Ram Muivah hosts Advent Christmas, awards local entrepreneurs

Vangayan, a picturesque spot located at the foothill of the famous Shirui Kashong, on Tuesday witnessed a grand celebration of not just one, but two different occasions — Advent Christmas cum 1st Ram Muivah Entrepreneurship Awards 2023.

The magnificent event was a perfect blend of spiritual, traditional and modern elements, celebrating the dual festivities of Advent Christmas and the spirit of local entrepreneurship.

It was hosted by none other than Ram Muivah, the MLA from Ukhrul Assembly Constituency, who has taken a step towards the goal of promoting entrepreneurship in his hometown by instituting the Ram Muivah Entrepreneurship Awards.

The venue of the event, Vangayan, holds great significance for the people of Ukhrul, as it is the main venue for the annual Shirui Lily Festival. The festival celebrates the blooming of the rare and beautiful Shirui lily, which is found only at the Shirui hills in Ukhrul district.

The First Award Day

 “Today, the 12 December, has become an important day. We meet together today, especially for two purposes,” MLA Ram Muivah said of the event, adding that it was the first award day.

He said that his objective behind instituting these awards is very modest yet grand — to promote entrepreneurship in Ukhrul district.

“We have selected and awarded today local entrepreneurs in as many as eight categories. We have given them some cash incentives as well as certificates,” he said.

This year the selected beneficiaries were from 44 Ukhrul Assembly Constituency only and yet the selection was purely based on merit and had no political affiliations, the NPF legislator clarified, adding the beneficiaries who have been chosen in the eight categories came from diverse fields such as poultry, piggery, horticulture, agriculture, artisanship, beekeeping and others.

“I’m happy that as many as 57 candidates were there. Out of 57, we finally narrowed down to eight successful entrepreneurs in their respective fields,” the MLA said.

He went on to state that as a token of appreciation and to encourage local entrepreneurs, he plan to increase the cash incentives for the awards from the following year. “I believe that this will become a permanent feature of my mission to promote entrepreneurship in the district,” he added.

“I have realized that entrepreneurs are the key to transformation of Ukhrul district and our Tangkhul society. By God’s grace, Tangkhuls have produced lots of educated people be it in politics, laws, medical, engineering, and civil services and others. But our Achilles heel is the backwardness of our economy,” Ram Muivah noted.

He then added that the prime rationale behind instituting the awards is to encourage, promote and recognize the talent and hard work of local entrepreneurs, referring to their potentials in contributing to employment generation and the district’s overall economy growth.

“Through initiative, I hope there will be some economic changes and transformation in the district,” he exuded.

The Winners

Distributing the awards, MLA Ram Muivah congratulated all the award winners and wished each of them a brighter future. The winners are Ningon Longpinao (Beekeeping), Jonah Woleng (Mushroom Farming), Reisangpemmi Kasomwoshi (High Value Fruit Farming), Pamreishang Chiphang (Most Innovative Entrepreneur), Mimi Y Horam (Piggery), Ngashānpam KSV (Poultry), Homhor Zimik (Fishery) and Ramthing Jagoi (Integrated Farming). The recipients were presented with cash award of Rs. 30,000 and a certificate each.

Advent Christmas

The celebration of Advent Christmas was also a highlight of the event, with songs heralding the birth of Jesus Christ, spreading the message of love, peace, and harmony. The traditional Christmas carols added to the festive spirit, creating a warm and cheerful atmosphere.

Reverend Fr Vialo Khansu brought Christmas message, and reminded the gathering of the true meaning of Christmas. “We are here to celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ – the son of God, who came into this world to save us from our sins,” he said.

“But more than just a celebration, it is a time to reflect on our lives and seek inspiration from the life of Jesus,” Fr Khansu said, speaking of how Jesus lived a life of truth, love, and compassion, and how believers can lead a meaningful and fulfilled life by following his footsteps.

Music & Entertainment

The event also featured electrifying performances by renowned Tangkhul artistes, including Mac Kasar, AS Weapon, Oshim Soho, Samatai Muivah, Guru Rewben Mashangva, The Ripple Band and Rokshot Band, Ms. Yuileichan Mahongnao, Ms. Horyaola Kashung, Ms. Yarshim Wungsek and Ms. Sororchon Moiluinao. Vibrant musical presentations punctuated the entire proceedings.

The musical events kicked off with performances by The Ripple Band and Ms. Sororchon Moiluinao, followed by Mac Kasar and Ms. Yarshim Wungsek. Then, came special numbers from Guru Rewben Mashangva and Ms. Yuileichan Mahongnao who mesmerized the audience with their melodious voice. Following them was a duet by AS Weapon & Ms. Horyaola Kashung and then numbers from Oshim Soho and the Rokshot Band who added a touch of both western music and traditional Tangkhul tune to the event. The audience was enthralled by their performances and couldn’t help but join in and sing along.

One of the highlights of the event was the Christmas Carol session led by the artistes. Traditional Christmas songs like ‘Joy To The World’, ‘Hark! The Herald Angels Sing’, and other festive tunes filled the air literally. The attendees, both young and old, came together and joined in singing traditional Christmas carols with a Tangkhul touch. The atmosphere was filled with positivity and joy as the attendees sang their hearts out.

But the day wasn’t just about music and performances. Popular Tangkhul standup comedian, Pakmi Mahongnao, brought the house down with his witty humor and relatable storytelling. His performance had the whole crowd in stitches, making the event a perfect blend of music and entertainment.

As the evening went on, the event culminated with a grand festive feast. The guests were treated to a mouth-watering spread of traditional Tangkhul dishes, adding to the already festive atmosphere.