SHILLONG/UKHRUL, OCT 23: The pain of home remains an unspoken presence, reminding us that celebration is not necessarily an act of forgetting, but one of remembrance; at other times, it is a quiet declaration that, despite adversity, a people will continue to hold on to who they are.
The Tangkhul Katamnao Long Shillong (TKLS) marked its 61st Ithot Phanit, a youth festival celebrating the coming together of generations through shared culture, learning and sports, over five days, on October 16th to 17th- the literary and cultural events, and 19th -21st, the sports events, bringing together young people to participate, showcase their talents and strengthen their bonds as a community. Alongside the celebrations, the official launch of the Zungphun Online Tangkhul Library on October 16 and silent vigils held throughout the festival, culminating in a closing candlelight vigil, underscored the community’s commitment to cultural preservation and solidarity amid the ongoing conflict in Manipur.
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A significant highlight was the inauguration of the Zungphun Online Tangkhul Library in the presence of the Zungphun Committee and representatives of the Tangkhul Katamnao Saklong (TKS), the apex body of Tangkhul Students’ Unions. Qr. John Somi R. Khathing (Masowo), retired Chief Commissioner of Customs and Central Excise, North East Region, Government of India, and former President of the Staff Selection Commission Interview Board, North East Region, inaugurated the platform through a ribbon-cutting ceremony. Rev. Rammayon Jajo, Pastor of Tangkhul Baptist Church Shillong (TBCS), offered the inaugural blessing.
Speaking on behalf of the Zungphun Committee, its Convener, Mr Themreingam Pheiray, explained that Zungphun originated from a collective vision to establish a physical Tangkhul library that would serve a purpose beyond housing books. Envisioned as a resource centre, the proposed library would support community members, particularly those preparing for competitive examinations, by providing access to knowledge and learning resources.
Although the physical library remains in the planning stage, the collaboration between TKLS and TKS has enabled the establishment of its digital counterpart. The launch marks an important step towards making Tangkhul knowledge and heritage more accessible, while keeping alive the committee’s original vision of a dedicated physical space. Pheiray expressed hope that this vision would eventually be realised.
Conceived as an open-access repository of Tangkhul knowledge, heritage and collective memory, Zungphun seeks to contribute to the preservation of cultural knowledge for present and future generations, making the community’s intellectual and cultural resources more accessible beyond geographical boundaries.
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Yet, Ithot Phanit 2026 was not defined by celebration alone. The silent vigils and closing candlelight vigil reflected the community’s remembrance of those affected by the ongoing conflict in Manipur and its solidarity with people enduring uncertainty and loss.
Between the joy of gathering and the weight of remembrance, the festival reaffirmed that cultural identity and compassion need not stand apart. Through youth participation, heritage preservation and collective solidarity, TKLS demonstrated that even in difficult times, a community can continue to nurture hope while remaining connected to home.
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