Benisha R Jishing, BA, 5th Semester, Political Science Hons, Vice President, Tetso Motorcycle Club
“If you're going to go out, go out in a blaze of glory.”
- Guy Martin, Guy Martin: My Autobiography
Much has been written about Tetso Motorcycle Club (TMC) on various forums, there is nothing new that I want to say however, I feel as a present Vice President of this club I too should write something and what could be a forum to express my thoughts better than the “Degree of Thought” which in itself has scaled the heights of success in educating and enlightening the masses.
TMC started as a carefully planned Project. Dr Aniruddha Babar, my close friend, mentor and professor founded this club and appointed the first President, Vice President and Secretary General. The journey was challenging. The idea of forming a Motorcycle Club in an education institution was in itself a 'blasphemous' idea for so many people considering the evil aura around the concept of 'Motorcycle club'. The idea was opposed by many from the students, parents, and teaching community; thinking encouraging such kind of activity will drag the students into a 'Hell Hole' by distracting them from studies. As the project was taking its shape our founder faced many challenges, however he went all the way to get the project sanctioned from the visionary management of Tetso College. Our management understood the vision of the initiative, and gave the necessary support to this epic endeavor.
Once the Club was founded, the question came about the membership and it was decided that the membership should be kept open to all, including non-riders as well. We do not have any requirement as to the compulsory ownership of two-wheeler (though, making sure that 70% of the members own two-wheeler). We also decided to keep the post of Vice President permanently reserved for a woman candidate. This is the first club in Tetso College that outgrown the institution. Now, TMC is an identity respected and recognized at Pan India level. This is all made possible because of the work that we have done and the support - from our Management and the well-wishers from Nagaland and different parts of the country.
TMC does not encourage meaningless riding. The first question that we ask ourselves before setting up for every riding expedition is, "Why do we want to ride and what's the purpose?” TMC has been heavily involved in social initiatives. Right from tackling COVID-19 to voicing for the rights of people, exploring new lands & cultures, connecting people-contributing to national integration and through which a nation building process- we are at the service of the people, service of the nation. TMC has also been felicitated by the Indian Army. We are also appreciated by many other government agencies and civil society organizations. We have close association with the Indian Army because of the common bonding of Adventure, sense of belongingness to the nation and common zeal & 'Josh' to serve our India in whatever little capacity that we can. The Indian Army bestowed a great honour upon TMC by permitting and granting us an opportunity to receive and escort the Army Riders from Army Medical Corps who recently visited Nagaland-as a part of their Expedition, to their destination at the Army Base in Rangapahar, Dimapur. It was a lifetime moment to witness TMC and AMC (Army Medical Corps) riding together “Wheel-to-Wheel”-an ideal example of how civilians and the forces can join hands together to achieve common goals- the adventure, brotherhood, peace and glory.
I feel proud of what I see happening in TMC. We made sure that no evil of tribalism exists in TMC. Even in our Tetso College, Tribal unions are banned. Our college management teaches us to come together as humans and as fellow countrymen and citizens. TMC too has developed a similar culture where human character is recognized not religion or tribe. TMC is very fortunate to have visionary leaders like Kimiyeka G Yepthomi, Abeni Kikon, Zaremo Kithan, Vikibe Tsakhalu, Vin K, Imsuwati Longkumer and now Tongpokjang Lonchari, Imsujungba Longkumer, who have been secular in thoughts, liberal in action, thoughtful in execution with mind-free from any idea of tribalism or narrow mindedness.
TMC is a social movement. We are together for a purpose and to reach our objectives and goals we have taken initiatives and developed certain projects - one of them is Project Discovery - under which TMC riders will visit various villages in Nagaland to study culture and understand their world and problems. A recent expedition to Mokokchung District under the Project was a success. Another project, "Project- Naya Bharat, Nayee Khoj (New India, New Discovery)” to visit different states and remote regions in India, learn culture and discover the commonalities and appreciate differences, is under final stage of development
Here, I also want to state that TMC does not receive funding from any politician nor will ever receive a single paisa from political parties, politicians or politically inclined individuals, tribal leaders or religious organizations in Nagaland or from outside. We are absolutely apolitical and secular and our founder has strict views on the funding which TMC have been following since inception to keep itself pure and free from any politics, nepotism, favoritism and corruption. We fortified our organization in such a way that it will be somewhat self-sufficient and will remain free from aforesaid influences.
The TMC has given me a platform to proudly contribute to the nation building process. Next year, I will be retiring and becoming a member of the Advisory Board, a new Vice President will come in my place. Our Founder and former leaders used to say: "People will come and go, but organization must survive and live, because this is an asset of the people and we are simply the trustees & custodians.” TMC is a social asset belonging to everyone who believes in the ideals of 'oneness' and 'unity.” We ride with a message. Engine of the TMC will never be silent, there will always be someone who will keep igniting the fire.
Degree of Thought is a weekly community column initiated by Tetso College in partnership with The Morung Express. Degree of Thought will delve into the social, cultural, political and educational issues around us. The views expressed here do not reflect the opinion of the institution. Tetso College is a NAAC Accredited UGC recognised Commerce and Arts College. The editors are Dr Hewasa Lorin, Dr Aniruddha Babar, Khangpuiliu Pamei, Rinsit Sareo, Meren and Kvulo Lorin. For feedback or comments please email: dot@tetsocollege.org.
