REVELATION OF MY 'AGONY'

Lalboi Haokip

'Time waits none',four years had elapsed ,from the time I got transferred from Delhi University to a quite corner of India's metro, Calcutta (Joka), but the lost memories boomerang when I found one of my old notes in the bottom most part of my trunk-box and the contains of the pitiable melancholic life I encountered, which I had once jot down probably near the ending part of my stay in Delhi is re-typed below: 

In this lonesome corner of Delhi where the able and the well-to-do thrive with their latest hi-fi gadgets, luxury cars, charming AC rooms, pricey books, good food, best tutorials, etc (the list is endless). In contrast, I in a small, congested, crooked, non-plastered, uncolored, unsavory room; toils, strive hard and compete with the best young brains of the Country in my own ways for the thought of a better tomorrow. But the most thrilling mystery that always ticked & bugged me was; "Where would this fast changing month's and years gonna lead me and what would this sky-high zenith modern competitive era brought me at the end"? This unanswered blur phrase's becomes a million dollar question which kept on haunting me continually 'in and out'. (in short, the tiny room that rested me fall short of all modern amenities).

During the day, temperature hovers above 40 degree C, then comes my humble "one and only one" wish 'to gulp down a countless bottle of cooled fruit juice until my tummy show signs of unacceptability in the form of hiccup or vomiting, then booked a ticket to the latest block buster film in an Air conditioned cinema hall - providing me a perfect atmosphere for a sound peaceful sleep' but in a fraction of seconds, the fact that I was day dreaming under the scorching heat of the sun and the particular 'wish' mentioned above, for sure is a Herculean task and a far cry for me becomes more clearer and clearer coz ~ I am left with the only last remnant pair of 'Gandhi's half naked picture figuring hundred note (100 rupee)' Rs.200 only -/ that will, by-hook or by-crook suffice me for the running entire last week of the current month's, until the Delhi University Branch Post Office postman delivered me the little amount of pay package my Dad had granted for the well-being of his fourth son at the beginning week of each month through Postal Money Order [PMO] [the fastest  mode of sending cash before core banking system was introduced by nationalized banks of the country] from a  far corner of North-East India.

MY ROOM

And at night, the story got worsen with shameless mosquitoes biting  & feeding on my half filled blood and muscles. One fateful night - the alarm clock at the end corner of the table, begun to tremble with its tickling sound warning me!! its already 3 AM, but as I looked at it from the chair, a triple dozens of fresh assignments still lie flat on the table, urging me to complete it before sleep ~ which I must present in the form of a booklet to the Head of Department the following day. I could now sense well, in advance that the only latest outfit on my reach; 'a bald headed haircut smoothly razor by the finest barber' of the area emptying the precious last pence of my thick pure leather wallet, blessed on my head in the evening will not be in a position to meet the pillow meant for him again coz I must toil the whole night, else a harsh punishment in the form of a brand new assignments doubling or tripling the present one awaits me ~ if the present work lying before me remain static. (I am capable of predicting my Professor's intentions and thoughts, not to exaggerate; the percentage of its correctness will cross 70 or relatively much higher than that believed me - I worked under him as a faithful student for three complete years in a row & excuses hardly counts as a damn dare new word to him). The frequent assignments, projects, presentations, etc that compels me to work late at night from one summer to the next summer armed me to act like a perfectly nocturnal creature.

An ordinary fellow students who undergo the same situation like me, will - I opined, choose to slept off the remaining work lying before him/her and search for a suitable excuses to the Professor the next day but in my own case. This orthodox notion is a big "NO' situation coz, things are completely different here:

1. The rudeness of the Professor,
2. My cherished dream's of becoming an IAS officer one day,
3. My father's high expectation on me coupled with the desire to score a reputable grade amongst my classmates specially 'the secret queen of my heart' Richika Kapoor.

makes a compulsion. Deep down inside me, a pitiable weak voice said 'you must complete it, in the best interest of; you, your Professor, your Dad & your Queen of heart', a deal..So, I make a deal myself - to complete the assignments in that very odd hour. But, seconds after the moment tears from my eyes fall down endlessly like tiny drops of rain from heaven, I dried up the lovely tears with a soft towel. The night runs into deep silence and I continued the work without any hesitation in the belief that it would bring me a few steps closer to my most cherished dream on earth: to be a Probationer at the prestigious, LAL BAHADUR SHASTRI ACADEMY (Mussorrie). [IAS training centre] before I meet my creator face to face in the Heavenly abode.

A host of times, my biological clock forces me to close my eyes, perhaps when it finds me too weak; my eyes appeared red as I glanced at the convex mirror pasted on the side wall used as the only looking glass which I once picked at the pedestal footpath of the Chandni Chowk traffic crossing near Old Delhi's railway station, famous for its hour long traffic jam. (I was only three weeks new to the national capital, when I found this Honda Civic side viewing glass - my most esteemed car). The tinge of pain in my eyes becomes unbearable but the vows that brought me thus far from the remotest part of the country (Zalengam/Kukiland) to the national capital forced me to go on, though the situation is a matter of great concern for the present modern day governance 'Democracy', a stiff violation of Human Rights,,,! 'a young teenager dismiss from his right to sleep, tortured by his Professor on account of overloaded work assignments', who according to the latest international medical governing body's (WHO) report requires a minimum 8 hours of daily sleep, which in my case that very night was totally nil, an alarmingly frightening true fact.

In the contrary, it is undeniable fact to overcome the stiff hurdles, chores and challenges of everyday life. Oftentimes, when the experiences encountered seems too cruel, quitting sounds to be the best available option instead of chasing the much awaited dream talked above; but, my Dad have a great pragmatic notions of competence in me and that nerves acted like a pole star leading me sail through the three consecutive years of the tough B Sc course. The golden rules He laid down for me act as an ornament of precious jewel paving the way to fight forward bravely i,e - 72 % in B Sc (the first fulfillment of my short term goal). In addition, the Almighty God bestowed me with the much sough British Higher Education Scholarship (BHES) under the aegis of the British Council amounting 18-20 K per year from 2003 till date. Again, I could crack the Combine Defence Services in the first virgin attempt making me eligible for both the Indian Military Academy (IMA) Dehradun & Officers Training Academy (OTA) Chennai, right after my graduation but I declined to join any of the early military services with the consent and acceptances given by my father and valued guidance from elders and well wishers with the sole purpose of achieving much greater feats in the coming days ~ Indian Administrative Service (IAS) or at the least, its allied services of Civil Services examinations conducted by UPSC.

The three mistakes of my life:

1. I had committed the 1st mistake of my life testing the bitterness of 'White Mischief' a brand Vodka in one of Delhi's Cannaught Place restaurant-cum-bar, as a sign of celebration for my success in the Combine Defence Services examination organized by a group of friends. There after, the same routine goes on everyday for about a week or so, Phuuii!! what a shameless & foolish guy..The boy who had never ever tasted any kind of narcotics, drugs & drinks suddenly turns out to be a trainer drinker. Where are those ~ vows, promises made now?... God's purposes in me, Parents wishes, my own ambitions - all runs apathy during this short period of stupefaction. The hopeful son now becomes a prodigal son, not knowing where he was heading for (but, the good God leaded me to the righteous path once again). Praised be to His Holy name in the highest, else I will be condemn eternally.                        
2.  In one corner, my secret queen of heart was not at all glad with my little achievement. Frankly speaking, she eyed me as a business tycoon like her father. So, she scheduled a mission and introduced me at Career Launcher Institute counseling (CAT coaching Institute). I really didn't wanted to include the love affairs with her as a mistake but t'was the greatest mistakes I had ever committed b'coz although she was always in a helping hand for me, 'the  decision of shifting my educational career' originates from her. To speak the truth; she was from a high class Punjabi Hindu family from Delhi with monthly family income of approx. over 20 million but I am from an orthodox Christian family with an annual family income of approx. 80 K only -/, that slowly makes our relationship sour. He he..this was not the exact reason we parted our ways but I would not be dishing out the details here. Any way she was my girlfriend once and her memories will never fade till I live in this restless earth.

The Road not taken:

The dream of becoming a Probationer at the Lal Bahadur Shastri Academy looks murky day by day and gradually ended tarnished after 3 years of stint in College with basic biological science theories and a multitude of practical studies - wanting me to follow the footsteps of my fellow batch mates. Where cent percent of them prepared for the much sough CAT exam, the only entry for the top most Business Schools in India ~ The Indian Institute of Management (IIM's). Graduating from the best university of the Country - my outlook towards the vast universe changes a lot 'though my basic instinct doesn't gave me  full consent over it', I plan to switch my career secretly and pumped a new ray of dream in my brain; the hope of becoming a business hunk with a huge six figure salary coupled with an ultra modern lifestyle. The temptation makes me stand in the crossroad & I was really confused which one to follow between the two ~ the commitments I made earlier, the wows, the mission I was sent for in Delhi University!! all stooped low giving me a thought provoking situation. So, I finally decided to focus my inclination towards the new one 'preparation for CAT exams' without the knowledge of my Dad in the pretext that I will let him know the reason for shifting my career decision when everything flows smoothly in the right path and direction. For me, that very last moment of my life becomes the very beginning of the end - I gave up dreaming about the single 'I' tagged  central government services of India (the 2nd mistake I had committed). Then, the real hunt for CAT begun; I am sure my Dad won't forgive me for this heinous crime, coz - to become CEO of a Multi National Corporation (MNC's) firm was not the purpose I was sent for in Delhi. Moreover, he is completely new to the corporate cubicle terms that makes the world a horrible place to lived in, for a good majority of the struggling middle class Indian developing economy.

The Path to Joka:

The screening result for CAT 2007 was declared in the 1st week of January and I managed to score 83.4 percentile, which was much below the average for fellow friends from mainland India, but being a beneficiary of Dr. Ambedkar's handy works in the framework of the Indian constitution, I got calls for the GDPI of three IIM's viz; Calcutta, Lucknow and Indore besides calls from the premier XLRI Jamshedpur, through XAT exams. The regular analysis to India's national newspaper; The Hindu, Economic Times, etc right from the start of my B Sc for Civil Services exam help enabled me clear the different stages or hurdles for the admission of the three top business schools of India ~ IIM Calcutta, IIM Lucknow and XLRI Jamshedpur.

I reached IIM Calcutta with little and just one 'skill' - of cracking the Delhi University exams through the 10 years question paper solving route. What does this mean? I crawled through the first term (1st trimester) to understand debit-credit, first chapter or two of Kotler for marketing etc, while the rest of the batch was running at the speed of a cheetah. At the end of the first term, my score card read 'D' against two of the easiest courses - marketing and problem/statistics. And I was already making my way to the top of the ranking list arranged in the reverse order! The journey was similarly traumatic despite my best efforts through the six ardous terms at IIM Calcutta. My best efforts got me a 'B' in my exams. By the end of the two years, I managed to beat about 170 people in the ranking list - ranked about 204 in a batch of 344 (23 drop out in 1st year itself).

So, what were the things I learn during my stay in IIM?

1. I learn a few fundamentals (or at least the jargon) in areas such as marketing, finance, strategy etc.
2. I learn that I was in a large crowd of hugely competitive and gifted peers. My best efforts saw me on top at the bottom. Anything less would have gotten me evicted!
3. To my relief, I did learn that I do have a skill or two that were valuable in my world view and that I had it in fair measure. Thankfully, I believed in my own insight.

To cut my long story short, my IIM experienced provided me with the knowledge that was relevant to appreciate management, business and a career in the corporate sector. Surely, it gave was necessary for one to get started. Above all, it did give me the stamp of being an IIM alumnus. Most of the world believes that an IIM alumnus cannot be an 'idiot'. If they come across one like 'ME', he/she is seen as an exception.

What more does one need to be successful or happy in life? As mentioned, the management knowledge and skills that a B-School provides are necessary for sure. However, it does not meet the criteria of sufficiency. There are a million or zillion things that are required to sail happily through one's life. A few of them that I could list here are:-

•  Self-belief - Quite sadly the education system globally is built on, a rather dubious scaffolding called 'Relative Grading'. This works against adding to the self-belief. And, not many in a competitive B-School have the innate ability to work around this institutional conspiracy. I guess this is considered too difficult or unimportant by the gurus in the B-School.
• Dreaming - It is considered an unthinkable part of the syllabus. Even after I graduated, I have not come across courses that allow youngsters to dream, to build fantasies of any kind, to imagine a world that they can build by not worrying about resources or limitations. Expediency, skills, 'realistic assessments' are put on a higher pedestal than dreaming.
• Cooperation versus Competition: Successes in life are built around the world called 'cooperation'. Unfortunately, this is a non existing and much loathed term in a B-School that is built on a competition deep inside his/her DNA. Beating others to a game is a much celebrated attribute (to be continued)...

"VOICES OF JHUMIAS OF NORTH-EAST INDIA"

Jhuming Field in remote hills of Manipur

By: Letthenlal Haokip

Agriculture related policies of most countries are highly biased towards irrigated lowlands in comparison to rain fed mountain farming. The mountain farmers are yet to harvest adequately the fruits of technological achievements and other institutional benefits available to their counterpart lowland farmers. Thus, it is imperative to have proper farm policy, which addresses the core issues of mountains for sustainable mountain farming and overall development of mountain farmers.

North-East India is comprised of seven states of Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland and Tripura. It lies between 21.57-29.30 (degree) N latitude and 89.49-97.30 (degree) E longitude and is bordered by Bhutan, Tibet (China), Myanmar and Bangladesh. The total area accounts for 2.60 lakh sq kms and has a population of 3.85 crores (2001 census), which accounts for 7.76 and 3.75 of the country's population. About 70% of the region is hilly and inhabited by over 100 ethnic tribal communities who practice shifting cultivation, known locally as jhuming. The region is ethnically, culturally and agro-climatically distinct from other parts of the country and the people are Tibeto-mongoloid origin. The tribal communities of Northeast India who practice jhuming for their livelihood are known as 'jhumia'.

Importance of Jhuming and the Region

'Jhum cultivation' is the chief system of mountain farming in the seven states of the Northeast India affecting about two-third area and is mainly responsible for the fast degrading environment of the north-eastern hill region. It is the main livelihood option and the most important socio-economic activity of more than a hundred tribal communities. The system is becoming unsustainable due to population pressure and lack of other livelihood options resulting in serious resource and environmental degradation with far reaching socio-economic environmental consequences. The region hosts one of the two 'biodiversity hotspots' of the country and some of the world's most endangered wildlife species are found only in this area of India. The deforestation of thousands of square kilometers of forestland every year due to jhumming in the region results in destruction of rich biodiversity and an increase of Carbon-dioxide concentration in the atmosphere (global warming).

Policy and Governance Issues in Jhuming

The following challenges and options are an important part of the policy and governance related issues in jhuming cultivation:

• Population growth: The population growth of N.E. India is always higher than that of the national average. The last decadal growth rate of the region (30.63) is 50% higher than the national average (21.34). This alarming increase in population is the root caused of un-sustainability of the jhum system. Because the population pressure on land decreases the jhum cycle leading to resourch degradation and low productivity, the system is ultimately rendered unsustainable.The reasons for high population growth in the region may be attributed mainly to lack of awareness on family planning and socio-religious beliefs. Hence, change in attitude of jhumia tribes is necessary to control population growth.
• Land tenure system: Most lands in the north-east hill regions belong to either the chiefs or the community, and as such, there is no individual ownership system. Jhumias have no legal right over their piece of land and pay land taxes in most cases. This inequitable land ownership pattern is responsible for undeveloped jhum lands in exchange for better productive activities on a long term basis. A balanced land reformed policy for equitable ownership right within the tribal community, while safe guarding tribal land from outside community is required.
• Rural infrastructure: Absence of proper transport and marketing system in the north-east hill regions restrict livelihood options to jhum cultivation.
• Roads: An all weathered road and effective marketing system is essential for diversified income generating activities. Otherwise, all market-oriented produces of jhumias will become a waste. Construction and maintenance of all state roads may be given to reputed organizations like BRO/BRTF and the creation of a marketing network including co-operatives is essential for the overall development of jhumias.
• Project implementation: There are many projects of both central and state control jhum cultivation with well-planned objectives and large budgets. However, there is little visible impact in field conditions of jhumias. This may be mainly attributed to ineffective implementing of machinery at all levels. The central government also grants many development and poverty alleviation schemes through state governments, but appears not to be serious enough for effective implementation and monitoring of the same. Proper selection of persons to head the projects and regular monitoring by an independent central agency is necessary for proper implementation of schemes.
• Research and Extension: Despite the presence of two Agricultural universities and ICAR Research Complex for the north-east Hill Region, there is insufficient research for the poor jhumias. The 'LUM technology' developed by ICAR for the north-east hill region has not been adopted by any jhumia, which may be due to unaffordable input components of the technology knowledge and the land tenure system. In order to rectify this research gap, all agricultural research institutions should give more emphasis on more difficult areas of rain fed uplands. In addition, scientist should base their research on indigenous technology knowledge (ITK) to make it simple, economic and adoptable by tribal farmers. There is poor data concerning jhum and available date on basis of information from various sources vary and are unreliable. Therefore, it is necessary to have a 'Shifting Cultivation Research Institute' to undertake research and survey on all aspects of jhuming.
• Diversified livelihood options: Lack of diversified options and employment opportunities is an important factor for increasing population pressure on jhum cultivation and its un-sustainability. Diversified on agriculture and other income generating activities are possible alternative employment options for tribal jhumias.
• Government support: There is lack of proper government support for the jhumias and the following provisions are essential to improve their socio-economic condition: limited grant for land development-terracing, irrigation, subsidies on inputs like seed and fertilizers, special provision for long-term soft loans without security mortgage and price support-adequate pricing of jhum produces.
• Attitudinal change of jhumias: Change in the attitude of jhumias is necessary for controlling population growth. THis includes family planning and socio-religious beliefs. Moreover, land reform in order to ensure equitable ownership right needs to be organized within the community. Finally, food habits must change in order to reduce over-dependence on rice as a staple and less nutrient demanding carbo-rich crops.
• Networking - Information and Technology: There is a very poor system of communication in the region. Development of networking with other areas/countries is essential to share the information and technology on shifting cultivation. This is important for policy planning and updating research and development strategies.
• Development for peace: Most of north-east India, except for a few pockets is infested with insurgency that has penetrated into the political and governance system to some extent. It is importanct to realize that underdevelopment and poverty, which results in feelings of alienation/neglect among the youths, is the root cause of this insurgency. It disturbs peace and security with adverse effect on development and poverty before taking up other security measures like counter-insurgency, keeping in view its strategic location.

Conclusion

There is an urgent need for policy exclusively for 'jhum cultivation' and jhumias of north-east India, which should focus on the following:

•  Emphasis on "sustainable jhum system" and to achieve this:  (1) 'improving jhuming' for more economically and ecologically viable system based on indigenous technology knowledge (ITK) (2).'reduce population pressure' through diversified livelihood options and population control measures, and (3) address other economic and socio-political issues related to jhuming and jhumias.
• Involvement of jhumias in all policy planning, implementation and monitorint, etc;
• Sensitization of policy makers and planners, especially political leadership regarding importance of jhuming and its serious socio-economic and environmental implication in a democratic political system;
• Strong political will, efficient government system and receptive jhumias are essential for the success of a jhum policy. However, this is the biggest challenge which is seriously lacking in this region with political instability, unlike the more developed hill states of Himachal Pradesh and Uttaranchal.

About the Author

Letthenlal Haokip holds a Post Graduate Diploma in Management degree with specialization in ENTREPRENEURSHIP and hails from Manipur state in North-East India.

A Retrospection of my years in Delhi University

I am not a vivid writer, nor the author of any popular books; so far, my write ups and literary pieces had reached only as far as my laptop, most not making it beyond the garbage can, and if I was destined to be a successful author, I was sure it would be possible only in some parallel universe where standards of literary talent were turned on their head (Author)...

First Day in College:

17th  July 2003, the second day of College for Delhi University's 2003-2004 session was the first day for me; from childhood, I had been sticking to my own habit of not attending classes at the very first day, each time I got promoted to the next hierarchy of British system of education that India followed. And being a victim of the Kuki-Naga conflict (1992-1995), the ill feelings towards the Nagas especially the Tangkhul's still persist in my mind & I never let it go away because they 're the one responsible for the direct downfall of my forefathers' wealth & legacy, that had been carried on from ages through generations to generations. So, my story would have been totally different ~ if the enmity between the two communities doesn't arise at all, in the hill districts of Manipur. I know, my cruel idea was against the ethics & principles of the Holy Bible that my Mom strictly adheres to; for the numerous teachings, prayers & sacrifices she made for my upbringing as a good Christian.

The final selected hostelers list for Kirori Mal College, Delhi University was yet to come on the College hostel bulletin, although I got admission for the 1st year Bachelor of Science, B Sc (H) Botany. In the admission brochure, the 1st day of College for the whole DU's affiliated Colleges is indicated in red bol letters as "16th July 2003". My temporary address reads: A-40 1st Floor, Christian Colony, Patel Chest, Delhi University Campus-110 007; seems like a very attractive address for a nominal Christian - who had never ever have the chance to visit Delhi University in his/her lifetime (just because it bears the prefix Christian in a perfectly Hindu dominating Indian Capital); the address, I too longed to beckon once, before - I was unaware of its whereabouts. But, truthfully speaking I would rather prefer Punjabi Bagh or Ram Colony over it, now !! if given the option to choose them after having much aquaintances with their topographical sketches.

Although, I didn't attend the first day of College, a huge knowledge about the College pour in from the websites, prospectus and senior friends. The knowledge that 'Amitabh Bachan' a bolly wood blockbuster and a good number of Politicians in the present central UPA government were the alumni of this College gave me great tidings of joy. This prepared me ready for the 1st day of College with great hopes in my mind; it was Tuesday morning straight from hell. As I lifted the thin blanket off my head gingerly, the bright red letters of the digital clock provided the only light in the room. The blurred letters resolved themselves when I touch my eyelids; the time reads 6:49 AM, my first thought was I would need to shave. My stubble was almost three days old, not having felt a razor since Friday evening (I was attending YWAM's friday fellowship in Hudson Lines near DU campus, the night when i last shaved & skipped Kuki Worship Service the following sunday, and in exchange went to the great second hand market called Sunday market/chori bazar near Red Fort/Lal Quila). Years ago, under the misguided advice of friend in school that girls liked guys with beards, I had briefly nurtured the ambition of growing one myself, but those were shelved when I realized that even when my follicles did their best, the sprouting that resulted did not resemble a beard even remotely.

I hired an auto rickshaw from Patel Chest Hospital junction and headed towards the College to reach in time & jumped down from the rickshaw after disputing over 3 minutes with the rickshaw puller for the fare, in fact that was the very first time my broken hindi finds its appearance in public debate: So, the courage I posses arguing with him so long was praiseworthy (recollecting those past memories, I now could boldly proclaim that the rickshaw puller didn't got a single correct hindi word from me). May be t'was the only reason the dispute was won by me. I showed my admission slip to the gate keeper and enter the College to attend my first class, I was late for about 15 minutes coz my Chinese digital watch's degrading battery makes the faulty. It was organic Chemistry's practical class and I was wandering, looking for the exact room where B Sc (H) Botany 1st year Chemistry practical was held but ~ amongst the ten or so identical buildings each with an added storey similar in design and structures, some one really needed to help me out.. So, I approached a giant figured guy whom I formerly supposed to be the watchdog of the College security matters like those seen in pub/disco halls in cities..:-p, but in my astonishment he too was a student of the same College, B Com Pass 1st year and was his second day in College, only a day senior to me. So, he knew nothing about the classrooms and the various departments; seems like ~ he himself was also looking for the particular room were Book Keeping classes of B Com Pass 1st year was going on. I again went straight towards the aqua-guard water filters where many throng together hoping that someone could guide me to the Chemistry practical room for sure; hmm, I could sense the presence of 3 Mongoloid faceted boys in the far corner of the other block from amongst a multitude of central Indian breeds.

As I try to continue my 2nd approach to the Bihari guy standing in front of me, out of expectation - a guy with a Chinese looks touch my solders calmly, saying!! Hi..I am Peter Tangkhul from Ukhrul, Manipur B Sc (H) Botany final year, a hosteler; " May I know your good name and in which Dept you got enrolled to"??. The first thought that struck me when he said he belonged to the Tangkhul tribe was ~ Goddamit! You frigging Klutz!!. Why the good God allowed the blood thirsty Nagas that butchered my near and dear ones at the Joupi massacre to excel well in studies at this highly priced institution and that too, the subject's I am to struggle for the next three complete years. As I felt uncomfortable with the mentioned of the word 'tangkhul', my manner unknowingly goes awkward within seconds, guess; he recognized something was wrong with me but I replied his question after a short gap.."I am Lalboi Haokip from Churachandpur, Manipur, B Sc (H) Botany, a fresher looking for Organic Chemistry's practical room". On hearing my li'l introduction, he quickly guided me to the Chemistry Dept. and warned me about the strictness of that very concern Professor-giving me his own hostel room number plus mobile number. The sympathy he showed me continued to dwelt deep down inside me until I step in, into the room to join my fellow classmates for the first time. Since, I was late for about twenty minutes by the time; roll call for the particular class was over. The Professor was busy lecturing the basics of Organic Chemistry using the giant black cemented board on the wall and after thirty minutes of non-stop lecture; apparatus, lockers, test tubes, cones, etc needed for the whole 1st year Chemistry practical class was distributed to us.

I must be honest to admit my mischievous deeds^ right from the moment my left foot touch the practical room's floor, I was preoccupied with a nonchalant mood of choosing the most beautiful lad in the class, rolling my head from one corner to the other corner of the room, trying my best to locate the cool dudes within the shortest possible time..:-p. & concluded the task by selecting a fair lean stature lad whose name happens to be Richika Kapoor, a business man's daughter whose father an Alumni of SRCC, DU & IIM Ahmedabad. (I got this valuable inf. after consulting shyly to one of my classmates during the class itself), the other two Priyanka Khanduri, a Kashmiri Politician's daughter who holds Jammu & Kashmir, Home plus Finance and Shaiya, a Manipuri girl brought up in Delhi where his father, a Professor at the prestigious Indian Agriculture Research Institute (IARI), Delhi works: the 1st, 1st runners & 2nd runners up respectively* as if I was given the supreme authority to select the best lad of the class.

The actual practical class went well, with each one determined with the zeal to get the best chemical reactions after three months of complete rest, post class-12 examination and in the course of the hectic practical class where all got saturated in his/her own work; a chubby friend with thick bearded face, probably hailing from the neighboring Punjab or Haryana state, standing at the middle of the 2nd row next to me, did a big mistake in his experiment by over adding "Hydrogen Sulphide" in the boiler, producing a huge dark smoke with unpleasant odor, which was indeed inhaled by my most valued girl in the class making her dizzy and unconscious, but she tried her best to act normally. I knew in advance that her head will hit the hard concrete cemented floor if not handled tight at the earliest time but still doesn't gain the courage to do so: I began to concentrated more on her than my practical work by then..within few seconds - like the sudden strike of lightning! she stooped low, so, I embraced her tight and save her from falling further; in the process touch her extremely soft and delicate tissue "her breast". I was so nervous at the first instance thinking my action was too stupid: for the very first class of my day in college, the very first touch I ever had in the highly restricted area of the opposite sex, to the one and only lady I admired in the class but many of my classmates including the Professor himself praised me for my timely action.

The victimized lady was taken to the Delhi University's health centre "WURTZ HOSPITAL" and was never seen again that day. The following day, she greeted me with big praise thanking me thrice for the Samaritan work. That very incident makes our relationship perfectly close with the passage of time and finally bloom into a serious love affairs. I considered myself the luckiest guy in the whole universe and a great many of boys in the College envy me for my beau. It somehow built up my personality to the highest level coz she is the central of attraction for the whole college and just a short glance at her figure gives you the blueprint of the latest outfit available in the nearest selected showrooms of the capital. Needless to say, she was brought up from the best school of the country Delhi Public School, RK Puram with Cl-X (92) % & Cl-X11 (96.5) % under CBSE and Peter Tangkhul, a senior friend from, Ukhrul, Manipur, moulded me academically by spoon feeding the grass root necessities and the various steps required for achieving a perfect grade in my subject that I was striving, for the whole three years, 72 % only was my final score in my B Sc and the reason behind my good grades could be fully attributed to the God sent brother Peter Tangkhul for me, who himself was the College as well as DU's topper in Botany both in B Sc & M Sc. [He is an Indian Forest Service (IFS) officer posted in Uttaranchal) now].

Thus, the most beautiful lady of the College finally became my girlfriend and the guy I misjudged as my enemy earlier, rather turns out to be the only person that guides me to strive forward towards the  mission I was sent for in Delhi. So, I thanked the Almighty father for providing me a pretty lovely girlfriend but asked Him to forgive me about my wicked and ill feelings towards the Tangkhul Nagas in general and to my senior Peter Tangkhul in particular.

~ THE END ~

Recording Secretaries of X-Mass, 2011 (K.Salbung E.C.A. Church).

LETTHENLAL HAOKIP & NENGNEIVAH HAOKIP

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