"Against All Odds", autobiography of Haojakam Chongloi unveiled
Source: Chronicle News Service

Kangpokpi, October 15 2021: An autobiography of Haojakam Chongloi, a former Kukis' Kumpipa (president of Kuki Inpi India) titled "Against All Odds" was released on his 50th wedding anniversary at Kangpokpi district headquarters on Friday.

One of the most popular leaders among the Kukis, and also a trendsetter and peacemaker, Haojakam Chongloi, a retired district education officer in 1993, is the living signatory in the memorandum of Kuki state demand submitted to the first Prime Minister of India, Pt Jawaharlal Nehru on March 24, 1960.Born in March 1931 at Gopikot in NC Hills, Assam, Haojakam Chongloi is a diploma holder in Educational Planning and Administration from National institute of Educational Planning and Administration (NIEPA), Delhi.

He retired as district education officer (DEO) while posting at Kangpokpi in Manipur.

He was also the first president of Kuki Students' Association, NC Hills, Assam in 1950.He also served as secretary of Kuki Students' Union, Shillong from 1957-1959 and was an organiser of Kuki students' meet 1958 at Tamphasana Girls' High School in Imphal.

He became the vice president of Kuki Inpi Manipur from 1995-1998 and served as the president of the apex body, Kuki Inpi Manipur from 1998 till 2001 during which he led the historic rally of the Kukis in New Delhi.

Before he became the Kumpipa (president of Kuki Inpi India in 1998), he had also initiated1 a peace accord to end ethnic violence in Churachandpur and had submitted a memorandum to UNPO during his tenure as Kumpipa from 1998-2001.He was also the secretary and chairman of-Kuki Literature Society from 1971-2014, a managing trustee of Anglo Kuki War Patriots' Memorial Foundation apart from holding many other posts and designations in various organisations.

There are many firsts to his credit, but some that deserve special mention are that he was the editor of Themjil Meivah (monthly magazine) and Khosam Ogin (weekly newspaper).

One of the most popular leaders among the Kukis, especially during the turbulent '90s and confounding '20s, Haujakam Chongloi inspired a generation of young Kukis to work for the well-being of society.

The impact of his selfless work is cherished by all.

He is especially admired for his relentless crusade for peace and social justice.

Besides being an active member of Kuki Christian Council since its inception, he was also instrumental in the adoption of its constitution in 1959.Although 90 years old now, he is still active in church activities with child-like enthusiasm.

Representatives of Hmar Inpui, who attended the event, presented Haojakam Chongloi a Hmar traditional shawl while thanking him for being the peacemaker during the Kuki-Hmar feud.

The Hmar Inpui representative said that had Haojakam Chongloi not been there, many innocent lives would be lost unnecessarily during the feud while adding that "we do not want to talk about of recall such incidents anymore now" .

He also said that Haojakam Chongloi is the true son of God for the Bible said that "blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called the children of God".

Kumpipa, the current president of Kuki Inpi India, Solet Lhungdim released the autobiography of Haojakam Chongloi.

A monthly magazine, Themjil Meivah's October edition was also released by Haojakam Chongloi during the momentous occasion.

The releasing ceremony of 'Against All Odds'- the autobiography of Haojakam Chongloi and the Golden Jubilee anniversary of his wedding with his wife Hatjakim was attended by Pr Janglet Lunkim (KCC) who dedicated the autobiography, Solet Lhungdim, Kumpipa Kuki Inpi India, as chief guest and Ngulkholun Lhungdim (retd IRS) as guest of honour.

Various prominent leaders among the Kuki community also attended the function apart from ADC Sadar Hills caretaker chairman Haokholal Hangshing, Paotinlien Chongloi, intending candidate from Saikul AC, Paolienlal Haokip, intending candidate from Saikot AC, Kamm Elmun, intending candidate from Saitu AC, Kuki Inpi leaders, and other local bodies.

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