“Lengthar Chibai 2011”

-Blessing SH Buhril

-Blessing S.H. Buhril

“Lengthar Chibai 2011” - the Delhi University, North Campus Hmar Students’ Association version of Freshers’ Meet glided off leaving memories of golden words, melodic voices on classic songs, laughter and dances, and sumptuous meal of Sinlung cuisine.

It was the 13^th day of August, the Northerners with beamish faces snug inside O-49 Malka Ganj. And the festive mood ignited with the crowd swaying to the tune of the all time favorite “Dar ang Lengna by L Keivom”.

Julie Varte with the unmatchable finesse hosted the evening’s First Session. She winked and wooed the crowd who were already a ready lovebird. Before advancing to the program a moment of Silence was observed in memory of Hosea L. Sinate, a dear friend and a fond member of HSA DU North Campus, who untimely passed away recently. After the Silent prayer, the seasoned Northerner David Joute, a.k.a. D J with words welcomed the Lengthars and also hinted them of the importance of taking care of one’s health and studies in this crazy and bustling city. Then, Mercy Lalumpui, the damsel with her voice God created for singing, dedicated a song – “Forever Young” (Bob Dylan) for the Lengthars. The song speaks about God’s blessings, humility, courage, strength, truthfulness, compassion and good things for a good life. It is the kind of song you could take along when you go to heaven.

Afterwards, one of the most important moment of the night, a prayer and words of advice for the Lengthars by Pastor Lalsiesang Joute followed. The Pastor came all the way from Dwarka with his family and his lone Missionary disciple Vanlaltlan. Pastor Siesang talked about the importance of having “Vision and Dream” and to let our vision and dream control our future. He read the Bible from the book of II Timothy and prayed specially for the Lengthars. Then, Dorothy Tusing another Northerner’s talent, belted, creating music to the ears of the audiences. After that, Dr. Upa Lalsiemlien Pulamte shared a reawakening speech on the life of students (Inchuklai Nun). There are so many good things to learn apart from one’s academic syllabus and so many distractions too, so it is important to have a focused goal he said and not to just go where the wind blows. As a youth, Upa Siemlien said, it is normal to have a lover but not a destroyer of one’s career. He also said that wealth, fame etc., are not worth fighting for because they will just vanish, therefore one should utilize one’s whole potential to reach the highest level of one’s desired profession and look out to do the will of God. Then the first session was closed with a prayer and a grace for the “Lengthar Ruoi” by Pastor Lalsiesang Joute.

Not long after the Pastor’s prayer, the room was filled with a magical aroma. But it wasn’t surprising, because with the Northerners, such magical aroma is not unusual, but this was special. Lengthar Ruoi’s Sinlung Cuisine consisting of Hmepawk, Chartang, Hmebut and Hmarchadeng was majestically spread out and I could read “Halleluiah” in the crowd expressions. Everyone dives in to fill the empty pouch in their stomach. ‘Halleluiah.’

The night was still young after the Lengthar Ruoi. And a long list of fun filled activities for the Second Session waited. The crowd dance, sing and rock the free world. Everyone had a good time and a good food. With the promising Lengthars and after a marvelous night we parted with “Lengthar Chibai 2011.” But, TIME has its own way of revealing memories to everyone. And for the Northerners, TIME, would make sure to open the curtain of memories again and again just to reveal and to remind us that - “‘Lengthar Chibai 2011’ was one of the best day of our life in Delhi.”