Gangtes gets ready for Limca Book of World Records

Chiengkonpang (Churachandpur), December 15:

Determined to find a place in the Limca Book of World Records, the Gangte community have geared up for the amazing feat of creating a world record in Mass Reading of Gangte Holy Bible tomorrow. For a small community like the Gangtes, with a population of 15,100 as per 2001 census, attempting a world record is a challenging option as well as an uphill task. ‘But the spirit that lead us on for 2000 years of Gangte history will make us the ‘impossible’ possible’, said an excited Raymond Gangte, editor of Huihchim – a monthly magazine in Gangte language.

The Gangte tribe, settling in the North Eastern region of India, with Manipur as the highest concentration, have the distinction of setting legendry world records, such as ‘meizap’ (swimming in the cloud), ‘heicha tawhmawl’ (blunting the axe on foot), ‘chakdo’, ‘saipi khenlum’ (killing of wild elephant with knotted cloth), etc.

Braving the cold wintry breeze, Gangtes of all hues have thronged Chiengkonpang, the biggest Gangte locality in Manipur since the past few days for the historic Gangte Gospel Centenary celebration. This once in hundred years occasion have made the people of Gangte community to join the centenary celebration in large number. If the attendance of the past two days is of any indication, then there is a high possibility of creating a world record, ultimately.

Convinced by the rare opportunity of celebrating the Gospel centenary, the Gangte diasporas, who are living outside the state and abroad have donated a sum of Rs 2 lakh for arrangement of ‘mass feast’ tomorrow. The feast will be served to all participants who have joined the celebration as a marked of thanks-giving to the Almighty who have guided the Gangte people thus far.

Arrangement for the mass reading of Gangte Holy Bible is completed, leaving no stone unturned, said Rev K Mawia, Secretary of Gangte Gospel Centenary Committee. The multitude of congregation will read the whole book of Romans, in the presence of LM Haokip, IPS, Supt of Police, Churachandpur and Maniram Sharma, IAS, Assistant Commissioner, Churachandpur as ‘observers’ with host of media persons as witness.

‘The day I knew that Limca Book of Records is to be attempted, the die has been cast for me by booking flight ticket from Delhi to Imphal’, conveyed Loon Gangte, social worker based in Delhi, who is one amongst the thousands determined for setting records. The record aiming event is set to roll at 1:00pm on the last day of the celebration that falls on December 16.

As one walks inside the centenary campus crossing the traditionally-architect ‘centenary gate’, the ambience of the spirit of oneness and the joy of celebrating the gospel is in the air. The never-cold-like winter of Manipur fails to play spoilsport, as an unexpected number of people thronged the centenary hall each day. With the d-day of creating another chapter of world records is on the offing, the atmosphere is surcharge with hopes and determination. Hoping against hope, the house has been set in right order waiting to find a place in the Limca Book of World Records!