Thadou student community of Bengaluru unite under TSA-B in Namma Bengaluru

26 August 2013

It is almost a year since the now infamous exodus of the people of the North East from Bangalore last August following sinister SMSs and rumours. The exodus taught many lessons to the state government, to the general public and to the students of the North East. Following this development, a few students had realized the need for unity and cooperation among themselves to face any contingency and ensure their own protection.

A positive development of such thinking has now led to the setting up of Thadou Students' Association, Bengaluru (TSA-B) an association of students of Thadou tribe in Bangalore. Thadous are the single largest tribe in Manipur and they belong to one of the Kuki tribes. The association was founded on June 29, 2013 at K K Halli, Bangaluru.

The oath taking ceremony of the executive members of TSA-B for 2013-15 was held on August 3, 2013 at Tripti Party Hall, HRBR Layout, located near Kammanahalli. Those who took oath included newly elected office bearers - Michael Haokip, President, Haolenlal Haokip, General Secretary and Jack as the Finance Secretary. Pastor Hemminlun Khongsai who was the Program Minister during the oath taking function blessed the occasion and held prayers. Tonglen Thadou, Speaker TSA-GHQ (Manipur) and Miss Neinou Kipgen were the Functional President and Special Guests.

Speaking to Enarada.com President Michael Haokip pointed out 'TSA-B has been founded with the singular object of giving representation to the Thadou student community in the state of Karnataka and to protect and promote the interest of the students of the community. This organization would strive for planning and providing educational help for the students in addition to highlighting the rich cultural heritage of Thadou community'.

In addition to this TSA-B also wants to provide help to newer students coming to Bengaluru by providing them accommodation for a month and also to provide financial assistance in case any of the students is hospitalized. It is estimated that there are approximately 150-200 students in Bangalore and the strength of TSA members is expected to be 1000-1500 approximately. A few students of the community are in other districts of the state like in Mysore, Mangalore, Hubli, Bellary and Udupi.

The organization says it would encourage the students of the Thadou community in Bengaluru to become members of TSA-B so that the student community can be a cohesive force and can help students whenever the need arises. TSA-B has three major programmes for the calendar year. It plans to observe Talent/Foundation Day on June 29, every year to mark the day.

There will be annual sports meet for the students of the community in November every year. There will also be an Interactive/Fresher's Day in the month of August every year when new students join various educational institutions in the state. 'These annual events would encourage our community student to bond well and would spread a feeling of bonhomie among the students especially when they are away from their homes', says President Michael Haokip.

ENARADA, Bangalore, August 24, 2013:
By C D SOUZA