Nehemiah Rong
In the humble evening of last day of the month of February 2006, five persons from the Taphou Phyamai living in the precinct of Mt. Everest College Senapati stood up to give up taking any intoxicants mainly tobaccos products. Those five guys are Ph. Caiphas, H.Hriinii, Kh. Chopoulou, S. Hriikheo and R.R.Veishole. As such a small informal meet was held where there was a delightful testimonial sharing time from them and also from the well-wishers and also prayers were offered along with a hearty dinner party. Five lecturers and students from the mentioned college also were present in the evening party.
A man behind motivating these people to come out from such bad habits of taking tobaccos products is none other than Ng.Adam, Director, Poumai Theological Association.
Mention may be made here that Senapati town having thickly populated since recently is witnessing sudden upsurge of many drugs users, alcoholics, etc. The efforts are tirelessly being given by the Women Organization particularly SKAWA and others, also lately the state law enforcing agency Manipur Police is also taking up action by nabbing the drunkards every day and producing before the District Magistrate and releasing them on bail after signing the bond.
As such an hour where many people are going from bad to worse and in spite of the efforts given by parents, civil societies, state agencies et al it is challenging to hear such act of gesture and commitment from these five men from Taphou Phyamai. Not so surprising to see their faces glowing once again.
“It fails, even if many a time we promise to stop taking intoxicants (without referring to anything particular). Committed but failed again. Trying to give up but cannot give up. So this time we do the public confession so that people will help us to give up the habits of taking tobacco and abstain from it altogether for once and for all. Now the people will be the witnesses and I think we will feel shy to take (tobacco) again.” Says Mr.Caiphas.
To change a society, one need to change oneself first, is a common notion that is so true. Today most of the youths tread the road (taking drugs, intoxicants and liquor etc.) that may lead to nowhere but these five men choose to travel a path that surely will lead to a better destiny. Choosing to change themselves and stand to campaign for anti-tobacco, surely their lives can bring positive changes in their lives, family, and circle of friends; locality and who knows may be also in the society at large. The story of these five men will wind up from here as of now but their timeliness commitment to their stand will be a timeless challenge to the people around them. “Congrats!!! Guys and wish you strength and courage to live up to your commitment.”
