Profiling Gaikhangam, the man, on TSE's 14th foundation day
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, September 10 2013: Manipur's Moreh is like a beautiful flower adorning a pretty maiden, and the border township has started attracting attention of different countries, remarked Deputy Chief Minister Gaikhangam while calling upon all the indigenous people of the State not to make themselves refugees and beggars in their own native State.

Gaikhangam is the youngest of four daughters and four sons born to Khangsillung and Lansillung.

He was born on November 12, 1950 at Gaidimjang, Khoupum.

Gaikhangam together with his mother adopted Christianity when he was 12 years old.

They were the latest among their family members to adopt Christianity.

Gaikhangam's father Khangsillung was then an educated and respected man in society.

He was also a member of the Special Hills Bench.

He served in the Japanese Army in the capacity of an Inspector during the Second World War.

Khangsillung was a pioneer in opening bank account when people had very little knowledge about banking.

Gaikhangam

Khangsillung was shot dead by some armed persons on July 23, 1956 when Gaikhangam was just six years old, said the Deputy Chief Minister in an exclusive chat with The Sangai Express on the occasion of its 14th foundation day.

After Khangsillung was shot dead, around 25 to 30 armed persons attacked their house one night firing incessantly from 10 pm till 5 am of the next day with an intention to eliminate the entire family, recalled Gaikhangam now 63 years old.

Gaikhangam married Adiliu Gangmei when he was 23 years old.

Talking about formal education, Gaikhangam said that he studied up to Class VII at the junior school set up by his father.

When he was promoted to Class VIII, Gaikhangam was admitted at Basic School of DM College.

After passing class IX and X from Bengali High School, Gaikhangam studied up to BA in DM College.

Gaikhangam recalled that he grew up as a student leader and there were many memorable moments and events during his college days.

Since childhood, Gaikhangam was determined to dedicate his life to social service and he went for formal education only to earn the necessary experience.

As such, he bunked class on many occasions and his friends were taken by surprise when he cleared the college exams despite staying away from class.

Gaikhangam is now a father of four sons and two daughters.

After eloping Adiliu Gangmei, Gaikhangam went to his would be in-laws together with elders of his neighbourhood to inform about the elopement.

On seeing Gaikhangam, his would be in-laws attacked him by hurling a kettle to him because they thought he was too arrogant, he recalled.

He was also the founder president of the All tribal Students' Union Manipur and he joined electoral politics when he was 28 years old but his mother was not supportive to his idea.

It was in 1977 when his mother was critically ill and lying on bed when Gaikha-ngam kneeled, took his mother's hand over his head and asked for blessing.

At this, the ailing mother blessed Gaikhangam to go for a political career he so much desired.

Three years later, Gaikhangam was elected to the Manipur Legislative Assembly for the first time.

Till date, Gaikhangam had contested the Assembly elections eight times and he was victorious on six occasions.

In the meantime, Gaikha-ngam had held different posts within the Government as well as within Congress party.

He is currently MPCC (I) president.

On being asked about his most joyous moments in his long political career, Gaikha-ngam said that every moment of working is a moment of joy.

"Lessons learnt when I failed at something are the moments I cherish and I learnt an unforgettable lesson when my father was murdered", he added.

To another question, Gaikhangam stated that he himself would not suggest political career for his sons and daughters.

"One's career should be decided by oneself.

Yet, I would not object if they choose political career for themselves", the Deputy Chief Minister said.

Without perseverance and dedication, one cannot reach the pinnacle of political career, Gaikhangam asserted.

On being asked how he manages his multiple duties of being MPCC president, Deputy Chief Minister, Home Minister and Minister in-charge of some other departments, Gaikhangam said that he somehow manages to fulfil all his duties.

"I have already expressed my desire to give up the post of MPCC(I) president", he reminded.

He sleeps for only four hours in a day while for the rest of the day he engages himself to fulfil his duties and responsibilities, Gaikhangam confided.

On being questioned about internal wranglings and voices of dissent heard during election time when intending candidates were not given Congress tickets, Gaikhangam said that he felt a mixed sense of woes and happiness.

Despite his busy schedule, Gaikhangam goes for jogging every morning and does physical exercise in gym.

Vegetables, fish and chicken are main components of his daily diet and he has given up red meat.

On being asked how he sees Manipur as a politician, the Deputy Chief Minister remarked that the ancestors were right in calling Manipur a Sana Leibak (golden land).

"I can envision a bright future of Manipur", he added.

People living in both the hills and valley should identify Manipur as theirs and no one would like to pillage or destroy something which they identify as their own.

When Manipur was under monarchy and when the king used to call village chiefs for a joint feast and present them gifts once a year, Manipur was peaceful.

It is time for all communities to shed parochial outlook, asserted the Deputy Chief Minister.

Now the Government of India has started paying attention to border areas, though it is a little late and different countries have set their eyes on Moreh.

Given such a scenario, all the people should be well prepared not to reduce themselves to the status of beggars and refugees in their native State.

"My Manipur, our Manipur, let us build it collectively", Gaikhangam called out.