The Charminar, which literally means "Four Minarets" (char for four and minar for towers), stands as the iconic landmark at the heart of Hyderabad, India.
Built in 1591 CE by Sultan Muhammad Quli Qutb Shah, the fifth ruler of the Qutb Shahi dynasty, after he decided to move his capital from the crowded Golconda Fortto a new, well-planned city—Hyderabad.
The monument’s construction is famously linked to a devastating plague that ravaged the region. According to popular legend, the Sultan prayed for the epidemic to end and vowed to build a mosque at the very spot where he prayed if his people were spared. When the plague finally subsided, he fulfilled his promise by constructing this magnificent monument. It is said that as he laid the foundation, he prayed: “Fill this my city with people as Thou hast filled the river with fishes, O Lord.”
Architecturally, the Charminar is a stunning example of Indo-Islamic design. It has a square base with four huge arches facing north, south, east, and west—each about 11 metres wide and 20 metres high. Rising above them are four tall minarets, each reaching a height of 56 metres (about 184 feet), giving the structure its majestic skyline. It was mainly built using granite and lime mortar, with touches of pulverized marble and limestone that give it a smooth and elegant finish. Intricate stucco work decorates its surface.
Inside, a spiral staircase of 149 steps leads up the minarets. The first floor once served as a Madrassa (Islamic school), and the top floor houses a mosque that is still used for prayers.
Over the centuries, the Charminar has become a symbol of Hyderabad’s cultural heritage and architectural brilliance, attracting visitors from all over the world.
Surrounded by the bustling Laad Bazaar and the historic Mecca Masjid, it remains the heart and soul of the city.
PHOTO ALBUM
The famous -- Hyderabad Biryani! My favourite Mutton Biryani!
THE long-awaited Thangkhal Holy Bible was officially released on 17 October 2023 during a special programme held at TBC Central Church, Tuibuang. The Bible was launched by Rev Dr Kavito G. Zhimo, General Secretary of the Bible Society of India (BSI), Bangalore, through a video conference.
The Bible releasing event opened with a hymn about God’s faithfulness, followed by an invocation prayer from Rev Genzatung. On behalf of the Thangkhal Baptist Church, Elder Hangkhankhup then welcomed everyone, noting that while many tribes have had several Bible revisions, this was the first complete Bible for the Thangkhal community.
The TBC Male Voice presented a song, and greetings were shared by Rev Dr Vanmawia on behalf of the BSI Lamka branch. He encouraged the community to consider producing a Pulpit Bible and a Children’s Bible in the future.
Additional greetings came via video conference from Rev Dr Yiepetso Wezah, Auxiliary Secretary, Dimapur, and Elder R. Vanlaltlana, Senior Translation Adviser from the BSI Translation Centre in Shillong.
Elder Thangkhanmang, President of TBC, expressed gratitude to BSI, church leaders from various denominations, and everyone who contributed to the making of the Bible. An official from the TBC IFCA-I Head Office also shared words of thanks.
Rev Thangdoulal Suantak, the Old Testament translator, presented the translation report. He attended his first training in September 2015 in Dimapur, and the translation work began in January 2016 at the TBC Head Office. Over the years, several committees and review teams worked tirelessly from 2016 to 2024, meeting numerous times to ensure accuracy and clarity.
As a gesture of appreciation, TBC leaders, led by Pastor Hangmuanlian, presented Rev Thangdoulal with gifts, including a traditional Thangkhal shawl (Puanlaisan). The Central Women Department led by Ms Chinglam also presented a shawl, sharing that they had prayed for many years to hold a Bible in their own language. Rev K. Ginkhankap, translator of the New Testament, was also honoured.
BSI Translation Director Rev Dr Along Jamir delivered a message via video, saying that God’s Word is meant to give life to everyone. After this, the Bible was formally released by Rev Dr Kavito G. Zhimo. Rev Hangmuanlian received the Bible and offered a thanksgiving prayer.
Rev T. Chinminlian gave the vote of thanks, acknowledging all who participated and contributed. The programme closed with the hymn “Toupa Na Vangbuakna Pha” (The Good Blessing of God) and a benediction by Rev Thanglet Mate, followed by a grand feast. The event was jointly organised by the Thangkhal Baptist Church and the Bible Society of India (BSI) Bangalore, with Pastor Dr Kammuanmung serving as moderator.
This day marked the fulfilment of a long-held dream for the Thangkhal people, who thanked God for His blessings and for granting them the Bible in their own language.
During the First World War, two Mizo evangelists—Thangchhingpuia and Vanzika—visited Thangkhal Hills to preach the Gospel. However, they faced a major difficulty: the Thangkhal people could not understand the Lusei (now Mizo) dialect. Because of this language barrier, their message did not lead to any conversions, and the two missionaries eventually stopped their work among the Thangkhals.
The message later reached the Thangkhal community when Evangelist Thawngluan brought the gospel to T. Khajang village on 7 March 1939. The Thangkhals went on to establish their own church in 1981, and it continues to serve the community today.
In 2010, Rev. K. Ginkhankap’s translation of the Thangkhal New Testament (NT) was released at TBC Central Church.
For many years, the Thangkhal people relied on Bibles in other languages. A woman at the event happily said, “It is a joyful moment to finally have the Bible in our own hands. I was so happy that tears came out.”
But from this day forward, they finally have the Word of God in their own heart language. Thanks be to God!
Rev. Dr. Kavito Zhimo from Nagaland is the first General Secretary of the Bible Society of India (BSI) from Northeast India. He assumed office on 1st March 2023, succeeding Rev. Dr. Mani Chacko, who led BSI for 12 years (2011–2023). The Bible Society of India was established in 1811.
Janhi 13th Sept 2023"Kuki Black Day" tia ana kimangji chu "Kuki Nampi Taona" chu Bangalore khopi sunga um nam ngailu tamtah pan lahna jallin lolhing tah in ana kimangin ahi. Hiche kingon ahin Pakai lhacha Pastor/Reverend um cheng in kineosah tah in "Khaodip Pon" kisil in Nampi dia taokhom na ana ki lamkai jin ahi. Chungmang Pathen in Kuki Nampi eiumpi jing tauhen. ~ WhatsApp
On September 11, 2023, a Zomi farmer from the Singngat sub-division in the Zo Hills went to work in his field as usual. What was meant to be a normal day of farming soon turned into a nightmare when a wild boar suddenly attacked him.
The animal charged fiercely, leaving him with deep wounds on his body, hands, and head. Witnesses described the scene as terrifying, as wild boars are known for their strength and aggression when threatened. The farmer fought for his life, suffering serious injuries, but his determination and quick response saved him from certain death.
He was immediately rushed to Lamka District Hospital, where doctors provided urgent treatment for his injuries. Despite the severity of the attack, he survived and is now recovering.
The incident has sent shockwaves across the local community, reminding villagers of the dangers that still lurk in the forests. While wild boars are common in the hills, such brutal attacks are rare but extremely dangerous.
The bravery of the farmer, combined with timely medical care, turned what could have been a tragic loss into a story of survival and resilience.
LAMKA JOINT WORSHIP SERVICE (Nampi An-ngol Taokhomna le Pathen Houkhomna) LOLHING TAH'A ANA KICHAITA
Lamka, September 3, 2023: KCLF Monitoring Cell tohgonna noiya ana kigong Lamka Joint Worship Service (Nampi An-ngol Taokhomna le Pathen houkhomna) chu September 3, 2023 (Sunday) 07:30 am – 11:00 am sungin Lamka khopi sung'a houbung chom chom akon in mi 20,000 vel pan lahna in Peace Ground, Tuibong mun'ah lolhing tah in ana kichai tan ahi.
Rev. Salsandam Songate, Hmar Christian Leaders Forum (HCLF) in Psalms 133:1 mang cha in "Sopi le sopi kipumkhat ding" thun tilkhouna thu giltah ana seiyin Joint Artistes Association in Praise & Worship ana lamkai uvin Central Choir, Evangelical Baptist Convention (EBC), Central Choir, Evangelical Churches Association (ECA) le Blessed Choir hon Pathen vahchoina la ngeitah tah anasauvin ahi.
Rev. Kamkhotinthang Neihsial, Churachandpur Christian Goodwill Council (CCGC) lamkaina in Nam sung damna dingin mipi taokhomna ana kimangin chule Rev. N. Pau Sian Lal, Executive Secretary, Chin Baptist Association (CBA) lamkaina in Separate Administration mutheina dingin mipi taokhomna ana um in ahi. Pu VL Hmangaihshanga, Chairman, Zohnathak Christian Network (ZCN) in Manipur a um insung mite jouse angailutna thu le kipumkhat ding thu giltah aseiyin ahi. Rev. Thangsanglura, Secretary Sr. Tuithaphai Presbytery (PCI) in gal hingho thalhengin voujang nat umtah houlimna ana neiyin, Gl. Ginjamang Misao in gamgi ngahho jouse thalhengin kitilkhouna lentah thu aseiyin ahi.
Kingon chu Rev. Th. Khuala Vaiphei & Ms Lily Kim Simte in ana puihoi lhon in, Rev. Dr. Hangpi Manlun, Senior Executive, Zou Presbyterian Church Synod (ZPCS) in phat honna taona amangin, Rev. Dr. M. Thongkhosei Haokip, Chairman, KCLF in lemna thu aseiyin ahi. Rev. Dr. Robert H. Vaiphei, Missions Director, Evangelical Organization Church (EOC) in nehseh angchangho le tholomho jouse lhandohna aneiyin ahi.
Rev. Dr. Jangkholam, Convenor, KCLF Monitoring Cell in tuni kingon a hung lha mipite jouse chung le kingol a minchongho jouse chule, Arrangement jouse eibolpeh u KCC Tuibong houbung mite chung, Media Team-ho, Sound Team-ho, KKL akon Ambulance hung jeh le adangho dangho chung'ah kipa thu sangtah in aphongin hitobang kingol ahung um kit leh ngailutna neitah'a hung pangkhom cheh kit dingin temna jong aneiyin ahi. Rev. Khailalsiem Gangte, Mission Director Evangelical Synod Church (ESC) in phat khumkhana in Pathen thangvahna taona aneiyin mipi taokhomna khumkha ahitai.
The All Karnataka United Forum for Christian Human Rights (AKUFCHR) organised
a "Peace Rally to express solidarity with the victims of Manipur ethnic violence" in Bengaluru's Freedom Park on 15 July 2023. Hundreds of Christians from the nook and corner of the city participated in the rally.
On 13 July 2-023, the Indigenous Tribal Leaders' Forum (ITLF) released the latest updates on tribal-Christian victims as: Confirmed Dead: 113 Villages Burnt: 197 Houses Burnt: 7000+ Churches & Quarters Burnt: 359 Displaced (homeless): 41,425 and Relief Camps: 204.
AKUFCHR leaders submitted a memorandum to Karnataka Governor seeking to end violence in Manipur.
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