35th Wedding Anniversary of Mr & Mrs Ngamthang Haokip

Dish-co-munching at Gamnom Sapormaina
Favouring Shot; Dr DD Haokip IFS
KBC Local Choir
Mr and Mrs Ngamthang Haokip on stage

Imphal, the 6th September, 2010

35th wedding anniversary: Ngamthang Haokip of Gamnom Sapormaina (a corrupted word for sapers and miners camp)is a household name in the state of Manipur. The former Minister of this state may as well be referred as the showman of Sadar Hills. He does not know how to throw a small bash. If it is his, it has to be grand and pompous. The 35th anniversary of his marriage with his beloved wife, Heshi Haokip who he lovingly addresses as "kajinu" was no exception. All roads led to Sapormaina today.

The speeches:: Apart from the host, his elder brother, Seikholen Haokip, amused the 3000 strong well-wishers of the socially popular couple in his brief but entertaining speech."My brother Ngamthang, in his speech said he wishes to see their 50th wedding anniversary too", Seikholen said in jocular spirit. "But We all must wish and pray that my brother and my sister-in-law celebrate their 100th wedding anniversary too", saying thus, the only elder brother of Ngamthang who he respects like a dad concluded his talk.

The Entertainers: The Nepali dance performed by make-belief Nepalis of the locality was superb. The well-choreographed dance steps kept the audience glued to their seats with some artistic turns and moves of the body. The dance added feathers to the total festivity of the anniversary celebration. The juvenile touch of the vertical movements, later, energised the host and the hostess to shake a leg and wave a hand to the tune of Lenkhom song.

The Gospel song renditions: KBC Gamnom Sapormaina local Church choir presented a group song item to felicitate the host couple on their D-day. The number went well with the hearers. It was followed by the chrt-rocking Gospeel song item rendered solo by the much under-rated T2K @ Tintin Kipgen of Keithelmanbi.In the auspicious occasion, T2K shone like Wordsworth's Lucy -like a star when only one is shining in the sky.

The Crowd: None was lonely in the big crowd that came, invited or otherwise, to the community hall of Gamnom Sapormaina this day.Credit must be given to the event-managers of the anniversary jamboree. Not less than 3000 people well fed with sumptuous meals. It was quite a sight to watch folks from all walks of life feasting together to their hearts' content. The host wanted it big and eventful, and it exactly turned out to be so.

The VVIPs and VIPs: Among the politicos, Pu Thangso Baite, Hon'ble MP and his wife, Mrs Hatkhoneng Baite were most visible. Many Former and Ex-Ministers like Pu Korungthang, Former MLAs and Party functionaries also made their presence felt in the jam-packed anniversary bash. The unexpected guest was Pu LS John, former Minister.Pu Seipu Sitlhou, Hon'ble Chairman, Sadar Hills District Council and most of the newly sworn in MDCs of SH-ADC also turned up.

The Bureaucrats: Mr P.Sharat IAS, DG, SAT; WL Hangshing, IAS, Commissioner(PHED), Mr Pachuau IPS, IGP(Admn), Dr. DD Haokip IFS and SP/Chandel, among others, were seen around in the anniversary event till the end. Their full-bodied participation, for sure, gave a shot in the arm to the morale of Mr and Mrs Ngamthang Haokip.

The Spiritual Brigade: Dr. Hawlngam Haokip was the Minister of the function. Rev V. Sitlhou, GS, MBC, offered prayer in saying grace before the feast. Pastor N. Baite of KBC acted as the master of ceremonies. Most of the KBC Pastors and Reverends including the Ex Secretary, Rev Thangsat Kipgen showed up to wish the Haokip twossome. The bash concluded in a cheerful note with vote of thanks from Tongkhohao Haokip of Saitu.

-Lunminthang Haokip

The GGG Launch

Super- Cop-turned-Superb-Orator
The Vocalists, and song-writer of GGG; Mami, Lmt and Abea


Rev Dino Touthang dedicating GGG

THE GGG LAUNCH

By: Lunminthang Haokip


Mizoram House, Vasant Vihar, Delhi: The stage was set on 28 August, 2010 at Delhi’s swanky Mizoram house. At the stroke of 3:30, the punctuality freaks among the invitees had socially underlined their arrival. The chairman of the invitation committee, Pu L. Singson was a trifle worried that the majority of the guests to attend GGMI (Go Gospel Ministry, International) had not come full force. Early presence of dignitaries like Rev Dino Touthang, CEO, Habitat For Humanity, Delhi, Brother Sunder Singh, Senior Consultant, Standard Chartered Bank and Mrs Diki Hauzel, however, made up for the initial emptiness of the hall.

The Master of Ceremonies: Some guys cannot do away with their pride; others cannot shed their humility. Hyderabad-based Senior Pastor of GSCH – Good Shepherd Community Church, India, Rev. Paothang Haokip belongs to the latter category. Cheerful with a 100-watt smile always intact on his lips, the mobile OM (Operation Mobilization) dynamo took centre-stage following Rev. Letlal Haokip’s invocation. True to titular charge, Rev Paothang proved to all that one’s gift of the gab, not only could aptly fill up an event’s lapses and gaps, but could as well lift up the mood of the audience.

The Show Went On: The proceedings of music album release bash gained momentum after the surprisingly competent compeer, Miss Kimneo Haokip of HFH, invited the star performers of the show, Miss C. Lalhmingmawii and R. Lalbiakthanga from downtown Aizawl, the city of cheer, to render the theme song. The crooning duo’s fresh rendition of GGG in a new place captured the imagination of Gospel music lovers. Pu T. Misao, Chairman, KWS, Delhi, welcomed all invitees after that.

The Recitation: To drive the message home in clearer terms, Miss/Dr. Eunice Chonghoi Haokip, Post-Grad student of NIFW, New Delhi, was called on stage to read out the wording of the title song, Gospel Goes Global. The poem was set to soul-haunting tune by Chris MS Dawngkima of Magdalene’s fame. The number turned out to be every hearer’s favourite. That includes Mami, the vocalist herself. That nobody is sensitive enough to take time to appreciate the song-writer, of course, is an ignorance all lyricists try hard to ignore ( I am joking seriously).

The Pen-Pusher: This author who wrote all the 11 songs recorded in the DVD that was launched in the event was the opening batsman in giving speech. Addressing the dignitaries, it dawned in me to correlate, by the literary technique of “violent yoking of dissimilars”, situation that I could recall in the professional adventures of former super-cop and the day’s Chief Guest, Dr. H.T Sangliana who presently serves GOI as the Vice Chairperson of NCM, National Commission For Minorities. The focused audience forced a sneer when I, the otherwise serious-looking non-socialite, made an attempt to split jaws by citing witty anecdotes featuring GB Shaw and W. Churchill etc.

The Making of GGG: 8 of the GGG video items were handled solo by Mami with Abea’s lip-smacking back-vocal support here and there. The rest of the 3 song items were recorded as duets with both the main vocalists lending their voices. In the location shoots, Mami doubled up as the Director, costume designer, production manager etc in the producer’s absence. Credit should go to her for having so beautifully organised the tedious video shoot of songs like Aids, Lonely in a crowd and Kut. AVZ –(amazing voice of Zoram), another name for Mami, had to milk her social goodwill in getting things done in style. Besides, inputs put in by the video cam men, Zova and Patea also fitted well in our scheme of things. Go Gospel was shot just before dusk by Zova on the bank of a far-flung river bank.. Aizawl city video that framed the spirit of the hill-top city, was entirely Patea’s creation.

The Dedication Minister: Rev. Dino needs no introduction in Christian circles of the national capital. A frequent inter-continental globe-trotter, words gushed out of his mouth effortlessly like the unloading sound of stone chips. The invitees listened with amused demeanour when he made light-banter digs and references to his college-day interactions with this pen-pusher in the early nineteen seventies. Me too felt a sense of rendezvous when brother Dino spoke on our salad days. We used to nick-name U.C.C, Barapani as U See Sea etc.

The Glocal Gospel: However, it was when he told stories on his children’s comments on his face-book and twitter accounts that struck a chord with the invitees. His fresh ideas on the Gospel going global and glocal created a good impact. The CEO of HFH said, “The gospel was already global. But we must play our part as NE Indians to speed up its globalization process”. The senior Pastor of KWS (Kuki Worship Service), Delhi declared the imminence of John 3:16, “For God so loved the world .........” in presupposing the global meaning of the Good news. Rev. Dino finally dedicated the GGG DVD in prayer.

The Inroduction: Before the grand speech of the Chief Guest happened, glib-tongued Brother Paothang, as an introduction to the former MP, waxed eloquent on the social spurs Pu H.T. Sangliana earned in the course of discharging his duty fearlessly as an outstanding IPS officer. The OM leader also stressed the simplicity of the stern strong-willed former super-cop who had a weakness for the poor and helpless people around him.
The master of ceremonies also shared interesting incidents when the big officer took utmost care not to make small folks feel small.

Speech From The Chief Guest: Excerpts: “God has been kind to me. I am where I am because of His blessing. I believe in God strongly”. No one who got glued to their seats doubted what the former DGP said. His life was an open book. The GGG Launch bash CG continued, “The release of GGG is meaningful because it encourages people to tell more about Jesus. Christ came into this world as a representative from heaven to experience all trials and tribulations”.

The Bold Preacher: Pu Sangliana was a cut above the rest. Through out his revered career-graph, he never minced words in respect of persons. Calling a spade a spade became his trademark. The uniformed cop who once saluted his God himself, all alone inside a Church, further preached, “Jesus gave a simple message, “I am the way, the truth and the life: no man cometh unto the father , but by me (John 14:6). Whenever Christ affirmed “I am”, people thought he was arrogant or was bragging. But the truth is that if you want to live in heaven, you will have to take Him at His own word”.

The Truth Not Concealed: The ambience went Gospel with Dr. Sangliana going spiritual. “Brother Paothang stretched his praise for me a bit too far”, the staunch Christian Officer said further, “Today, we promote the GGG album that through this, people may come to know more about Christ, accept Him and live with Him for ever. I used to challenge non-believers to try Christ for 6 months or 1 year; and to throw Him out if not satisfied later. But I knew no believer would throw Christ out. I am sure God will bless this album”. Maddening applause rent the air after the CG’s sermon.

The Close: Following Mrs. Nengkim Haokip’s presents and gifts to the special invitees prior to her “vote of thanks”, and the singing of GGG numbers by Mami and Abea, the bash came to a close with a word of prayer by Pastor Angam Kipgen. Amen. A simple dinner was served by GGMI, L. Thinglhangphai, Manipur, India.

GOSPEL GOES GLOBAL

By: Lunminthang Haokip

1. God told Adam not to eat the fruit,
Eve got sold on lies that hid the Truth;
Win for Satan, heaven was saddened,
Sin of Eden gave men a burden;
The good that he wants, he cannot do,
The evil he hates, he cannot spew.

We do what we like and guilt we get,
We rue o’er our lot and for sin fret;
The Word is grave but the world’s naive,
The Lord in Love calls His own to save;
Coz God wants to sin in all dispel,
The old Gospel is going global.

2. To the globe’s ends His trained the Lord sent,
That them who grope and faint may repent;
The Spirit moves, good- spell goes global,
Here creed dupes and Gospel goes tribal;
It’s time to re-link self with soul’s thirst,
Let’s rethink and put things of God first.

3. Crises have men bold, led down and fall,
Jesus loves souls and shed blood for all,
That all who life had pained to lose hope,
May come back to Him and regain hope;
That at home the Good News each may get,
God made Word go global in the net.

Kut Song; Album: GGMI's Gospel Goes Global

GGG Cover

Kut Song; Album: GGMI's Gospel Goes Global

Gospel Goes Global

Mrs Diki Hauzel at GGG Launch bash,Mizoram House; 28 August, 2010
Gospel Goes Global video

The GGG Album Launch: 28 Augt, 2010

Recitation of GGG by Dr. Eunice Haokip
Mami and Abea; main vocalists of GGG
GGG Launch Banner: 28 August, 2010
Pu H.T. Sangliana, Chief Guest

THE GGG LAUNCH

By: Lunminthang Haokip


Mizoram House, Vasant Vihar, Delhi: The stage was set on 28 August, 2010 at Delhi’s swanky Mizoram house. At the stroke of 3:30, the punctuality freaks among the invitees had socially underlined their arrival. The chairman of the invitation committee, Pu L. Singson was a trifle worried that the majority of the guests to attend GGMI (Go Gospel Ministry, International) had not come full force. Early presence of dignitaries like Rev Dino Touthang, CEO, Habitat For Humanity, Delhi, Brother Sunder Singh, Senior Consultant, Standard Chartered Bank and Mrs Diki Hauzel, however, made up for the initial emptiness of the hall.

The Master of Ceremonies: Some guys cannot do away with their pride; others cannot shed their humility. Hyderabad-based Senior Pastor of GSCH – Good Shepherd Community Church, India, Rev. Paothang Haokip belongs to the latter category. Cheerful with a 100-watt smile always intact on his lips, the mobile OM (Operation Mobilization) dynamo took centre-stage following Rev. Letlal Haokip’s invocation. The proceedings of music album release bash gained momentum after the surprisingly competent compeer, Miss Kimneo Haokip of HFH, invited the star performers of the show, Miss C. Lalhmingmawii and R. Lalbiakthanga from downtown Aizawl, the city of cheer, to render the theme song. Pu T. Misao, Chairman, KWS, Delhi, welcomed all invitees after that.

The Recitation: To drive the message home in clearer terms, Miss/Dr. Eunice Chonghoi Haokip, Post-Grad student of NIFW, New Delhi, was called on stage to read out the wording of the title song, Gospel Goes Global. The poem was set to soul-haunting tune by Chris MS Dawngkima of Magdalene’s fame. The number turned out to be every hearer’s favourite. That includes Mami, the vocalist herself. That nobody is sensitive enough to take time to appreciate the song-writer, of course, is an ignorance all lyricists try hard to ignore ( I am joking seriously).

The Pen-Pusher: This author who wrote all the 11 songs recorded in the DVD that was launched in the event was the opening batsman in giving speech. Addressing the dignitaries, it dawned in me to correlate, by the literary technique of “violent yoking of dissimilar”, situation that I could recall in the professional adventures of former super-cop and the day’s CG, Dr. H.T Sangliana who presently serves GOI as the Vice Chairperson of NCM, National Commission For Minorities. The focused audience forced a sneer when I, the otherwise serious-looking non-socialite, made an attempt to split jaws by citing witty anecdotes featuring GB Shaw and W. Churchill etc.

The Making of GGG: 8 of the GGG video items were handled solo by Mami with Abea’s lip-smacking back-vocal support here and there. The rest of the 3 song items were recorded as duets with both the main vocalists lending their voices. In the location shoots, Mami doubled up as the Director, costume designer, production manager etc in my absence. Credit should go to her for having so beautifully organised the tedious video shoot of songs like Aids and Kut. AVZ –(amazing voice of Zoram), another name for Mami, had to milk her social goodwill in getting things done in style. Besides, inputs put in by the vid cam men, Zova and Patea also fitted well in our scheme of things. Go Gspel was shot just before dusk by Zova on a river bank.. Aizawl city video was entirely Patea’s creation.

The Dedication Minister: Rev. Dino needs no introduction in Christian circles of the national capital. A frequent inter-continental globe-trotter, words gushed out of his mouth effortlessly like the unloading sound of stone chips. The invitees listened with amused demeanour when he made light-banter digs and references to his college-day interactions with this pen-pusher in the early nineteen seventies. Me too felt a sense of rendezvous when brother Dino spoke on our salad days. We used to nick-name U.C.C, Barapani as U See Sea etc.

The Glocal Gospel: However, it was when he told stories on his children’s comments on his face-book and twitter accounts that struck a chord with the invitees. His fresh ideas on the Gospel going global and glocal created a good impact. The CEO of HFH said, “The gospel was already global. But we must play our part as NE Indians to speed up its globalization process”. The senior Pastor of KWS, Delhi declared the imminence of John 3:16, “For God so loved the world .........” in presupposing the global meaning of the Good news. Rev. Dino finally dedicated the GGG DVD in prayer.

The Inroduction: Before the grand speech of the Chief Guest happened, glib-tongued Brother Paothang, as an introduction to the former MP, waxed eloquent on the social spurs Pu H.T. Sangliana earned in the course of discharging his duty fearlessly as an outstanding IPS officer. The OM leader also stressed the simplicity of the stern strong-willed former super-cop who had a weakness for the poor and helpless people around him.
The master of ceremonies also shared interesting incidents when the big officer took utmost care not to make small folks feel small.

Speech From The Chief Guest: Excerpts: “God has been kind to me. I am where I am because of His blessing. I believe in God strongly”. No one who got glued to their seats doubted what the former DGP said. His life was an open book. The GGG Launch bash CG continued, “The release of GGG is meaningful because it encourages people to tell more about Jesus. Christ came into this world as a representative from heaven to experience all trials and tribulations”.

The Bold Preacher: Pu Sangliana was a cut above the rest. Through out his revered career-graph, he never minced words in respect of persons. Calling a spade a spade became his trademark. The uniformed cop who once saluted his God himself, all alone inside a Church, further preached, “Jesus gave a simple message, “I am the way, the truth and the life: no man cometh unto the father , but by me (John 14:6). Whenever Christ affirmed “I am”, people thought he was arrogant or was bragging. But the truth is that if you want to live in heaven, you will have to take Him at His own word”.

The Truth Not Concealed: The ambience went Gospel with Dr. Sangliana going spiritual. “Brother Paothang stretched his praise for me a bit too far”, the staunch Christian Officer said further, “Today, we promote the GGG album that through this, people may come to know more about Christ, accept Him and live with Him for ever. I used to challenge non-believers to try Christ for 6 months or 1 year; and to throw Him out if not satisfied later. But I knew believer would throw Christ out. I am sure god will bless this album”. Maddening applause rent the air after the CG’s sermon.

The Close: Following Mrs. Nengkim Haokip’s presents and gifts to the special invitees prior to her “vote of thanks”, and the singing of GGG numbers by Mami and Abea, the bash came to a close with a word of prayer by Pastor Angam Kipgen. Amen. A simple dinner was served by GGMI, L. Thinglhangphai, Manipur, India.

GOSPEL GOES GLOBAL

By: Lunminthang Haokip

1. God told Adam not to eat the fruit,
Eve got sold on lies that hid the Truth;
Win for Satan, heaven was saddened,
Sin of Eden gave men a burden;
The good that he wants, he cannot do,
The evil he hates, he cannot spew.

We do what we like and guilt we get,
We rue o’er our lot and for sin fret;
The Word is grave but the world’s naive,
The Lord in Love calls His own to save;
Coz God wants to sin in all dispel,
The old Gospel is going global.

2. To the globe’s ends His trained the Lord sent,
That them who grope and faint may repent;
The Spirit moves, good- spell goes global,
Here creed dupes and Gospel goes tribal;
It’s time to re-link self with soul’s thirst,
Let’s rethink and put things of God first.

3. Crises have men bold, led down and fall,
Jesus loves souls and shed blood for all,
That all who life had pained to lose hope,
May come back to Him and regain hope;
That at home the Good News each may get,
God made Word go global in the net.

Delight In Cycle-Ride

Cans of water tied to a Bi-cycle at Sita village

DELIGHT IN A BICYCLE – RIDE

By: Lunminthang Haokip

The Reason: Why do I delight in a bicycle ride? It's not that I had enrolled myself in the cadres of MPP (Manipur Peoples Party) which flaunts the bicycle as its symbol. But it has something to do with an MPP-leased obscure restaurant catering to the spoilt tastes of the masses and classes alike and doing a booming business of it somewhere near pologround's gate No. 1.

Recycled Appetite: When I cycle for hours before eating anything in the morning, the excess fat in the body is recycled, sweat is reproduced, the heart pounds faster and the torso is drenched down to the waist. Exhausted, I take a quick shower to wash away the sticky moisture the body emits out and after prayer, hit the dining table with the appetite of a hungry bear and the capacity to devour as much.

Eat To Heart’s Content: I'm not on a culinary promotion spree. But after a cycling sweat-out, nothing satiates one's hunger better than a fish-curry called 'atoiba', that is prepared with the critical palate in mind by the chef of MPP canteen no. 4, Pologround, Imphal, that you bought on the way back home. The sad part is, the delicious cuisine that beats any other stuff in its own category offered by star-rated hotels, demands one's demolition of hillocks of rice along with it. So, the poor cyclist, despite the fat burnt up in the limb-exercise, simply would not have a flat tummy.

Simple Simon: Cycling to office is no big deal. You notice a lot of the lower staff doing that every day. Heads turn and eyes are focused on it only when someone not lesser than a senior officer of the state civil service, who had always been seen seated smugly at the back of a car or the front of a Gypsy, is spotted pedaling the wheeled frame-of-steel in office premises. For the curious onlooker, such scenario has the shock¬ing effect produced by one's switch-over from watching a star-studded sleekly-made movie in 70 mm to a shabbily-shot 16 mm documentary in black and white.

Going Green With Envy: This convenient "steel-horse" is not only a scene-stealer but is a money-saver too. A rupee saved is a rupee earned. In these days of spiraling petrol prices, thanks to the highway blockades and black-marketing, I can, while biking on the roadside, read the mind of an envious owner of a swanky Zen. He rolls down the windshield, sticks his neck out, takes a good look at the simple on-wheels frame and silently curses the vanity in his own self for shying away from riding a bicycle at almost zero maintenance-cost. What a blessing in the present times when fuel price had shot up to absurd rates.

No To Journo: In no way am I alone in this noble crusade to not consider highway-rubbery on a cycle a drudgery. In the late seventies, Yambem Laba, our one-time only Investigative journalist-turned-mountaineering enthusiast turned-human-right-activist, who once was my class-fellow (but not necessarily a glass-fellow) at Donbosco, Chingmeirong, wrote in the then esteemed Thounaojam Tarun Kumar edited 'Resistance" on how he, an accredited journo, was halted by the cops-on-duty on his way to cover an Assembly-session just because he was riding what he called "the poor man's Volkswagen (cycle)". Bicycles not only made the manufacturers rich in cash but also made many celebrity-users rich in social respect. One such example was the fearless and athletic IAS Officer, Shri Y. Jugindro (now Secretary, MPSC), who was quite a sport when it came to having to cycle in and out of the State Secretariat before his big-time postings came about
.
Owner’s Pride; Neighbours Spite: In the villages founded on the plains that stretches up to the foothills of Manipur, bicycles play many roles in the economic activities of our less-fortunate brethren. As carriers of rural trade-items, there seldom occurs mismatch of role to player. From pigs to planks, milk-cans to pots and pans, paddy to sick-body, mats to pets and from charcoal to alcohol, the bicycle bears the brunt of the frequent movement of merchandise. The owner of a brand new Raleigh cycle in rural Manipur, in the distant past, enjoyed a clout that rivaled the possessor of the latest model of motor car today.

Carrier of Lovers: Inspired by movie-scenes where the hero mounts a bicycle with his heroine closing up in front while a haunting duet is shot with them, the boldest among love-struck village-guys takes the beauty of his locality for an occasional cycle-ride with starry dreams in their minds. They are awakened to reality only when the bumpy country road throws the day-dreaming twosome off-balance to fall together in a way they'll remember with tears of romanticism, even decades later—more so if separated. Sweet silly treasured nothings are attached to bike-rides that once featured would-have-been brides and someone else’s grooms.

Burma’s Take: Across the international border, in Myanmar, more than anything else, brand counts. Hero cycle, along with Nirma washing powder (a flop in India) sell like hot cakes. Other brands, how good they may be, are dropped like hot bricks. The Moreh-Tamu trade, despite the advent of Mitshubishi and Datsun taxies, thrives on bicycles that carry a huge chunk of trade items every business day..

Lady On Gents Cycle: Myanmarese girls, on behalf of family's bread and jam, tighten their lungis, bundle up the hemlines and pedal heavy loads on gents' cycles. For reasons best known to them, they prefer the gents' model. It's an awesome sight to see young 'tanakha' (weather-resistant cream) smeared round faces making a living out of cycle-lifting under-invoiced Chinese and Thai Products. Weird devices are conceived to tie and tag anything on the framed two-wheeler on the busy Tamu-Namphalong road. Perhaps, the only thing the female-pedaled bike-for-gents doesn't carry on it is a feminine outlook.

The Urge To Splurge: Human nature being what it is, there's a strong urge to splurge in the state-of-the-art luxuries. But, at the end of the day, it only strays, strains and stains the staid state-of-the-heart. There is no limit to self-pampering. These days the visual electronic media capitalizes on the spirit of consumerism Million of Rupees are invested in ads to make a product popular. The prices of things are worked out in such a way that the buyer bears the cost incurred on making the buy familiar to him. Nevertheless, a sucker is born every minute.

Yeh Dil Mange More: You skip meals, save and get what you'd been wanting for years. But for how long will you want what you got ? Models and makes change to suit the whims and fancies of targeted consumers of a given period of time. In no time, Pentium I paved the way for Pentium 2, 3 and 4 in Computer configurations. The unrestrained self in you craves to grab the best and the latest by hook or by crook. You had graduated from a bicycle to a Maruti 800. But given the choice, the mysterious desires of your covetous heart would settle for nothing less than a Tata Safari. What next then ? May be a Mercedes or a private helicopter ? Nearer to sea and big rivers, dreams zero in on yachts and luxury cruise ships.

The Mirage Chase: The higher your ambition, the more pliable you'll be to compromise with the shady ways of amassing wealth. If you think you can satisfy your ever-increasing demands by the plunder that befits a reckless player in the field, you're heading for big blunder. You may as well plant an oak tree inside a flower-pot and expect it to thrive. Unless you belong to the super-affluent bracket, all these vanity-necessitated purchases, after a momentary spell of cheap thrill, will make you feel miserable. Bred in liberty in your salad days, now you fret because you're neck-deep in a quick-sand cesspool of debt.

"Owe no one anything except to love one
another (Romans 13:8)"

. Loan-Takers Groan: Taking loans to indulge in luxuries one can scarce afford is an ensnaring folly one can resort to only at one's own spiritual declination. Christ loved and still loves us regardless of what we are. He gave His all to save us from hellfire. Each of us owe the same divine love to others. Owing anything else beyond that is sin in His sight. That's where the bicycle proves its utility to perfection. Using it saves a lot of borrowing we are compelled to do otherwise. It also simplifies human wants, reduces needs and humbles the user.

Taxing Roads: Major repair of an old Maruti car, for example, robs its burdened owner of a poor-man's fortune. He has to either borrow money or invent a deceitful means of earning so as to secure the "release" of his "ransomed" four-wheeler. And on our roads, which are punctuated by potholes and speed (or spine)-breakers, you never know when your car will conk out and be pulled back to the workshop. Bad roads may leave myriad motorists fuming but they certainly keep the kitchen-fires of garage-runners burning.

Emission Problem: Young girls are ashamed of their dad's conveyance by a bicycle. How sad ? I, for one, feel liberated when I pedal my way around town. There I enjoy the freedom motorists are denied. Bundhs or cutting corners at any point of the busy market-place isn't a problem. One-way restrictions and lack of parking space don't bother me one bit. Of course, there is a lurking worry that cycling would discharge oddly odorous sweat-drops. Will the body be presentable when one meets one's boss or the likes of his ilk?

The Message: But such trivial thoughts are easily out-balanced by the gain that one is losing weight and having a better appetite through faster circulation of blood. And so what if friends and foes happen to catch sight of you in the cycling act? It's a practical demonstration that you'd changed your attitude towards job and life. Without saying anything, you're proving to the world that you're denying yourself the sinful comforts on offer for the love of Jesus who asked every follower " to deny himself and take up his cross (Mt. 16:24)".

Changed Outlook: Priorities were different before my conversion. I was good from far but far from good. Self was pampered, and I had as much control over myself as a cyclist has over his brake-less bike on a downhill slope. I was hopelessly dictated by "What others will think of me ?" Taking criticism on oneself was impossible. The heart -condition remains the same even after conversion unless one is sanctified by the blood of Jesus. So, in the probation period of my salvation experience, I left no stone unturned to witness the truth I received. But my adversaries left no turn of mine un-stoned. Unable to handle that, at times, I flew off the handle. Now, I realize that basic human nature can't change without first accepting Christ as one's personal Saviour. And having confessed all the sins hiding which tormented me no end, God in His mercy, had forgiven me (John 5:14) and gave me a new heart. "I will give you a new heart and put on a new spirit within you (Ezekiel 36:26)".

Fresh Delight: The new heart delights in righteousness and austerity. There's great shame in falling for old weaknesses but no shame in cycle-riding because I regard myself as nothing in the sight of God and men. In fact, my Creator had changed my entire concept of the MCS I am lucky enough to be in. Earlier it was "me-first" and "mine-first". Now it's "God-first" and "His will first". The constant concern is "What will He think of me and what I do?" So, MCS, which was "My Chosen Service" to serve my own selfish interests becomes "Masses-Centred Service" for people's welfare. I praise God every time I can derive immense pleasure in disposing a matter without expecting anything in return. God says, " I am your exceeding reward ( Gen 15:1)”. Serving His interest is its own reward. When He blesses, the blessing far exceeds human requirements. And other blessings are no patch on it.

The Risk And The Challenge: However, When you give a serious try to go by divine righteousness in your daily deeds in the midst of diverse beliefs and adverse traditions, you risk being ridiculed, isolated and persecuted by your own people. Friends will become foes

and foes will delight in your fall in advance. But there lies the challenge to prove pricking predictions wrong.

Double Benefit: But that's a negligible price I'd pay gladly for being gifted in return "the joy of having a conscience that doesn't condemn". Using a bicycle as a means of conveyance is a lump-sum evidence of one's integrity and self-denial in these days of much-improved-mobility. It also decreases the level of environmental pollution and keeps the spiritual pollution-tendencies under check. Acquaintances say that it's not becoming of a Civil Service Officer to ride a bicycle for purposes other than physical exercise. My humble answer is that one who can psyche himself to cycling will enjoy the double benefit of keeping both physical and spiritual diabetes at bay.

The Key To Limitless Joy: And at times when I am being mocked at for the firm stances I take in obedience to God's word and get afflicted in the bargain by the rejection of my own folks, for no fault of mine, the promise of God always comforts and strengthens me. The bonus over the matter is that the joy that the Word of God generates is not sensitive and responsive to what the world says or thinks. Only if one can stick and follow the following verse in letter and spirit, happiness of one will not have limits and diversions:

"He that walketh righteously, and speaketh uprightly; he that despiseth the gain of oppressions, that shaketh his hands from holding of bribes, that stoppeth his ears from hearing of blood, and shutteth his eyes from seeing evil,
He shall dwell on high; his place of defence shall be munitions of rocks: bread shall be given him: his waters shall be sure (Isaiah 33:15,16)".

DISABLES DAY OUT

Singers and Song-lovers
DISABLES DAY OUT

LOVE THE UNLOVELY

By: Lunminthang Haokip

Introduction : On 13 August, 2005, nearly all the roads of Sadar Hills led to roam around Kangpokpi T.D-built Community hall. At 10 am the crowd had already swelled up and the 600-capacity auditorium threatened to burst in the seams. In the part- Sadar Hills administration and part-SSA, Sadar Hills-sponsored musical jamboree, the invitees were not the usual stuff. Some of them couldn't walk, some couldn't talk and others couldn't see and hear. One thing they shared in common, however, was social neglect and imagined hope that was partially addressed that day.

Love The Unlovely: Neglected and high-strung, they thronged Kpi Block head quarter with wounded pride to ventilate their long-suppressed feelings of hurt and longing for acknowledgement of their pitiable existence. The administration was ill-prepared to host and take care of such a mammoth gathering of God's specially able children. Thanks to the Secretary S.W, DC/Spt, DSWO/Spt staff of ADC/Kpi, SHADC/Kpi, ZEO/Kpi, NYK volunteers. HODs of Saikul and Saitu, a rare spectacle of "Love for the unlovely" could be pulled off. God blessed the combined effort with distribution of aids and appliances to the actually needy persons. It indeed was the disables' day-out. To love the lovely is easy. But it takes the right mixture of compassion and emotion to love the unlovely.

Day Function : A galaxy of Gospel singing stars gladdened injured hearts with their chart-topping numbers. The musical cheering picked up to a crescendo with "God loves you all the more'" which was penned with the disables in mind by this author, set to tune by Ginmang Khongsai and sung with genuine emotions by the voice of grace, Esther Sitlhou. A key-note address on the theme by this author-focused on the spiritual inability of the so-called 'able' persons and the special abilities of the disables was followed by a heart¬-warming message from John Freddy, who is a believer, a teacher and a preacher rolled into

Lonely In A Crowd: one. The curious gathering were enthralled by ageless melody queen, Mrs. Konnie Leivon's other-worldly number, Neicy Singson's high-pitched crooning, Onkholet Touthang's blind hit, Alen Chiru's moving presentation, Lalkhohen Chongloi's four-finger wonder item, group songs by TBA choir, Thangal Lalu and MTC choir. But the rendition that struck a chord with the mixed audience was this writer's testimonial song, "Lonely in a crowd", tuned by Seigoumang Lhouvum, instrumentally backed up by Tiken, Gugun, Milan, Minthang and John and sung with professional gait by Hechin Haokip, Lynda Neishiel and Seigoumang.

The Tear-Jerker : Mr. L.Lakher, the then Secretary, Social Welfare Deptt, could not attend the function. But the bureaucrat with a penchant to help the poor, saw to it that 20 Tri¬cycles, 7 wheel-chairs and 40 hearing-aids were distributed with the help of ALEMCO on the DD-out function. In appreciation of the heavenly song he composed, District administration honoured Lamkhohao Sitlhou, paralysed waist-downwards since 15 years, with the gift of a wheel-chair.

The Cynosure: The congregation was moved to tears when an emotion-choked Esther Sitlhou, who received the wheel-chair on dear daddy's behalf, before presenting the song of life, "Van Jerusalem Thah"' briefly recollected the pangs of pain her family had undergone following daddy's disability. Tears actually dropped when the voice that launched a thousand CDs coolly appealed to her audience that it will be sad for the specially able, after suffering infirmities on earth, to miss out on eternal rest with God in life thereafter. And that's possible only through being saved in Christ, she added.

The Motivating Factor : Disabilities are not a rare sight. There are all kinds of infirmities in our midst. It was Late Bunglienkung Hmar's heart-piercing composition, "New Heavenly Jerusalem " and the voice that popularized and endeared the promise of Revelation 21:4, "And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes, and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying; neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away" When this author, in his responsibility as the chief administrator of Sadar Hills was getting hooked on the wording of the song mentioned above, it was time to get cracking with IED (Integrated Education for the Disable children) under SSA, Sadar Hills. As IED covered children from 6 to 18, a medical assessment camp was also conducted hurriedly, with the assistance of Directorate of health, at Kpi on 11 August, 2005, with the aged infirm in mind. More than 280 handicapped persons turned up. ZEO/Kpi and CMO/Kpi's staff had a tough-time arranging things for segregation of infirmity. Nevertheless, the job got done.

Moving Scenes: The Chief Guest of the occasion, Mr. Thangminlen Kipgen, Hon'ble Circle MLA, was visibly moved when Miss Hekhol Thomsong, a Polio-affected limping child of God, trudged her way up to present a shawl to him. In his speech, the Chief Guest appealed all and sundry to take a good care of the physically challenged around us. Some of the more sensitive among the concerned audience found it tough to hold back impulses to go wet in the eyes.

Heart-Stirring Scenes: Another scene of DD-Out that saddened every onlooker came when the last piece of Tri-Cycle was about to be handed out. One infirm child who wasn't supposed to get the last appliance sat on it and refused to be dragged out. With a heavy heart, the volunteers had to convince her about pre-assessment of disability which should be certified by a subject-specialist to be not less than 40% and that the beneficiaries' income shouldn't be less than Rs. 6500/- His Maker was glorified when a single-handed Lalkhohen Chongloi effectively used the four fingers of his left hand both to hold the guitar chord and strum the strings with his small finger to follow the tune of a song. The viewers from near and far, weren't far from tears.

Breath-taking Break: After the day's proceedings, God's special children were invited to lunch with ADC, Kangpokpi. Some of them had to rush back home. Those who made it to the luncheon prepared with panache by Miss. Nengnou and friends had recipes that would spoil one's taste for ever to settle for nothing less. Bellies filled, a bus-load of the invitees were taken to Senapati to be welcomed with warmth by Mr. And Mrs. Prem Singh, DC/Senapati and Mr. And Mrs. Athem Muivah, ADM/Senapati. Pressure on time resulted in the spirited VSP's (Very special persons) inability to visit the picturesque Haipi village, the enchanting Mission compound and the pristine KVK, Hengbung. However, visit or no site-visit, the choice destinations would remain Wordsworth's "Yarrow the unvisited" to the blind.

Love-Aid-Concert: By 6:00 P.M. on 13th August, 2005, Kangpokpi was geared up for a musical blast to cheer up the VSPs of the day. The comperes, Lulun Touthang and Roseline Suantak put in inputs to enliven the show that ended late. The debutants, Akip Karong, Hoinu Vaiphei, Esther Kipgen, Salome, Tongkholen and Haoneo performed better than expected. They were the surprise items of the show of the year. However the professionals, Jeff Akai, Seiboi Tuboi, Neicy Singson, Hechin Haokip, MTC boys and Gugun's band were greeted with thundering applause that made the VSPs forget their plight for a few hours. For once, the otherwise quite Kpi was rocked with high-decibel Gospel music.

The Never-Ending Skit: MTC students presented a skit that carried a moving message and which was attentively watched by the VSPs. It's a little sad that the Gospel message of the evening, delivered to touch hearts, was greeted with a collective aashhh!. It was said, the good rain and the bad speaker do not know when to stop. That night, if the impatience of the audience could be deciphered, it would have read, “the good rain and the bad skit do not know when to stop”. Everyone has a streak of hedonism in him. Although no efforts were spared to offer free Gospel Musical entertainment, some resorted to stone-pelting and when asked about their dissatisfaction demanding more songs from more popular singers. Yeh dil mange more.

Spiritual Disability: It's easy to notice physical disability in others. But God looks at the heart. Adamic nature is inherent in every fallen man and woman. Unless saved by the blood of Jesus through confession of sin that usually results in forgiveness of sin. man by nature cannot do the good he wants to do and cannot avoid the evil he wants to avoid. Spiritual disability in us is something we should give a serious thought and strengthen the inner man to become an over-comer. On the other hand there are disables who are mentally able to do good and forsake evil. There are folks born with infirmities but who through unflinching faith in God, turn the disadvantages into an advantage. All that one needs to know is that there's a merciful God who creates every soul with a special purpose. One has to find out one's own core-competence and persistently work on it to achieve excellence in one's chosen field. God helps those who helps themselves.

Theme Song: The theme-song of Disables' Day-Out at Kangpokpi reproduced below for readers' benefit, which was penned with burden by this author, tells all succinctly. The song was recorded Music Plus, Aizawl by C. Lalhmingmawii as a part of the 2007-audio album, Go Gospel.

GOD LOVES YOU ALL THE MORE


1 .Never say brother, you cannot hear.
For God in your mind His thought can share; Never say sister, you cannot see.
He blinds some that they may better see;
Ear or no ear, eye or no eye,
Who hears Him and mourns deep shall notdie.

Coz you can't hear, God puts inner ear,
Coz you can't see, your mind's made to peer; Coz you can't speak, hand-signs do the trick, Coz you can't walk, help isn't far to seek;
For all pangs of woe infirm limbs bore.
Don't feel bad, God loves you all the more.
2. He gives ears that we may hear His word,
He makes mind that we may know He's Lord; He creates hands that all men may serve Him, He gifts hearts that ev'ry soul may love Him; But we end up doing things not noble,
So; to do good, we are disable.

3. This terse life on earth is but test,
we curse fate, yet that He does is best;
Some get it good now to rue later,
Some are sad to rejoice thereafter;
If God makes you suffer to the core
T'day, it's coz He loves you all the more.

4. For them who have new life in Christ
Tho' they're now denied limb-movement free.
More than they that with no thought of Christ,
Move limbs at will, blessed they shall be
So, don't you feel sadly ill at ease
One day your suffering shall come to cease.