Interview with Ram Muivah
- President of Tangkhul Naga Society Delhi (TNSD) :: 15 Nov 2013 -

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Ram Muivah inaugurating Litan Bridge in September, 2010 :: Pix - TSE

Shri Ram Muivah, IAS, Principal Secretary (works), Govt. of Manipur is the new president of TNSD. He will be holding the post for the next three years. TNSD has always been providing a platform for those desirous of building and nurturing the North East community for economic and cultural development. The TNSD in its humble ways brings together different cultures and values and serves as a platform to highlights the rich cultural heritage of the region to the country and the world at large and there by opening up a channel of dialogue within the communities and between different regions and cultures of India and the world. E-Pao presents an exclusive interview with him to know more about how TNSD works and their major plans in the coming years.

E-Pao: Hello Sir, Congratulation on becoming the President of a prestigious organization like Tangkhul Naga Society Delhi. What are your plans for the next three years?
Ram Muivah: Thank you. Our major endeavour is of course RN Tomchon North East India Football Tournament. We will also continue assisting bereaved families who are in need of help during hospitalization and loss of life. And together with the NE Students in Delhi we plan to organize seminars and cultural events.

E-Pao: That's very interesting to know. So, what is the main idea behind this tournament?
Ram Muivah: It was instituted in memory of late Mr. R.N. Tamchon, Assistant Commissioner of Police, Delhi. He was up and coming officer, extremely helpful to students from various parts of NE States in Delhi in times of troubles which is unfortunately very frequent. Besides, it is our endeavour to promote fraternity amongst different communities of NE Region in Delhi and above all to nurture, nourish, groom and showcase young footballers of NE Region who unfortunately are not provided opportunity. Providing opportunity is the need of the hour.

E-Pao: TNSD was formed in 2006, what was/is the core idea of establishing such community based organization?
Ram Muivah: Since we are in Delhi far away from home we felt the need to have such a cultural organization for the welfare of community.

Ram Muivah (C) with a survey team from Germany in July 2012 :: pix - TSE

E-Pao: Very true. Can you please tell us about the structural set up of the TNSD. Normally who are the women and men behind this successful story of your organization?
Ram Muivah: TNSD is an organization open to all including students, employees, entrepreneurs, etc. but purely on voluntary basis. Whatever little accomplishment we have made is entirely a team effort. We have over 5000 members. However, only a few can really devote time and effort.

E-Pao: In 2007 the society had organized a cultural event titled 'Songs and Images of the Northeast' is there any plan to revive such cultural event?
Ram Muivah: But for the resource constraints it is our strong desire to organize more cultural events.

E-Pao: We would like to see more of such events. Well there is talk or rather suggestions of making NE Tamchon Memorial trophy a truly NE event by including other community in the management. Any comment?
Ram Muivah: Yes. That is our sincere wish.

E-Pao: What is the qualifying nature for a new team to participate in NE Tamchon Memorial trophy?
Ram Muivah: As of now it is by invitation. However, whenever, a team opts out we select teams from the wait listed panel.

E-Pao: In short how would you describe this tournament?
Ram Muivah: By God's grace the R.N. Tamchon NE Football Tournament is growing from strength to strength. This is possible because of the active cooperation extended to us by all the communities. We are deeply grateful to all the NE communities in Delhi

E-Pao: Is there support from any government institute financially while arranging this tournament?
Ram Muivah: Yes. Most of the sponsors are Government and Public Sector Undertakings. Private sponsors so far are negligible.

E-Pao: Any message to the people of NorthEast communities in Delhi and the budding players?
Ram Muivah: Our simple message is this – together let us make R.N. Tamchon NE Football Tournament grow from strength to strength in the interest of NE communities in Delhi in general and in particular for providing opportunities to our budding players.

E-Pao: Congratulations once again, and best wishes to you Sir.
Ram Muivah: Thank you so much.