Ao Temjen Maken
To me Abazumba was more like a grandpa rather than an uncle and he always treated me as one. I guess it was because he brought up Apao and made a man of him (though some might disagree). Aba was always showering us with love and gifts and though at times he acted very stern, we always knew it would not last. Especially when Attar Mina and Tao Pricilla always sided with us kids The most memorable times we had was when Abazumba Ben , Atta Nima and, Atao Pormilla settled down in Shillong for a while . Those were the days when a person was in a perpetual state of homesickness. Their being there in Shillong to take us on outings was Godsend. I even got to celebrate my birthday once with presents cakes and all. What a wonderful day it was.
I was always intimidated to enter their house because; I had never seen a more beautiful home in reality. I felt that these kinds of homes existed only in the movies. The house was full of love, filled with an air of welcome, as if anybody, whosoever he may be, would be welcomed like a guest of honor. I will always remember their stay in Shillong with the fondest of memories.
Though I cannot recall the details, I was chosen to be the pageboy at Atao Naros (Aba Bens eldest daughter) wedding. The only thing I can recall is that I think it was the first time; I ever wore a three-piece suit and a bow tie. I hope one day to see the pictures of the wedding with Abazumba Ben and his family.
Unfortunately, the twists and turns of life are such that I was never able to meet Abazumba Ben until he came back to the land of his forefathers for his final rest. The one incident that is etched in my mind in all the years we could not physically meet occurred in the later part of the nineteen nineties. I was incarcerated as a political prisoner by the Indian government in Naini central Jail, Allahabad from the year 1996 to1997. The conditions there were horrible and we were imprisoned in solitary confinement. One of the things that kept me sane was the books that Aba Ben sent me. These books on spirituality kept my hopes up spiritually and strengthened my will to survive through these tribulations. Abazumba also wrote letters encouraging me, telling me that even if it felt like everyone seemed to have forgotten and disowned you, God is always by our side. That whatever hardships I may be passing through I should be strong; that this was just a test and that I would emerge stronger in spite of the suffering.
Many well-wishers have praised and written in detail about the life and achievements of Dr.I.Ben Wati and I do not wish to add some more platitudes, which is already a long list. Instead, I just wanted to share my personal experiences with him. What I want Abazumba to be cherished for, his zest for life and his love for his family. Atao Naro and Atao Promilla you have been most fortunate, to have been a part of such an extraordinary life. Moreover, I in my small part am grateful to have shared a part of it and to have been touched by it.
Fare thee well and may the story of your lives touch every Naga who hear of it.
Kuknalim
