Iramwui hero: our village is a hero - By Chingrimi A.Shimray

Ava Sultan’s name was given to him by one of his uncles. At the time, his uncle was one of the few to get an early education who had come across the word ‘Sultan’ in one of the textbooks. He adds that the same uncle named one of his cousins as Risingson.

Ava Sultan shares, “Mareoram means land of luscious fruits untouched by animals or insects. The name was later changed to Marou.”

This house was built by Apvo (Grandfather) Satalung and is 40 years old today. Some still say that the house, though small, used to be the hub for group gatherings.

Zingham Khamahai means basking in the sun. Unlike the colder parts of Ukhrul District, Marou is pleasantly warm.

Women are seen at the community work for the New Pastor Quarter, a collective contribution in the form of manual labour as members of the church. Rocks found in the village premises are broken into smaller stones, and would later be used in the construction of the new house.

Handmade does not get enough attention and appreciation in the community. This is probably because it is part of the everyday curriculum to make things for one’s own consumption. Here, they set up the decor for a village wedding.

"Because our village doesn’t have many people” is an oft-repeated and comparative statement acknowledging the strength of the village. Though numerically small, the members of the village have always involved themselves in community work.

Cousins are seen painting the roof of a house that was built in a month. The completion of the house was the result of collective efforts by the relatives of the family.

A woman holding passion fruit in one hand and a hammer in the other.

Pressing pause to their routine of attending the farm, all men and women actively participate, post-lunch, at the new construction site.

A mother carries her child as she continues to do the house chores. Do we really see our heroes?

Iwui theikakhui athi shurda, varivara la kathei chila aa papamya ,chiena aja mishan khare kakhanganinghi iramli matik la

As far I know, he is a God-fearing man, who would think becoming the first citizen would be possible from Marou. 

Hopingson A. Shimray is presently the Tangkhul Naga Long President 2020.

"He has a promising future." Wungnaoshang A. Shimray, former president of Tangkhul Katamnao Saklong (a student body of the Tangkhul community).

I atam akhali shiman kapai thada shiman thui hai sadei, Ramlung hi na ili mathalak eina khangmathotmi

"I was once lost, but Ramlung saved me. He passed away in 1996. Here lie the graves of him and his wife Anna. I will be forever thankful to him till the end", Sultan adds.

“Admiration and respect come to those who humble themselves. For me, I find myself content knowing God has saved me", Sultan says.

A man is seen carrying a board that reads "Welcome to New Beginning" to the village gate entrance in the middle of the night. 

Here is to hoping we continue to see our real-life heroes..