Suhel Akhtar and The Memories of My One-time Classmates|

In remembrance of my classmates, 1995-96, St. Mary's H/S, Tuibuong, Churachandpur|

            (File photo: St. Mary's H/S, Tuibuong, 2002 batch with the Principal and teaching staff)



I'm not sure which teacher it was who asked "Who is the Dy Commissioner of Churachandpur?" in the class way back in the year 1995. Was it B.C. Nangpu (Bungmual City) or was it Sir (L) Mate?

None of us had a readymade answer barring one-Hringsolal, who later became a well known footballer of Churachandpur, Ccp in short. Only once had I the rare opportunity of watching him in action, in Kholmun ground. Boy, he was good!. But even he got it wrong, I still remember him having said "Suhel Langtar". He said so not as a response to the teacher's query but as to himself and to those seating around him. I asked him again, more than twice, so that I could jot it down but he himself was as confused as I was. Even Dayananda, the class topper, couldn't meet the teacher's roving eyes for an answer.

And Ompuia a.k.a. Ompapa was also silent. His bete noire, Vungthianmawi, the teachers' pet, but known popularly among the boys as 'Complain Box' hasn't had enough reason to protest too. Very unlikely of her. Whenever 'Ms Complain Box' said or did something Ompapa was never shy to retaliate in equal, befitting measure. Admit it guys! We like their chemistry or tiff whichever was true.

I remember having flipped the pages of 'Thinglhang Post' newspaper that evening to avoid 'getting cane' the next day. That didn't helped me much though. Luckily, the teacher, on having seen most of the students without doing the home-work, refrain from using the much dreaded cane. He spared himself the after effect he might have sustained by beating more than 30 odd students. Instead he made us write 15/20 times the name he wrote on the blackboard: Suhel Akhtar. He was the Deputy Commissioner of Churachandpur that time.

Now, as I recalled it was like Achilles (Brad Pitt) in 'Troy' saying "Men fights for Kings they don't even met" (This may not be the exact words spoken in the epic movie). Similarly, because of the man we don't even met or know our tiny li'l fingers were sore writing his name.

At times, I remember some of our old class-mates, in fact, as I write this, I see some of their faces, donning Navy blue trouser, 'Ujala' brighten white shirt and a red-tie; it's not that I'm particularly fond of them nor dislike them. I don't even thinks a lot about those bygone era. It just barge into my mind randomly. But it always leaves me, thinking, how they'll be doing or where will they be now???

That 'Suppandi' Lianmuanlal. O! I still see him, in my mind's eye, with that remarkable head of his and the woolen school sweater he used to wear. Mischievous, combed and oily haired, Martin. Kamlalmuan, whom I sat with, on the same bench and write on the same desk. He speaks fast and writes even faster. Thangminlen, who is etched in my memory, as the one who said "Moirang singju pang hau hau ee" too often than necessary. He had a knack for saying that before hitting Johnson of Tuibuong not the other Johnson from Khomuoi. And Kamkhansuan, I did once chanced upon him at a railway platform in Delhi but he no longer remembers me.

Adison, Bidyasagar and Rishabh Sharma, the pioneer, as according to Sir Kalamu. Are they still alive?! And I don't know her name but she was better known as 'Mar Bank'. If I remember correctly she was a newcomer, like  me, in Class IV of St. Mary's H/S, in the year 1995. Sir Mate, our History & Civics teacher, then, asked her to write on the board where she was from. And lo! She wrote 'Mar Bank' (Hmar Veng) just like the way she pronounced.

Samuel Zabieklien and I were fond of singing 'mehbooba' from my all time favorite B'wood movie Sholay in the classroom though furtively. Neither of us aspire to be a singer. We don't even like our voices ourselves. The two Joseph, one was smaller and the other was James Darngawn li'l brother. Ronald Khupminthang whose handwriting was like that of a lady; neat & tidy. I hope they are doing well. These guys I do meet once or twice and it was a warmly feeling they still remembers me.

And very much later, a year or two after perhaps, in Class VII or VIII Jangkholal a.k.a. Jewish spirit and Sonminlun a.k.a. L.S. were vying for the attention of the same girl. 'Irene' was the bone of contention between the two buddies. However, L.S. later shifted gear and changes direction, setting his eyes firmly on 'Chongphens'. By then Jewish spirit too, failed to live up to his illustrious name; he aborted 'Mission Irene' forever. I never ask him why, he never told me why.

Seilenlal was one restless prick I got to know. I once told him "it's Rexona deodrant you're using" 

and since then, we sort of became friends. His side-kick or vice-versa Lalsawma was witty and a jocund company to have around.

George Thangcrosslien became Thangcross-'lion' after Sir (L) Francis told him to write his name on the board. His 'e' had an 'o' appeal hence, 'lion' replaced 'lien'. One day, 'gul-hit' (It's more like a reddish tick, I don't know its English equivalent) 'flew over my cuckoo nest' (sic) and all hell broke loose. I couldn't sit in the class, in peace, it was itching. I ask for the teacher's permission to take a leak. I met Thangcrosslion on the way, he too had been out for 'passing  #1'. He  did a yeoman service to me by removing the 'gul-hit' using a grass stalk, laboriously. I'm forever indebted to him...hahaha

Until now, I don't understand why Siamchinmawi and Paochungnung couldn't see eye to eye during those years. They could fight anytime, anywhere; their bout was nothing less than a Jackie Chan's movie or any Chinese action flick. May be, they fight just for the heck of it. Or 'training' to be a professional fighter one day. If it was for the latter their cherished dream hasn't seen the light of day.

Forgive me, friends, if I'm wrong or disclosed more than what is basic and essential. Else i'll be doomed. Wait, why am I even writing this in the first place? If i say, i did just to empty my head? Does that makes me selfish? I don't know, you better be the judge. I just wanna say wherever you all are- May God be with you all!

(P.S. Due to 1997 misunderstanding between hill-brethren in Churachandpur, our class and friends were torn apart and scattered elsewhere; since then, our path hardly ever cross again. Even if it did, we hardly recognise each other now)