Guwahati Eimis: 1998-2007

Guwahati Eimis: 1998-2007, a personal account

Since which year have the Kukis lived in Guwahati, is rather a difficult one but not necessary to answer. But if we try dating the history of Kukis vis-a-vis timelining the KSO, KWS and KWA you will also agree that KSO constituted 1996 was followed by KWS and KWA in matters of years.

Kukis are a little older than a decade in the upcoming mega-city of the NE and much muddy flood water has flowed down Brahmaputra, the only male river.

I first tasted the dust of Guwahati in 1990, my onward journey to Delhi for 'higher studies' the city then was still struggling to keep pace with development. My second inning in the Guwahati maidan (after eight years) happened in 1998 and since then I have neither looked back nor beyond the city. Interestingly, most of my 'firsts' happened in Guwahati - my first job, first salary, first tithe, first house rent, first flight journey, first visit to other NE states, and my first Tahchanu Eimi girlfriend who later on consented to become my life partner. Thus, in more ways than I can count, I am a Die-hard guwahatian!

Ever since I have landed in Guwahati few wonderful people have touched my life and changed my perspectives. Many Kukis have come and moved out, some even come back again and again. Though there has been a sea change in the last 3-5 years in the city landscape, Guwahati used to be a poor second choice when it comes to choice of posting for Kuki employees, and for wannabe students as well. It was understandable as the facilities did not measure up even half of what you and I enjoy/access today. Today, over 20 Eimis have created assests (land, flats, houses) we can be proud of.

Models of Guwahati Eimis:

I would like to single out few individuals/families who have set exemplary models for all of us who are still struggling, and the list naturally begins with Heni Hoipha Haokip, the survivor-entrepreneur. Any person who has known her since last 5 years will not contest my judgement. She has tried out almost every possible enterprise from boys hostel, poultry farm, vegetable vendor, shop, petty business to even mobilisng thrift groups. The opportunities she has created for her young wards, relatives and all of us will never be surpassed.

The rich, the not-so rich and even the most vulnerable love her and has been helped by her. Heni is the symbol of Guwahati Kukis/Eimis for eternity.

I have two couples coming straight second in the celebrated list - the ever green couple, envied and aprreciated by all: Pu D.P. Haokip and Pi Ngailhing Haokip. Their mere presence in Guwahati was motivation, assurance and security for the young and old alike. I am yet to come across another more Godly couple ever welcoming, genuine concerns, leading by example like them. When the news of their transfer to Bangalore finally was announced on that fateful KWS sunday, one thing that struck me was: God has answered the prayers of Kukis/Eimis of Bangalore that He delivered Pu D.P. Haokip and Pi Ngailhing to them.

The next couple most deservedly worth give a standing ovation is Pu L.L. Khongsai and Pi Moi Khongsai. A civil engineer turned socio-religio engineer, Gods' own servant and a living proof of blessing in abundance for those who seek first His kingdom.

Very few friends in Guwahati would know U Lunjalen is a family, a brother-figure an example for me since early 1980s when along with peers we used to be ardent fans of the melodious gospel numbers the "Peace Chanters" belted out. In fact one more of my firsts in Guwahati also includes Pu L. L. Khongsai & family, the day I landed in Guwahati to join my first job I put up with the family and U Moi gave me warm delicious food while U Lunjalen prayed for me.

Because Pu L.L. Khongsai & family tested God by surrendering to His Mercy, The Good Lord has not ceased blessing them till today. The latest gift from God - a cosy brand new, state of the art GETZ.

Pu J. Lhungdim and Pi Kim Lhungdim are in another leaque as they have toiled wider soil, sowed more varieties of seeds in cities of Delhi, Shillong besides Guwahati. Gods' blessing epitomized in the life of Pu J. Lhungdim who candidly acknowledges Gods' blessing at any given opportunity. Pu J. Lhungdim is modest, straight, strong, pro-active and a risk-taker whose preaching-in-actions has influenced many a young struggling lives, motivated and encouraged many students coming from the not-so-well-off background.

Because our leaders looked Gods' way, not only they God blessed but also the followers He also blessed!

The Eimis of Guwahati should rejoice as GODs' one hand takes Pu. D.P. Haokip from us for Bangalore, His other hand installs Pu J. Lhungdim for Guwahati.

to be continued.....

Next four Gods' People - Pu. T. Thangngeo IPS, Pu. S. Thadou IAS, Pu V. Changsan, Gl Lamhao APS

Note: The above documentation is purely based on my personal impression and without any coerce or compulsion