Interview with Major (Retd) NK.Gaigonglung|First Army Officer of the Inpui (Kabui) Naga

Major (Retd) NK. Gaigonglung is currently the Principal of United Builder School (UBS), Tamenglong. He was the first army officer from the Inpui Naga tribe. 

KK: Can you recount the struggle of being among the family of the first (the second batch-1927) Christian converts in Inpui area?

NK: Our parents converted to Christianity 15 years before I was born, therefore, it will not be correct to give any comments on this.

KK: You are among the first gazetted officer among the Inpui. Can you please go back to the past and recollect your struggle during your school and college days?

NK: Yes, during our school day, we did not have to worry about anything. Whatever was provided by our parents, we were satisfied with that. From Class A to Class VI (six) we have a piece of shirt, one short pant, we did not require any shoe nor a school bag. These items were for one calendar year. Coming to high school and college life, there were some changes. Two pairs of Shirts and Trousers, of course, a pair of canvas shoes, etc were enough for us. Regarding the medium of instructions, from class to class ten, we were taught in the Manipuri medium. From 1959 to 1965 Underground movement was very strong in our area and as such Army operation was going on hand in hand. Any movement from place A to B was very difficult for any citizen, Tamenglong in particular. Therefore, most of our summer vacation was spent in college Hostel at Imphal.

KK: Can you tell us in brief about your entry into the National Defence Academy (NDA) and about your service in the Indian army?

NK: Regarding commission in the Indian Army as an officer, I did not enter through NDA. After graduation, I got my commission through SSB (Service Selection Board) Pre Commission training from OTS (now OTA) Offices Training Academy Chennai/Madras. During my service in Indian Army, I have served in almost all the place in India, Kanya Kumari to Pangong Lake (Ladakh); Mizoram to Dwarka (Gujarat). I had the privilege of serving Indo Pak War of 1971 (Liberation of Bangladesh), High Altitude Ladakh and Sikkim, desert area of Rajasthan and insurgent area in Mizoram and Nagaland

KK: After your voluntary retirement, how do you get into the establishment of United Builder School (UBS)? What are the motives behind venturing into the education system in Tamenglong? How long has been your association with UBS?

NK: After my retirement from active service, I joined United Builders School (Pvt Org) not on any plan and motive, it was a request from the School Board members. I work here as a servant of God, and no other motive or intention. I have been working in this school for the past twenty-nine and a half years.

KK: There is a common misconception among the Inpuis that once you are associated with other communities or tribes you are no longer an Inpui. How do you respond to such an assumption?

NK: How can you say that when you are associated with other tribes you are no more Inpui tribe. Your association with any tribe has nothing to do with your original tribe. You speak the language of the region because of the surrounding environment and for your own conveniences and that does not mean that you lose your tribal identity. This misconception is due to a lack of education.

KK: How do you see Inpui society then and now? Are there any positive changes?

NK: We can say that Inpui tribe is one of the most fast-developing tribes in Manipur. We are not actually lacking behind in any field. However, due to the lesser population, it seems we are moving somehow slow.

KK: How do you think the Inpui society should move forward? Is there any suggestion that you think Inpuis can push forward towards progress?

NK: Yes, we can move forward by i) Hard work with sincerity in any field ii) No jealousy among our community iii) Education as the number one priority for the younger generation.

KK: Educating young minds is your priorities. What message do you want to send to Inpui parents and students in particular?

NK: To achieve this target should be our collective effort. How many of our people are enjoying government pay without being working in an assigned post? Churches, societies, and families should take an active part in this mission.

KK: Any comments or suggestions for ISUD?

NK: Thank you so much for your kind invitation to answer a few questions to be included in your Magazine “Kala-Khwanbaang”. I am very glad that Inpui Student Union Delhi (ISUD) is doing yeoman service for the community through educational media.

The editorial team acknowledges the timely assistance of NK. Shangthon and Achuina Bariam in the interview.

The interview first appeared in Kala-Khwanbaang (2017), an annual publication of ISUD.