ZOGAM.COM PERSON OF THE YEAR AWARD (ZOPA 2013)
Commemoration 8 March 2014 Mini Auditorium, EBC Dorcas Golden Jubilee House, Dorcas Hall, New Lamka
About ZOPA and the process:
The Idea and concept: The ZOGAM.COM admin came out with an innovative idea that something new should be introduced to the readers and general public sometime in December 2013. After much thought team Zogam.com came up with a new venture, the “Zogam.com Person of the Year 2013 Award (ZOPA)” with an aim to recognize and appreciate the contributions of the Zomi(s) whose work in the calendar year 2013 has helped and impacted the lives of the Zomi society outstandingly.
The event was thus introduced to commemorate the anniversary of ZOGAM.COM and will be an annual affair hereafter.
In January 2014 the event was announced with publicity across websites, print media and other social networking sites, calling for Nominations. Eight jury members were nominated for screening and selections. It was also decided that the ZOPA 2013 will be based on 60 % public vote and 40 % jury’s decision.
All together 9 (nine) nominations were received. In first week February 2014 the top 4 nominations were selected by Jury members and announcement was made for public through SMS voting and open until February 28.
The final counting of votes from public and jury was held in New Delhi on March 1. The ZOPA 2013 will carry a cash prize of Rs 15,000, a trophy and a citation. All top nominees will also be presented with a citation.
About the winner and the top nominees:
Chintuahlian Guite @ C.T. Lian Guite, an entrepreneur and social activist based in Lamka, Manipur was declared the ZOPA 2013 on 1 March 2014 after scrutiny of all the votes from Jury members and Public SMS vote.
Popularly known as CT, He is the Owner cum Manager of CT LIAN Convenience Store at Tipaimukh Road, Lamka. He introduced self reliance and concept of entrepreneurship as the key Founder member of the Lamka Traders and Self Employed Association, the Lamka Building Society etc. Besides his interest in initiating and promoting economic developments in Churachandpur district, CT is also actively engaged in creating awareness on civil rights such as consumers’ rights and community development as Executive Editor – Manipur Express, Sunday paper. He also contributes his thoughts and ideas to other social organizations such as Agape Mission Credit Co-operative Society (AMCOS) and Nehru Yuva Kendra (CCpur).
One of the major impacts of CT Lian’s work on the general mass in Churachandpur district is the introduction of “compulsory helmet” and vehicle registration in Lamka town, which is emerging as one of the main market of “two wheelers” in Manipur. His campaign and pressure on the District Administration to enforce the rules of safety not only saved many people’s lives, but remarkably outstanding.
Another heartening work of CT is taking up legal case against state security personnel involved in “moral policing” and circulating nude pictures of a man and his partner with use of social media. The exposes created public response and forced the State administration to act on the Personnel. This exposed and legal case has empowered the people in the district, particularly women organizations – such as the Zomi Mother’s Association who came out strongly and follow up the issue
In the most recent incident, he was highly lauded by the public for his intervention and clearing the “myth” over the sudden “salt price rise” in the district.
Top NOMINEES:
• Thangboi Singto, young, energetic and a role model to many youths in North East India. He is one of few North East Indian sportspersons who could make it to the level of a national football Coach. Based in Shillong, Meghalaya, Thangboi is currently the head coach of Shillong Lajong Foot Ball Club (SLFC). Under his leadership he led the SLFC to on the fields of Indian Premier League. He also led the team qualify in the 1st Division I-League in the 2009-2010 seasons, and led the SLFC’s to victory in the North-East Super Series, after defeating A-League giants Wellington Phoenix in the final, one of the SLFC’s biggest achievements so far. He is the face of Zomis and the North East people at large in the “mainstream – mainland” India. His leadership and sportsmanship is exemplary and encouragement to many youths and youngsters.
• Pauzagin Tonsing: Founder Director of the first ever Malsawm Initiative, an organization dedicated to re building lives of the differently able children in Churachandpur district. Pauzagin’s work brought awareness and sensitization towards the differently able children to the general public. So much was his impact that the Indian resident for the UNDP nominated him in 2013 for an UN award for his service. His selfless dedication touched many hearts in the district and greatly impacted on the minds of the people.
• Kamminthang Guite: He took abandon children into his own home, which was turned into an orphanage, and later christened “Amazing Grace Home Ministry” for the parentless children in 2009. Started in 2009 he looks after 7 children with him. He also found for them a new home and parents. Two of his children were adopted now. His work is extremely touching and exemplary as he continues to provide parental love and care to those who would otherwise be growing up without a ‘childhood’ that is a home and parents.
The 9 nominations received were:
1. Pauzagin Tonsing
2. Khen P. Tombing
3. Thangboi Singto
4. Bangalore Zomi CollectionTeam
5. Paite.org
6. C.T. Lian
7. Kamminthang Guite
8. Langgin Tombing
9. B. Goukhozam Ngaihte
Jury Members of ZOPA 2013 are:
1. Muan Shamte (Lamka)
2. Dr. Biakdik Tombing (Imphal)
3. Stephen Lulun (Jorhat)
4. Lc Neihsial (Shillong)
5. Chris H. Simte (Aizawl)
6. Ninglun Hanghal (Delhi)
7. Chinngaihlian (Mumbai)
8. Suanlyan Tungnung (Mumbai).