Tetseo Sisters, Guru Reuban Masangva, Imphal Talkies, Soulmate, Girish
the Chronicle, Vinyl Records etc. Bollywood singer – Ash King
·
Day time Carnival – Tribal dance
from various tribes of North East, Musical performance around 30 talented
musical bands of the region
New Delhi, Nov 2, 2014: The Autumn festival of Chin-Kuki-Mizo-Zomi, known as Chavang Kut, was celebrated with great enthusiasm at the Old JNU Campus CRPF Ground in South Delhi on November 1.
Mr. P. Gangte served as Kut Pa (Father of Kut), while Mr. Prabhakar Tripathi, Commandant of CRPF, attended as the Chief Guest. Many other dignitaries and invitees were also present for the occasion. Among the distinguished guests was Mr. Nehginpao Kipgen, a noted writer and scholar based in the United States.
The celebration took place in the expansive CRPF grounds, where many Kut revellers donned traditional attire and showcased vibrant cultural dances, highlighting the rich heritage of the ZO peoples.
Organized by the Kut Committee, the event brought together the ZO communities—Chin, Kuki, Mizo, and Zomi—who reside across various regions, including Manipur, Mizoram, Tripura, Assam, Burma’s Chin State, and the Chittagong Hills of Bangladesh.
The festival was filled with lively Kuki songs and dances, and the crowd joyfully participated in the Kut chant, "Li Li ... Ho Ho Ho," a typical expression of celebration.
Chavang Kut is traditionally celebrated by the ZO peoples as a harvest festival, marking the culmination of the agricultural season.
In a similar spirit, the Mizos in Delhi also commemorated the Kut festival at a farmhouse in Chattarpur, South Delhi.
~ Bruce K. Thangkhal
New Delhi, Oct 27, 2014: A 22-year old girl from Nagaland alleged that she was raped by one unknown African boy at her rented room here in Indira Vihar, North Delhi on Monday early morning around 2.30am. FIR has been lodged yet the accused not arrested.
~ KV NEWS
New Delhi, Oct 26, 2014: Pankhawm Hatna chi thupi a nei in Zomi Inkuan Delhi (ZID) in Khuadou Pawi zang hi. Tuohun ah ADCC chairman Langkhanpau Guite in chief guest hina toh uop hi. Tuoban ah Biaklun Shoute, chairman, Working Group, ZEPADA, Bruce, President, ZSF Delhi Cell, Upa Tualsuanmang, Champhai leh Liankhanthang ten jong uop uhi.
NEW DELHI, OCT 24, 2014 – A 15-year-old boy from Manipur has made headlines by winning the Inter School Karate Championship 2014 recently held in Ghaziabad, Uttar Pradesh.
Joshua Khupminthang Tombing, son of Mr. Nialkhanson and Mrs. Huaikhanching, showcased his exceptional skills, triumphing over all his opponents to secure victory in the final bout on October 19. The championship took place at St. Mary’s Christian School in Ghaziabad.
Currently a 9th-grade student at St. Mary’s, Joshua brought pride to his school, family, and home state with his remarkable performance. Competing in the -70 kg weight category, he earned a Gold Medal, a trophy, and a certificate from the organizers of the event, which saw participation from numerous schools.
“I began practicing Karate when I was 12 years old and owe much of my success to my master, Sensei Naesh Sharma. I will do my best to make my country proud,” Joshua stated in an interview.
Joshua lives in Ghaziabad with his older brother, father, who is a dedicated government servant, and mother, a supportive homemaker. The family originally hails from Bungmual Village in Lamka, Churachandpur district.
With his sights set on greater achievements, Joshua Tombing is a promising young talent in the world of Karate.
~ Bruce K. Thangkhal
New Delhi, Oct 17, 2014: A 29-year-old Mizo woman, Juliet Zonunmawii, was found murdered in her rented accommodation in Munirka, South Delhi, on Thursday night, 16 Oct 2014.
Juliet, daughter of Vanlalhriata from Kulikawn, Aizawl, was brought to Safdarjung Hospital with severe head injuries and multiple stab wounds on her thigh.
According to the police, she had been living with a man identified as Virender Singh, son of Ram Singh. The rented accommodation was under her name, and the incident took place in House No. 176, Munirka.
Juliet's younger brother, Jerry Zorammuana Ralte, serving in the Army Medical Corps in Agra, arrived in Delhi on Friday afternoon to identify her body, which was at Safdarjung Hospital. Juliet was the second eldest among two brothers and two sisters, while Jerry is the youngest.
Sources reveal that Juliet was with Virender Singh and a female friend on Thursday night. After her friend left, Juliet was in the kitchen preparing Maggi soup. When Virender returned 20 minutes later, he found her lying in a pool of blood.
The Delhi Mizo Zirlai Pawl (Mizo Students' Association) has been actively involved in the case, along with prominent social activists like Binalakshmi Nepram, founder of the Manipur Women Gun Survivors Network, and Alana Golmei, founder and general secretary of the North East Support Centre & Helpline. Several other organizations from the Northeast are also rallying for justice.
A friend of Juliet, Mahruaii, who works as a singer in nightclubs, shared, “I used to talk to Juliet over the phone for the past six months, but we never met since I live in West Delhi.”
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| Department of Forensic Medicine, Safdarjung Hospital, New Delhi. Pic: NESCH |
The police have registered a murder case under Section 302 of the IPC at Vasant Vihar Police Station. The investigation is ongoing, and the prime suspect has been detained.
The
attack began around midnight and continued until 3 a.m. Mr. Awang and Mr.
Chester, the victims, were severely beaten, and their hair was forcibly cut off
by the assailants. Both sustained serious injuries.
According
to the victims, the attackers threatened them, saying, “If you were from
Manipur, we would kill you.” Before releasing them, the attackers warned, “Tell
your Northeast people to leave Sikanderpur, or you will all face the
consequences.”
As of
now, no FIR has been filed, and no arrests have been made.
~ Bruce K. Thangkhal, Media Incharge
Northeast Support Centre & Helpline, New Delhi
A group of young people embarked on a trip to Rishikesh on October 11, organized by the Mara Students' Organisation (MSO), Joint Headquarters, Delhi. They experienced the thrill of river rafting on the famous Ganga, filled with excitement and joy. One of the most exhilarating moments was jumping off a cliff into the water, creating unforgettable memories.
Members of the Zomi Students' Federation (ZSF) Delhi Cell donated blood to a patient in New Delhi. Pic: BKT
New Delhi, Oct 3, 2014 – Asian Games gold medalist MC Mary Kom received a rapturous welcome as hundreds of fans from the Northeast community gathered at Indira Gandhi International Airport late Thursday night to greet the “Queen of Boxing” after her stunning victory in Incheon, South Korea.
Arriving at around 1 a.m., “Magnificent Mary” was
met by an excited crowd that had been eagerly waiting at Gate 6 for hours.
Although security arrangements initially caused some confusion, with Mary being
redirected to a different exit, the crowd’s energy remained unshaken. Fans and
media alike rushed from gate to gate, determined to catch a glimpse of their
hero.
Amidst tight security, Mary Kom, a five-time
world champion and mother of three, was quickly surrounded by reporters and
supporters as she exited the airport. Many fans, who had brought flowers and
traditional shawls to honor her, struggled to reach her in the packed crowd.
One fan, Mr. Pritam from Manipur, lamented, “I bought flowers for Rs 500 but
didn’t get the chance to give them.”
The airport was adorned with heartfelt placards: “Queen of the Ring, MC Mary Kom, Congratulations,” “Golden Lady of India, JAI HO!”, and “Unbreakable Mary, Unbreakable Northeast India.” The crowd erupted with chants of “Long Live Mary Kom,” celebrating her incredible victory against Kazakhstan’s Zhaina Shekerbekova in the final bout.
Not far behind Mary Kom, fellow boxer Laishram
Sarita Devi, whose controversial semi-final loss to South Korea’s Park Jina
sparked widespread outrage, was also greeted with cheers. Fans held placards
declaring, “YOU ARE A CHAMPION FOR US, SARITA” and “YOUR TEARS ARE OUR TEARS,”
showing solidarity with the boxer whose courage and resilience inspired many.
As both champions waved to their supporters and entered their vehicles, the celebration in the capital marked a proud moment for Indian sports and a shining testament to the indomitable spirit of these athletes.
~ Bruce K.
Thangkhal
(for The
Mizoram Post | Eastern Chronicle | The Northeast Today | Zogam Today)
Lamka, Oct 3, 2014 – The Manipur Hill Journalists' Union (MHJU) has strongly condemned the brutal assault on two of its members, Mr. Suanlian (Protection Staff, Nisin Thuhiltu) and Mr. Sasang, son of Mr. Nengzalam (Printer, The Lamka Post), in the early hours of October 3rd. The attack occurred at around 2:00 a.m. on Mission Road, Hiangtam Lamka, as the two were returning home after printing newspapers at Lamka Super Offset Printer, Vengnuam, Hiangtam Lamka.
According to reports, the duo was attacked by three unidentified assailants without any provocation. Both victims were admitted to District Hospital, Churachandpur, for treatment.
The MHJU has called on the district authorities to swiftly investigate the incident and apprehend the culprits to prevent such violent acts against media professionals in the future.
The union expressed deep concern over the increasing attacks on journalists in the predominantly Christian district of Churachandpur, which has seen repeated instances of violence targeting media workers.
~ BKT