Sunil Chhetri

Sunil Chhetri, captain of the Indian Football team has been making India proud with his unbeatable and impressive playing styles; not to mentions all his amazing goals. Born in Secunderabad and raised in different cities of India as his father was in army. He started his schooling from 6th standard onwards from Delhi; that’s where he got his breakthrough in his career. He resides in Bangalore currently and plays for Bangaluru FC. He shares about his career, marriage and everything else.

Q. First of all, how would you describe yourself as?

Sunil: I want to believe that I am a decent person to hang with. My father always did told me that the more bigger you become, the more humble you have to be because more people will approached you so that’s what I will always carry with me and will always try to be humble as much a s I can. But sometimes I lose it because at the end of the day I am a human after all.

Q. When did the bug for being a footballer bit you?

Sunil: To want to be a football player was always in my head but I never expected to make it this big. Moreover, I never knew how to go about professionally; it only happened when Mohun Bagan saw me and took me in while I was playing for City FC in Delhi in 2002.

Q. So, before Mohun Bagan happened, there was no professional training?

Sunil: Not really, but then I was playing for the City FC where I was signed for few months and I wasn’t trained that professionally. My real struggle started when I joined Mohun Bagan. That was the time when I did actually learn the nuances of the game and understand them thoroughly.

Q. Has there been anyone who has inspired you in any way in waking up that interest about football?

Sunil: I was inspired by many, to mention a few would be Ronaldhino, Bhaichung Bhutia, Renedy (Potsangbam) etc but if I have to take one name that would be my father. He was my biggest inspiration. He even played for the army football team; not only the football but he were my constant inspiration in every way as in discipline, behaviour, just everything about him and still is.

Q. Does this means; they were supportive about your career in football?

Sunil: I wouldn’t say supportive but super supportive. They never forced me and always allowed me to chase my dreams. And as a players themselves, yes my mother plays football too, were more than happy when I told them about my decision.

Q. Would you share a glimpse about your early football days?

Sunil: When I got into Mohan Bagan everyone was supportive but it does bring pressure with it. After two – three months of training euphoria started building around me, it was quite difficult, you know, I was only 17 then. To think I was playing for one of the best club in India was overwhelming. I used to sometimes lock myself in and think about what to do; that’s when I made up my mind to calm myself down and work hard. But I was blessed to have such a good family and team around me whose constant support helped me to gain my strength back on track.

Q. When was the time you played professionally for the team?

Sunil: I always got the chance to play almost every time. Even though I don’t start the game, I always had my feet on the ground, right from my early days. Then again, getting the chances and goals wasn’t the struggle but making sure you’re up to the mark and you handle the pressure well was the struggle.

Q. Also, you got to play along most of people you got inspired from as a child, how was that like?

Sunil: That was amazing! As a kid we used to watch them play and then getting to in the same club and playing alongside them, not only for the club but for the country as well for 6 years was totally a magical experience. I cherish those memories!

Q. You’ve come a long way since 2002, how do you feel when you sit back and remember those days?

Sunil: I feel very fortunate and privileged. If somebody would have said to me then that you would achieved this much in future, I wouldn’t have believe it as I have been bestowed upon with much more than I’ve hoped for. God has been very kind and I don’t and will never take it for granted. It is an honour and privilege to play for my country.

Q. A little bit about how you joined Team India?

Sunil: I have been playing for my country for 13 years; I joined the senior team back in 2005 (The camp was held in Patiala) where I played my first match in Pakistan. Fortunately, I scored a goal in the first game and that will always be one of my most memorable moments. There is no greater feeling than playing for my country!

Q. Currently, you’re the captain of India. As a captain, how do you feel?

Sunil: I feel very honoured, extra – ordinary and unparallel. It’s a great feeling and as said before, I don’t and will not take it for granted.

Q. What are the challenges and struggles you face?

Sunil: There are no difference in challenges whether you’re a captain or not; our struggles is to meet the expectations of the people. TBH there is no greater challenges than wearing our team jersey, standing tall during the National Anthem and trying with every ounces of your body to make your country proud!

Q. In all these years, have there been any changes in the football arena?

Sunil: There have been many changes. It has grown leaps and bounds. There have in changes in every work right from how we play, the Federation and the media as well. But we still have a huge way to go; we have to improve a lot, keep our heads down, we shouldn’t be satisfied or content but keep working hard in our respective fields. We have to keep working hard but yes there has been a good gradual change.

Q. Regarding media, it always focuses mainly cricket and not any other games/sports, what is your opinion on that? Does ISL helps in improving the media outlook?

Sunil: I think that has change tremendously over the past few years and yeah! ISL did helped a great deal. It is definitely doing its job well! As I said, each one of us has to work hard to reach the goal, it’s a team job.

Q. As a senior footballer, what according to you are the basic necessities to be a successful footballer/sportsperson?

Sunil: First of all, you’ve to love the game; it is important you love the game unconditionally, and then your desire to give your best will come. And when I say giving your best it means training hard, eating well, resting well, thinking positive, being a team player, everything comes under there. So basically, you must love the game, and then things will become easier for you.

Q. Any suggestions or advice you’d like to give to the aspiring sportsperson.

Sunil: It’s not an advice but a suggestion: be happy, always be happy which everything is. Also make sure you give your everything to the game.

Q. Going on a more personal side, you got married recently, while of course breaking many hearts, a little bit about how you guys met?

Sunil: Well! (Ha ha) her name’s Sonam from Kolkata. I met her 13 years ago and she was my coach’s daughter then. I guess she was one of my well wishers and met her when she took my autograph. She once sent her driver for my number and there was no turning back ever since. And now we’re married.

Q. How do you balance your family and career, now that you’re married?

Sunil: I don’t have to try much as we have been together for 13 years; she understand all too well and being the daughter of a football coach’s she knows all about how my kind of person day is like. One thing’s for sure that we now get to spent more time together.

Q. So the experience of married life is so far, so good?

Sunil: It’s great! 🤗

Q. Lastly, what message you’d like to give to all your well wishers.

Sunil: I just wanna say thank you from the bottom of my heart. As I have said the kind of encouragement, support and love I get is unreal; I am very fortunate. If not for all that, probably I wouldn’t have reach here; please supporting us and the game; and I just hope each one has beautiful, healthy and lovely life.

PC: respective photographers

Raj Elangbam

Prithiviraj Elangbam, popularly known as Raj Elangbam is one of the most celebrated singer of the time. He made his name with the song Ureinung and Nakhoi yumgi mamangda. Born to Elangbam Ibohal Singh and Elangbam Nganthoi Devi from Meidangpok Khunou, always had interest in art ever since he was a child. Even though his parents were a bit hesitant about his career, he tried his best to excel in the field he was so passionate about. Now that his parents are more than proud with his success, he is going on with full strength towards his career of music. He shares his experience, struggles and success.

Q. First of all, what made you take up your stage name as Raj?

Raj: Well! Actually it was to make things easier for everyone (Ha ha). You see people either called me Prithivi or Raj so I decided to give myself one name which was easy to call or recall. I did go by Prithiviraj during my first few years as a singer (around 2007).

Q. What got you inspired to be a singer?

Raj: I would say music runs in our family; my grandfather played the conch shell and my mother sang. So, yeah! I got inspired by my mother. Actually, I wanted to be an actor, you like, make my mark like (Da) Sadananda did so I took up singing; and now I am a singer!

Q. Whom did you get training from?

Raj: I started my training from AIR approved singer Oja Hawaibam Budhi in 2003, then Oja Jamuna, Oja Jiten for the Classical music and modern music from Ranbir thouna and Aphao.

Q. Apart from music, what educational qualification have you completed?

Raj: I did start my graduation course in Manipuri hons at DMC of Arts but never completed it. I purposely kept it incomplete just to remind me of some pain for the rest of my life; no one would get this but it’s what I decided for myself.

Q. What was your debut song/album?

Raj: I debuted with the song of the film Hallakhidara Inakta but it wasn’t that popular. I composed and wrote the lyrics myself of that particular song.

Q. What was your breakthrough project?

Raj: Well! I’d like to mention both Ureinung and Nakhoi yumgi mamangda as both of it made me who I am. The song Nakhoi yumgi mamangda was written by Neeta Elangbam for me to sing. I had it composed but never recorded but once during a concert, I told the orchestra the notes and just sang. From then on, it became popular before it was even recorded.

And Ureinung happened when I got this idea of composing a song with old Manipuri words which the youth of today, including me, have forgotten so I ask my friend Mantri to write a song. Even so, I couldn’t make it into a full song as idea was still stuck. I was staying with (Da) Pilu. H. those days; I decided to take a break and went home. One afternoon the notes hit me; I composed it and went to Pilu to get his opinion. Everything went smooth from then on and the music video album was conceived. (Da) Pilu was pretty confident about this project being a huge success and he was right and I am happy about it.

Q. Since then, how many songs have you work on?

Raj: I think it might be about 50 or so, mostly singles.

Q. How many years have you been working in the industry?

Raj: Around 10 years!

Q. In those years have you experience any changes in these years?

Raj: Yes, there has been this change of people getting more used to audio-visual rather than only audio.

Q. How do you face unwanted behavior during a concert?

Raj: I haven’t experience any extreme kind of behavior but yes, I do experience some mild misbehavior which I try to avoid or adjust as much as possible. Basically, I try to not lose my calmness and do my part well

Q. How do you handle the criticism that comes your way?

Raj: I try not to read the comments especially negative as much as possible. Moreover, one of my teachers used to tell me that some people may not appreciate your work but some will definitely do, so we must try to move for those who love us and not lose the cool for those who don’t; negative criticism must be treated with cautious.

Q. What genre of songs you love to sing?

Raj: I always loved singing sentimental songs but I do love singing all kinds.

Q. What qualities according to are the most essential qualities of a singer?

Raj: I’d say discipline is the main one, then comes dedication, humbleness and hard work on top of the talent God has given and lastly, never try to cheat in art.

Q. Can we expect new projects/songs from you this year?

Raj: Yes, I am planning to release a few songs of my own around September of this year, most probably. I have decided to have only a few project of my own per year as I believe in quality rather than quantity.

Q. Any messages you’d like to give to your well wishers.

Raj: Well! I feel really grateful for all the love being bestowed upon me and will try my best to serve them in whatever way I can to try and please them with my songs as much as I can. I would ask them to always support me and encourage me as it means a lot and a big thank you from my side.

PC: Raj Elangbam

Rajkumari Pintu

Rajkumari Pintu Devi, one man army of the bakery Cream and Frost, famous for the cakes of simple yet elegant. Born to Rajkumar Binoy Singh and Mangala Rajkumar Ongbi residing at Wangkhei Kongba Laishram Leikai. She completed diploma in Pastry and Baking in Singapore after which she worked at Hotel Amara. She initially wanted to start her business in Delhi; however, her love for the homeland brought her here where she started her bakery under the name Cream and Frost. She shares about her experience and work.

Q. First of all, what made you choose to be a baker?

Pintu: Not exactly from childhood but yes, I loved watching my aunt bake using pressure cooker (Laughs), as oven was not that common in those days. Later on, when I completed my graduation, that baking passion overtook me and that’s when I decided to go down that lane as my career.

Q. How did the name Cream and Frost came about?

Pintu: Well! While I was pondering over what name I should give, many suggestions came my way. For instance some suggested I should name it after someone’s name or things but I had made up my mind to give it a different kind of name. Then it struck my mind that most of the bakers when we bake a cake our favourite part is creaming and frosting so I’ll call it as Cream and Frost.

Q. When did you get your breakthrough as a baker?

Pintu: It was when one of my friends, Ningting Kamei ordered a birthday cake. Even though I kind of warned her about the limitations of the raw materials, she happily agreed to all odds and ask me to just go on with it. That made people know about me and slowly orders started coming in through her.

Q. Which was your first wedding cake?

Pintu: It was for a cousin at Ningthoukhong. It is a long distance away from my bakery. It was a 6 kg blueberry cake which is really huge. Fortunately, everything went alright.

Q. During the wedding season how many order comes to you on an average?

Pintu: Around 4 orders per month, but since I am a one man army (Ha ha) it quite lot for me, since a single wedding cake requires a tremendous amount of preparations before and after baking. I may take more when my bakery grows but for now, 4 is a huge number.

Q. Has there been a time when you have to drop a few orders? How do you handle those?

Pintu: Ummm… It’s really hard to turn down people not for any other reasons but I feel like I am turning down their love for me and my bakery. I try and explain them about my situations and they do understand. Also, I always promised them to take their orders whenever I am ready. I think it’s not only for me but any other bakers too.

Q. As you’ve said, you work alone; sometimes the workload must be very heavy and very tiring. When such times time comes how do you motivate yourself to carry on and not quit?

Pintu: Of course! Sometimes I feel very exhausted some days but I always tell myself that today I may be this tired but it’s not the end.

Q. How far in advance the wedding cake should be ordered in Cream and Frost?

Pintu: It will depend on the design; however, I’d suggest a 3 week at maximum and 2 weeks at the minimum prior to the big day.

Q. How do you sort out your cakes’ price?

Pintu: Well! The base is based on the standard market price. But the difference comes in the toppings. Sometimes, some cakes requires heavy manual work, that’s when the charges gets higher but other than that the simpler ones are priced the same as the standard price of the cakes.

Q. Do you provide delivery and setting up cakes?

Pintu: No, I don’t have that service for the time being. The cakes are ensemble at the bakery itself and the client picks it up but yes! I do give them necessary instructions.

Q. What do you expect from your client?

Pintu: Okay, I meet different types of people. Some knows every bit of details and some doesn’t know a bit. I do give suggestions for the client to give them satisfaction at affordable price.

Q. What kind of struggles do you face as a baker?

Pintu: Yes, I did face a lot of problems getting the raw materials in affordable price. Of course, the basic necessary ingredients are available but not the extra ingredients like for the fondant and icing. And luckily, the conditions of bandhs and blockades is way better than before so I feel a bit relieved.

Q. One of your favourite wedding cakes you’ve made so far.

Pintu: It’s not like I don’t like others but I had this favourite which was made in hombre shades.

Q. As a baker, which baker do you admire?

Pintu: That would be Jordan Rondel as her works are so simple yet beautiful and elegant and Katharine Sabbath(Australia) for the colours used on her cakes.

Q. What advice would you like to give to give to the aspiring and young bakers?

Pintu: I would like say that it’s not only for bakers but any other field that if you like doing something or like to do something; do it, give it a try. Try until you get what you want. If you try you’ll surely get to it, that’s what I believe.

Q. Lastly, message to your well wishers.

Pintu: I would like to thank them from the bottom of my heart for their support and encouragement throughout; for loving me and my work and giving their trust upon me, as I am nothing without their love and support. And to my parents who have been supporting me ever since I decided to take up this career. I will try to bring every cake to the satisfaction for each and every client who comes my way.

PC: Cream and frost

Romi Meitei

Romi Meitei famous for his character “Thoibi” and his story based on women empowerment is married to Sheetal Chingsu with three children. A film maker who loves to enjoy life at its fullest and over the years he has given many good films both features as well short films. He has also won awards for the same. He made his debut with music video albums and made it big in films as well. He unveils us the secret of Thoibi and many more.

Q. Firstly, a bit about how you got your inspiration to start your venture in film making?

Romi: Well! I loved art as a whole initially but not specifically, films. This was strongly inspired by my mother, Bhanu Leima who was and still is singer, a radio artist; her rehearsals and routine made me love the art all the more.

Q. What was your debut film?

Romi: It was Angangba Kurao Mapal but before that I was involved in editing and did a few music video as well, the first phase I would call that.

Q. What was your breakthrough film/project?

Romi: My breakthrough was not with film but through my lyrics. Though I wouldn’t call myself as a lyricist, I always loved writing songs. I became recognized with Sadananda’s Kuchu mubi though I wrote the whole album song.

Q. In all of your films, you seem to give the main character’s name always as Thoibi, why is that?

Romi: Thoibi is something unknown to me, something which doesn’t exist in real life. It cannot only be a person but other things as well. For instance it can be a beautiful flower or bird. It is my way of being excelled aesthetically. I wanted to be known or recognized through my work so Thoibi came into the light.

Q. But why Thoibi and not any other name?

Romi: (Laughs) Good question! This is the first time anyone has asked me that but I have to say that Thoibi was the first name that came to my mine. Not much thinking was involved for this matter.

Q. How do you pen down the characters for your story, is it inspired by your surroundings or it’s totally a fictional one?

Romi: Film itself is the image of the society so my characters though fictional are the reflection of the various characters or personalities that I encountered in real. I may not have actually interacted or known them personally but that which gave me an impact to my mind.

Q. How do you give the names to the character, do you try to give the names relevant to the personality?

Romi: Yes! There has been film where I did name my characters according to their personalities yet there has been random naming of my characters as well.

Q. How long have you been in Manipuri Film Industry?

Romi: It’s been around 15 years.

Q. In all these years, have you seen any difference in the industry?

Romi: I would like to point it in two ways; first of all in the technologies used. There has been an enormous growth in the technological field. For instance, the aerial shot as now seen was nowhere 15 years back.
From another perspective, there has not been any change at all, if we see through the creative point of view. This should have gone side by side with the technological advancement. There should have been change in the story structure; presentation style etc but we find none.

Q. Why do you think that change is not here till date?

Romi: I feel there are lots of factors; one and most important factor is the budget factor. With the storage of budget there is a constraint in the creativity of the writers. No! it not about getting a lots of money but providing with the ample amount of budget to give the best visual for the story written.

Q. What genre of story do you love writing the most?

Romi: I love writing my story based on social play. If I have to go deeper, I tend to write more on female oriented story. Why? Because our state is full of great female character from time immemorial. In every fields, women excels so I try to show their inner beauty. And hence, I gave the film on commercial sex workers Khujin gee mami, showing how they end up where they are and how they live. I tried to show that they cannot be all despised. I didn’t simply write it; I had my own research done to know them better.

Q. Till then is there any favorite characters of yours?
Romi: I love all my characters so far but since that I have mention Khujin gee mami, I’d say Thoibi in that film. Moreover, I am known to end the story tragically but I made the two protagonists to have a happy ending to show that people like Thoibi deserves better.

Q. Have you ever had a satisfying moment?

Romi: yes, in most of my short films. I have never been satisfied with what I do, in feature films mostly. I may be due to the fact that I do with what little resource I have or maybe I strive to the perfection but I am never satisfied fully. (LOL)

Q. What about the most regretful moment?

Romi: Not in my works but when the producers who leaves from producing, not only for me, breaks my heart.

Q. As a film maker, criticism must have come your way both negative as well as positive; how do you cope with both?

Romi: I do take valid criticism at all times. But I am a human after all so sometimes when invalid criticism comes, I feel a bit down sometimes. I have a good habit of forgetting such things so I guess I am sorted out. (Laughs)

Q. As a film maker, what qualities do you think a film maker should carry?

Romi: Yeah! First and foremost research is very important and must the habit of writing in any case; re – reading it over and over; that where new and more beautiful words and ideas come o you.

Q. What advice would you like to give to the young s well as aspiring writers?

Romi: No! I don’t have any advice so to say but I would certainly like to ask them to not be overjoyed or over saddened with your success or failure. Even when you succeed, you should first know your strength or the strength of the work you have given. Basically, we should be humble always!

Q. Lastly a message to your well wishers.

Romi: I would like to say that Manipuri cinema is facing a dilemma these days so I would like the public to support the Manipuri film and its children! Public support has been keeping us alive and I believe we’ll be getting the love.

Maya Choudhury

Maya Choudhury, famous for her role as (Oja) Sarla in Basantagi Nongallamdai and Kunti in 21st Century Kunti has been in the industry for more than a decade and has wooed many fans with her beauty, grace and sophisticated acting. Married to L. Manikanta with two children, she still rocks the screen even in the role of a mother as Shija in Tomthin Shija. She marked her journey with the Film “Meichak” and winning Miss Manipur 2nd Runners Up title simultaneously. People just fall in love with her from then on. However, she married short afterward, creating a web of concerned over the crowd of cine goer regarding her career. Fortunately, for all of us, her in-laws were as cool as her, supporting her in what and who she was. Maya shares her trials and tabulations in her journey till date.

Q. How would you introduce Maya Choudhury as?

Maya: Well! I would introduce myself as someone who is straight forward, simple and honest person.

Q. You were crowned Miss Manipur 2nd Runners up 1998, how do you feel when you look back to those days?

Maya: I feel nostalgic, obviously (laughs). I was crowned the 2nd Runners up with other five titles. I was a teenage with no fear at all, I feel a bit scared thinking about it. I was pretty confident back then. It’s not like I am not confident right now but to go on to be a part of Miss Manipur at 18 was a big thing back then.

Q. When and how did you enter the film industry?

Maya: I was cast in the celluloid film Meichak before Miss Manipur happened. I took part in a show for Sericulture, which made me stand in the limelight. Then eventually I was a part of Tom Sharma’s photoshoot, which proved to a blessing as I got the project of Meichak. Back then films were produced in much lesser number so public tends to know each and every person involved in a film so they supported me through the journey of the Miss Manipur pageant too. I did 3 other celluloid films before I got married.

Q. When you got married, did you expect to continue your career as an actor?
Maya: (Laughs) I really didn’t expect to be associated with film industry again. But I would say I am very fortunate to be blessed with such a family who were open – minded and happily supported my career. It was surprising for me, you know, when a project came my way, they made the decision for me; the decision that I’d take any day. They agreed, on my behalf, to a part of the project. i was thrilled!

Q. How do you manage your family and work?

Maya: I feel that when you do something you love you can always manage in however and whatever way you can! It’s true that home management is quite hectic and tough, with a baby is like icing on the top. It was quite difficult at times but I managed in every way I could. For instance, I used to wash my clothes late during the night (Laughs). Moreover, I have this principle of reaching the shooting spot on time not more than 5 minutes late so you can say it was quite difficult, but now I am used to it.

Q. You’ve been in the industry for quite a few years; can you tell the difference you find earlier days and recent times?

Maya: yes! Of course there is. Earlier it was celluloid film, meaning it was more expensive and seldom double takes. In order to perfect the acting and scenes at one go, we had workshops and long hour practices. But recently, with digital technology, it has become easier for both actors and producers. I find no rehearsals and workshops anymore. I feel it has made us want to take things easy. Moreover, we used to learn all the dialogues and deliver it but now well! There is always someone to prompt our lines. I do hope this doesn’t temper our dedication and work effort.

Q. You were a lead actor but now you’re playing the role of a mother, how does that make you feel?

Maya: Ummm… I love taking those roles. I always had this notion in my mind to play a mother someday down the line; also being a mother myself, I think I fit this role and love it too.

Q. But then again, those actors who acted alongside you are still playing the lead role, what’s your take on that?

Maya: hahaha I have no grudge against them. I feel there will always be a difference between actors and actresses. You see, I gave birth to two children and they haven’t (LOL). In many ways, even when I do not stereotype, there will always be a difference. It’s not just for Manipur, this happens all over the globe.

Q. Of all the roles you’ve done, which one is your favourite?

Maya: I always read and study all my characters thoroughly before taking up the projects so there has never been partiality among my kids (laughs) but if I have to really choose, I’d say my role as Sarla in Basantagi Nongallamdai.

Q. Yes! That film was phenomenal and people truly loved you in that film, how did you feel on that thought?

Maya: Yes! It made me realised how much public can raise you when you do good works. It me realised the value of my work in some ways.

Q. Has there been role which was very challenging to work upon?

Maya: I would say it happened in Kunti. It was a bit challenging taking up that role and portraying it in perfect form.

Q. Even with lots of good works, criticism must have come in different ways, positive as well as negative, how do you deal with both of it?

Maya: Well! I don’t let both the sides of criticism consume me. Yes, I do take in what’s important and utilise it for my improvement. With time, I have learnt how to ignore what needs to be ignored.

Q. According to you, which qualities are necessary to become a successful actor?

Maya: I feel one need to be disciplined, a principle of our own and respect for the profession.

Q. What advice would you like to give to the aspiring actors?

Maya: I would strongly advice them to respect this profession and not do it as a kind of time pass. I would like them to have a principle of their own and go by it; dedication, hard work, punctuality are some morals which need to kept on ground when they pursue any profession not only acting. I certainly do not believe in the idea that our value increase when we make people wait for us and would advice not to make people wait on them. Lastly, I would advise them to study and learn the character they’re taking thoroughly beforehand.

Q. Lastly, a message to your well wishers.

Maya: I would say I am very thankful and love my well wishers who have been constantly supporting and encouraging me with all their hearts. I have been in this field since I was 16 and I feel indebt to everyone who has given me lots of love. Even when I took a break their love brought me back; and I will continue to do my best to give my love back through my work till I have the strength.

Kevin Felix Chan

Kevin Felix Chan, better known as KFC in MUN community graduated from the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) an completed certificates from Cornell University and Fudan University in China. He’s the co-founder of the education organization ‘Best Delegate’.

Q. How would you describe yourself?

Kevin: Professionally, I would describe myself as a hard worker who gets things done, as someone who has high standards and wants to bring out the best in others, and as someone who’s passionate about my work. Personally, I’d describe myself as adventurous and ambitious, yet easy-going.

Q. How and when did you start your MUN journey?

Kevin: I started during my freshman year of high school in Los Angeles.

Q. Share us your first ever MUN experience? How you felt?what did you learn from it?

Kevin: I was a shy kid! I’d be nervous to speak in front of class and my hands would visibly shake! Since I wrote my entire speech and tried to read off it, holding that piece of paper up only made my hand-shaking even more visible! Looking back, I now realize the power of Model UN to help students who are shy become confident as public speakers.

Q. How many MUNs have you attended as a delegate and as a trainer?

Kevin: I’ve lost count at this point. I’ve taught Model UN in twenty countries, and I’ve attended over 100 conferences.

Q. What do you enjoy the most about being a MUNner?

Kevin: I really enjoy meeting the global community of MUNners, and I’ve met friends in so many different countries and have since visited them in their home countries too! I don’t think any other activity allows students to get plugged into such a global network. It’s my dream that we will all change the world together in the future.

Q. How has MUN helped you?

Kevin: Model UN has helped me grow from being a shy and nervous student to a confident global leader who has introduced Ban Ki-moon in front of the United Nations General Assembly Hall. It has given me the skills and knowledge to start my own company and train the next set of leaders all over the world.

Q. How did the ‘Best Delegate’ come about?

Kevin: Ryan Villanueva, the other co-founder of Best Delegate, actually started BestDelegate.com as a blog from his dorm room at Yale — the blog is named after the award in MUN “Best Delegate”. Ryan and I knew each other from our high school Model UN days and kept in touch during our college Model UN careers, so I was the second writer on the website. Eventually, we both decided to quit our jobs and do Best Delegate as our full-time jobs.

Q. What is the main motive behind the project of Best Delegate?

Kevin: Our mission is to train today’s students to become tomorrow’s leaders. And we believe Model United Nations is the best way to do that, because we benefited so much from it. So our goal is to bring Model UN to every student in the world who wants to become a leader in the global community.

Q. Where would you say Best Delegate stand is right now?

Kevin: We’re just getting started. There is so much more Model UN can do to prepare today’s students for global leadership, and there are so many more people this activity can impact. We’re working on building what Model UN should be and needs to be in the future.

Q. How far do you think BD and the MUN has created that impact to the youth?

Kevin: I know we work with thousands of students every year directly, and our website is read by over 750,000 readers each year. I’d like to think that we’ve been a big reason why Model UN is so popular and easy to start and be led by student-leaders — it’s because we created the resources that lowered the knowledge barrier to entry.

Q. Have there been any incident where you encountered change in the outlook of a youth towards UN through the MUN?

Kevin: Yes, at Northeast India International MUN! One of the students was representing Pakistan. His own relative was killed in the Kargil Conflict between India and Pakistan, so he had some personal bias against Pakistan. But after representing Pakistan in Model UN, he felt like he could understand their perspective. I think this is powerful. This story may not have changed his perspective of the actual UN necessarily, but it nevertheless was part of the spirit of the UN — to understand different perspectives and come together to try to resolve our issues.

Q. You have travelled across the globe training million of youth, what difference do you find between the Indian MUNners and other? (wink)

Kevin: India has several circuits and styles so I cannot capture all the differences. But in general, I think most foreigners who’ve interacted with Indian delegates before would say that they tend to be more aggressive. When I observe differences in debating styles across countries, I tend to hypothesize it may be partly cultural or partly modeling their home country’s politicians. But I also think it’s partly driven by debate-oriented MUN rules of procedure used in India and the way certain aggressive and antagonistic actions are rewarded by Indian chairs.

Q. Apart from MUN, what other activities do you enjoy?

Kevin: I enjoy traveling and have been to over sixty countries. I also love food and exploring all types of cuisines. I’m also a fan of watching sports and scuba diving.

Q. A word of advice to the first hand MUNners?

Kevin: Model UN is a journey. The first step to that journey is raising your placard and making your first speech. The longer you wait, the scarier it becomes. After your first speech, everything becomes easier and more fun, and you’ll realize there’s a whole world of skills and topics for you to learn about!

Bonus: I always find your skin really great! What skin care regime do you follow? (ultimate necessity)

Kevin: LOL I’m actually not great at this. But then again, I hear this routine is not common among American men. I use use a simple cleanser, toner, and moisturizer plus the occasional facial mask.

Limaben Jamir

Limaben Jamir, 28 is the founder of North East India International Model United Nations (NEIMUN) , a youth led non-profit educational foundation based in Northeast India, TEDX Speaker and a Global Shaper of the World Economic Forum. She is a Rotary Peace fellow and Founding Curator, Global Shapers Kohima Hub. She was trained at the UN on UN4MUN by UNDPI and trained young people in India and South Korea under the World Federation for United Nations Association Program. Limaben was selected as one of India’s Youth representatives for the WFUNA youth Seminars on Sustainable Development Goals and was one of India’s 5 youth representative at the British Councils, Reimagine, India UK relations Summit. She is involved in several local and international programs that support the participation of youths in decision making. She completed her schooling from Little flower school, Kohima and Kohima Science College, studied Psychology at University of Delhi and completed her Masters in Applied Social Psychology from University of London. She is involved in programs that drives discussions on North East India and ASEAN Co-operation and is passionate about rebuilding conflict affected societies, development and security issues.

1. How would you describe yourself?

Limaben: Someone with a cup of tea. Always.

2. How and when did you start your MUN journey?

Limaben: I started MUNing while in college. I was always fascinated by the works of International organisations. I remember reading Seventeen Magazine when I was in class 9 / 10. They feature young people volunteering in different International organisations. The kind of work they did and experiences shared inspired me. So when I received an opportunity to learn about UN through this mock simulations, I went for it. I haven’t looked back since then.

3.Share us your first ever MUN experience? How you felt?what did you learn from it

Limaben: My first International Model UN was the London International Model UN at Imperial College. This was in February 2012. I represented Libya at the African Union and we discussed on the situation of Libya. It was a nerve wrecking and an overwhelming experience. Just imagine 1200 young people from around the world gathered in one hall ready to deliberate on some of the many at pressing issues. The committee sessions were high level. One thing I learnt at this session was the enormous amount of research people do before attending the conferences. The solutions submitted were very impressive. I realised that its not the lack of time, energy or money that restricts the problem solving process, but it is the difficulty to come to a consensus

4. What do you enjoy the most about being a MUNner?

Limaben: The opportunity to meet new people and study current issues.

5. How has MUN helped you?

Limaben: I would not have be where I am today had it not been for MUN. From learning about public speaking to understanding more about how the world works. I started to read more about Geo-Politics because of MUNs and I found my passion there. From Being a delegate to a conference organiser, it took me to a position that allowed me to understand the various human dynamics, the challenges and joys of working in a team, and gave me a whole new insight of how the roles of government and The academics Institutions, in the Northeast. But most importantly MUN blessed me with some of the most incredible people in my life, who continue to inspire me each day.

6. How did the ‘North East India International Model United Nations (NEIMUN)’ come about?

Limaben: While completing my Masters, I remember I was recognized for being the first Naga student to attend the London International Model United Nations in 2012. I was challenged by this recognition. Model United Nations was accessible to students in many parts of the world, yet a far-fetched opportunity to many in the North East Region of India. With the experiences, and understanding that the United Nations desire to involve young people in decision-making, and the need of establishing training grounds for young people to develop skills and learn more about the UN, NEIMUN came into existence. This was reinforced when I returned to Nagaland and met so many like minded young people willing to work together and establish an organisation like NEIMUN.

7. What is the main motive behind the project of NEIMUN?

Limaben: Our vision is to train a generation of young people with a more accurate understanding of the UN, the world, and inspire them to remain passionate and committed to making a positive contribution to humanity.

It is our mission to create a platform that advances the understanding of contemporary international problems; challenge young leaders to develop their own perspective on social responsibility and act to their full potential.

8. How far do you think the MUN/NEIMUN will impact on the thinking and outlook of the youth?

Limaben: I can’t really predict how much the impact will be. But it’s my desire to have a generation of young people that reads more, that critically analyses the environment around them, and train a cohort of young people in North East India that will support each other, and be in leadership positions that generates good impact.

9. From the first NEIMUN to the most recent one, what changes do you find?

Limaben: I think it would be the significant increase is the number of interested young people to join the leadership team at NEIMUN. Initially we started with 7 of us, and today, NEIMUN sustains because of the 30 young volunteers working tirelessly for the annual conferences and monthly events.

10. Apart from MUN, what other activities do you enjoy?

Limaben: I am pretty boring. I would love to add some funny and interesting stuff here to be honest, but NEIMUN and MUN take the blame for me not having much to add beyond this. I think I enjoy discussing politics. But that’s pretty much like MUN life. I love being with my family, being involved with my Church groups and spending time with friends huddled somewhere in a Café over a cup of tea or coffee.

11. Have there been any incident where you encountered change in the outlook of a youth through the MUN?

Limaben: Yes, there have been so many instances. Well, I don’t want to start bragging now, Haha, but I would be lying if i say, I haven’t had young people come up to me and share their learning experiences. One significant impact I believe the organisation has had on young people is reminding them about their capabilities and opportunities that lies ahead of them. We’ve had reviews about how they understand current affairs better or they’ve started reading the newspaper more. I think all these are wonderful steps to prepare us and be ready to compete in the challenging times.

12. A word of advice to the first hand MUNners?

Limaben: Attend MUNs with an open mind and prepare well before the conferences. Don’t be scared. One thing I noticed in Northeast India was the sheer amount of passion and knowledge young people have. Take this to your advantage and learn from the committee sessions, learn from the organising team and your fellow delegates. Like me, after every conference, I am sure you’ll be more confident and come back with a better outlook on life, on yourself, the world around you, and ready to shoulder responsibilities.

Maybe MUN might not be for all. If you think this doesn’t interest you at all, I suggest you continue to look out. Search for things that challenge you, that motivate you to do more, but find something beyond your classrooms, to learn from and to inspire you.

Mangka Mayanglambam

Mangka Mayanglambam, the young talent who made Manipur proud in the International arena through her music and performance. She is among the few pioneers among the millennial who strived to promote the age old traditional folk music. Born to Mangangsana Mayanglambam and Rebika Maibam is a student of Sociology, values the formal education as well as her passion for music. She shares her inspiration, journey and experiences.

Q. What inspired you to start the journey as a singer and why folk songs?

Mangka: Well! I must say that I always loved singing and dancing, mainly our traditional. Also, as a child I was influenced by my father who owns ‘Laihui’ a training centre for folk music, listening to him and others practice; the love for the folk song began. Another inspiration was (Nene) Tondon who to me danced the most beautifully. She was my first formal teacher, actually. My father too was observing me, I guess, so when I was in class 8 he understood how passionate I was and made me trained under (Oja) Langathel Thoinu. That was the beginning of my singing journey.

Q. You made your debut through ‘A House and Guitar’, a YouTube channel, how did that came about?

Mangka: It came through my father; they approached my father about their project. The video was shot by them after my classes. It was my first; I was nervous thinking if I make any mistakes and such. But all went well, I suppose, and that’s how it happened! This was how I got recognised!

Q. When and where was your first stage performance?

Mangka: I gave my first stage performance (professional) at Chongthamiya Commemoration at Assam. It was a group show. I was in class 8. However, my first solo performance was at Abu Radio Song Festival, Colombo, Sri Langka.

Q. How did you feel when you gave that performance?

Mangka: I wasn’t that scared when I performed at Assam but yes! My anxiety level was really high. However, the audience was huge and being my solo performance, I was really nervous. On the other hand, I thought how I will make the audience understand my song but I now understand that music has no language!

Q. Tell us a bit about your Colombo performance journey?

Mangka: It was selected through a series of stages and went on to perform. When I did get selected, i was told that it was the first time in which India will be represented in a solo performance in Colombo. I had a mixed feeling happy yet tensed regarding the expenses. However, (Ne) Bijaya Yumlembam helped us a lot and started our journey. I landed at Chennai and gave a performance in Chennai AIR. And then, went on to Colombo. They appreciated my performance a lot both in music as well as my costume; moreover, not only it was for the performance but the cultural I got was priceless.

Q. How many songs/album you have released?

Mangka: 1 Album ‘Chingda satpi’ with 10 songs

Q. You collaborated with a Portuguese Singer CLA, how did that came about?

Mangka: Umm… yeah! That happened, everything, through mails! They saw my songs through YouTube and mailed me about collaboration. It was called the project of three: a Portugal band/singer with two other singers/bands from different part of the world. They further stated that the fund so collected through this collab would go to charity. That caught my eye and accepted the contract. However, we have never met in person; everything was exchanged through mails! We are planning to meet in person and perform in live someday!
They further wanted a music video on the song. So, (Ka) Romi Meitei helped us in making the music video and was successful because of them!

Q. One of your most loved song ‘Samadhon’, a bit on that project?

Mangka: That was suggested through my father as well! It was composed by Jayantakumar and re-edited by my father for the International Polo. It was a bit challenging for me as I was made to sing with many modern musical instruments. I gave the performance in the Polo Match and it was shown everyday in Doordarshan. I would say Doordarshan helped alot!

Q. How do you balance between your education and work?

Mangka: I would give my full credit on this to my mother (Laughs) because she makes my timetable since childhood. She helps me in balancing between my studies and work!

Q. How do you spend your free time?

Mangka: Well! I love being with children so I always spend time with kids playing and teaching them!

Q. What are your future plans?

Mangka: I’d love to further established ‘Laihui’ as a fully fledged institute for folk music and helped in training the younger generation; to help in preserving our culture. Also, I’d love to get a PhD!

Q. What message would you like to give to your well wishers?

Mangka: A one of my teachers always advised me and I do believe in that there can’t be no fish without water, likewise there can’t be no singer like us without well wishers and supporters like them! So, I am very grateful and will always be! I would try to do my best in future too. Please do support and love me till the end!

Sony Thokchom

Sony Thokchom, the illustrator is famous for his out-of-thebox portrayal of the Manipuri Cultures and traditions, mostly women through his paintings. Born to Thokchom Ibotombi Singh and Thokchom Ibeyaima Devi have established his studio at D33, Paryavaran Complex, Neb Sarai, New Delhi. He says that he is a fun loving person who loves cooking and chilling out with friends and family. He also loves singing and dancing when he likes to have fun. He shares his experiences and ideas.

Q. What inspired you to paint?

Sony: I always loved painting since childhood. From childhood doodles, I improved with practice but as a career I had no idea about it being as a career option. In class XII, we had fine arts as an optional subject and that time I learned about how fine arts can be a career. However, our society norms were such that after XII it has to be medical, engineering, MBA and such so I had no idea how to start on it. When I did talk to my parents about it, they weren’t really sure. Then I took them to my school (MPS) Fine Arts teacher Sir Anoiba and he explained about arts and its career options; after which my parents got the confidence and supported me!

Q. What was your first painting?

Sony: I had done a lot of illustrations for comics and book covers but my first painting was ‘Mangka’ (Singer) and MK Binodini’s ‘Bor Saheb Ongbi Sanatombi’.

Q. When and how did you get the recognition as an illustrator?

Sony: Actually, I got recognised through social media! It started when I uploaded my illustration on social media, people saw and appreciated it; and that how my works got recognised. One of the most loved illustrations was the ‘Wedding of my bff’ where I even got the human version of my illustration. That really keeps me on toe and motivates me to do more.

Q. When you do paint, what time and the kind of environment you prefer?

Sony: Whenever I can, I paint both client order as well as my own. Then also, I need a quiet time to paint. My perfect time to paint would be early morning with a cup of tea and music! The light is also perfect to paint at that time.

Q. What kind of medium do you use in your painting?

Sony: I use mixed media because I love experimenting but I give the same treatment (style).

Q. What is your signature style of your paintings?

Sony: That would be strong lines and bold strokes.

Q. The women in your painting always seem to be a bit masculine, why is that?

Sony: Because I want to show very strong, bold, confident, self sufficient and well educated women of the time.

Q. When you paint your own, where do you get your inspiration from?

Sony: I get inspiration from around me, whom I met, whom I know or someone who inspires me or our culture and traditions, just about anything which I love. I paint every element but I mostly focused on fashion and women.

Q. What theme do you mainly paint on?

Sony: Women empowerment! I try to break the stereotypes through my work. I try to convey the message that each and every woman is beautiful in their own way.

Q. Which colour do you love to use in your paintings?

Sony: Green as I love nature.

Q. What advised would you like to give to the inspiring painters/illustrators?

Sony: I would say work hard, and give your passion a chance and even if your parents doesn’t agree at once, talk to them, convince them of how it can be a career option.

Thangjam Joykumar Singh

Thangjam Joykumar Singh is one of the most affluent entrepreneurs in Manipur. The mastermind behind the most loved brand “Likla” offering a wide range of food from drinking water to cakes; has now started another venture in academics with the opening of JJ Montessori School under the Joykumar & Jiteshwari Trust Foundation. The trust and the school is named after him and his wife, Thangjam (O) Jiteshwori Devi. He shares his journey and hardships faced along the way!

Q. What ignited the spark in you to start the business venture?

Joykumar: Well! ‘Likla’ was officially launched in 1991, so to say. It started with the pineapple squash with only 4 persons working with me! Two other flavor apple and orange was added shortly afterward. I would say we have come a long way since then! The thought of me wanting to start this business was because of the wide variety of natural products so abundantly available in our state and yet it was so left untamed and un-used. Unused in the sense that it is gone wasted. Through this venture I wanted to utilize the fruits to give the people a more refreshing drink and yet give employment to the people as well as the farmers.

Q. What made you give the name ‘Likla’ to your brand?

Joykumar: Actually, this was not the first name we thought of. As I said, ‘Likla’ was officially launched in 1991, so before that we’d try a few names and I guess it didn’t work out or it wasn’t meant to be. The name ‘Likla’ was actually suggested by one of my brothers Dr Nabachandra while we were having an occasional family time and thankfully it got so suited with the package drinking water.

Q. How do you find people to work into your company that truly cares about the organization like you do?

Joykumar: Initially, we started off with family and friends as we were new, in the market. Eventually, with time we got bigger and started getting enquiries and applications for jobs. We hire employees based on their skills and knowledge and place them in their respective departments. Regarding the care they have about our brand, I guess I am glad and lucky to have dedicated and skillful people with me.

Q. What advice would you like to give to those who’d like to follow your footsteps and be an entrepreneur?

Joykumar: I would still like to add that Manipur is very kind to us in bestowing abundant resource upon us. What I would I like to ask our youth is to utilize it to its fullest and yet restoring them in every way they can. Then comes the hard work and dedication with the discipline which will help in the long run.

Q. You come a long way so a failure now and then must’ve happen, share a bit about it?

Joykumar: Failure to me means the one where people don’t appreciate the new launch product (food product in our case). In my kind of business, it mostly takes time to get into the pace. However, I’d say I haven’t had a big failure, thankfully!

Q. Speaking of the failure let’s move on to the type of problems do you face as an entrepreneur?

Joykumar: I would say we face two types of problems: internal and external. Internal is when it occurs due to my management issues and such which is within my control to prevent and control. However, the external problem would be regarding the power failure, blockades and bandhs as such which I cannot control at any cost which is the main issue we faced.

Q. How would you define success?

Joykumar: Success to me is geting my product a huge appreciation from the public (Laughs)

Q. What is the best way to achieve a long term success?

Joykumar: I would strongly evoke the idea of “Rome was not made in a day”, so one must not quit at the first two failures! No great man becomes great at once, maybe for a lucky few but not always. So, I would advise strongly to work hard with dedication with moral discipline as well; only then one will get successful. As such, even our Likla went through lot of hurdles before reaching the stage we are at.

Q. How do you generate new ideas?

Joykumar: I would say, I am observant, a keen one, actually. And since I am in the food industry, I’d like to observe about the best bought items in the kitchen, in the market as well. According to what I observe and research I generate ideas which will help in the industry.

Q. And these ides how long do you stick to it before giving it up?

Joykumar: The idea that I develop in my head to the time it reaches to the public goes through a number of trials and tabulations just like any other human lives before they got successful, so to say. So, before we actually produce and launch the product in my head, it goes through many researches, studies and testing before launching so I guess I don’t just toss out an idea but rather develop it to make it stand out among the ones before.

Q. What is your favourite aspect of being an entrepreneur?

Joykumar: That would the vast array of possibilities that lies ahead of me and having to start a new venture every time I’d like to. On top of which I can help in filling the holes in the society and help them in growth and development of the society as a whole.

Q. What has been your most satisfying moment in business?

Joykumar: Ummm… I always get satisfied with all the results I get whenever I launch a product. Even when it doesn’t succeed, I don’t get depressed. My idea is to just move on and be happy with whatever I have and plan for new ideas.

Q. What sacrifices have you had to get to the Likla as we see now?

Joykumar: Well! I would say I gave up the luxuries of life to get the Likla to where it is now!

Q. How many hours do you work on an average day?

Joykumar: I work most of the time but now that my children have all grown up, I am a bit relax now! But I still love working and still work late!

Q. Where do you see Likla in 10 years?

Joykumar: We hope to expand our company beyond our homeland to the national level market. I hope to achieve that in near future!

Q. What do you enjoy doing in the little free time you get?

Joykumar: I love spending time with my family and also do a bit of social work. I am also a chartered member of Lions Club Imphal Greater.