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Brief History of Moyon Women Organization (BSR) in Manipur

Opinion | Articles | Penny Rose Chinir | 02-Sep-2022

The Moyon tribe is one of the thirty-three recognised STs of Manipur enlisted in 1956. They belong to the Indo-Mongoloid group of races and speak the Tibeto-Burman branch of the Sino-Tibetan group of language. In 2014, they number 3587, and are located in Chandel district, geographically bounded by Marings in the NE and by Anals and Lamkangs on the southern parts. Moyons live side by side with the Monsangs. Other neighbouring tribes are the Chothes, the Taraos, the Kukis, Zous and the Aimols. The Moyon Women Organization, “Bujuur Shanuw Ruwrkheh” (BSR) marks 82 years of its foundation (1940-1922). Its Foundation Day cum Conference with the theme, “Aangkheng Na Bujuur Shanuw Ynthing Ichum Na Ingiir” (Upholding the Integrity of Moyon Women in Diversity) was celebrated on 23 June 2022 at Heigrutampak (Tungphae). Over 1000 BSR along with the representatives of the different organisations of the tribe (Moyon Naga Council = BAP, All Moyon Students Union = TTBR, Moyon Naga Baptist Association = MNBA, Chiefs Association, Literature committee, chiefs, catechists, pastors, village authorities and leaders of the church) participated in the function. Among the dignitaries were Honey Chara, director of Horticulture and Soil conservation who unveiled the Memorial Stone as the chief guest while Chinir Francis Moyon, president of BAP as its functional president released the book, “Social Changed among the Moyon tribe of Manipur” authored by Dr Penny Rose Chinir FMA. Former BSR president, Roel Mamie, hoisted the flag and N. Tiningsha, BSR president welcomed the gathering. BSR advisor, Dr Daney Chara, associate professor, United College, Chandel gave the key note address while Dr Ng. Koningthung, executive secretary of MNBA administered the blessing.

Besides promoting cultural renaissance with its folk songs, folk dances, display of traditional attires, ornaments, costumes and artefacts, art and literary aesthetics, six outstanding BSR of the year were felicitated: Roni Roel, Agricultural officer, Autonomous District Council Chandel, M. Bala Moyon, woman police, M. Pethar Moyon, staff nurse of Primary Health Centre, Kapaam, Elsie Chara, supervisor, ICDS (Integrated Child Development Services) Chandel, Sheiphani Roel Moyon, headmistress of Liwachagning Govt. High School and Arenpha Ngoruh Moyon, Miss Congeniality and Miss India Super Model 2022.

The history of BSR dates back to 1940 with Cr. Berang as its leader who initiated the organisation at Khungjuur with a view to uplift the women. By then, Christianity had entered the Moyon society (1922) under fierce resistance and cultural shocks. The elders deemed the new faith as a great threat to their traditional beliefs and practices. Despite all oppositions and religious persecutions, the seed of faith was sown among the Moyons with the openness and active cooperation of its women. The tiny seed, in its centennial year (1922-2022), has borne a hundredfold as 100% of the tribe has embraced Christianity (Baptists and Catholics). Some Moyon women who embraced Christianity took active part in the evangelical and missionary activities of the Church. They extended their mission also to their neighbouring villages as missionaries, evangelists, pastors and teachers. Mention is made about such women pastors: Tusha Roel (1937-1940), Siingchim Chara (1933) and Tunuh Nogruw (1941-1946). Despite the interruption of World War II (1939-1945), both Monsang and Moyon women worked together till 1953 as “Mon Women Society.” The organization was given its local name, Bujuur Shanuw Ruwrkheh (BSR) in 1986 with its own Constitution and Preamble. The vision of BSR is to live with dignity in a just and sustainable society. Its mission is to uplift the society in all aspects by encouraging education for all. Its motto promotes traditional and cultural values, costumes, ornaments, artifacts. It strives to empower women by organizing awareness programmes, trainings, workshops, seminars and conferences on various related issues.

The emblem is naenthu-naenteh (steamed rice cooking vessel) signifying that by keeping their homes warm, women become builders of the society and the nation. Its aims and objectives are to create a forum where they come and work together, share opinions, ideas and experiences, and advocate the cause of women and the people. BSR also promotes research, documentation and disseminate the good cultural values, items and practices of the tribe. It embraces the Laarchang Shanuw Ruwrkheh (Women organization at the village level). The president and the general secretary of BSR represent the women in the Moyon Apex Body. The office bearers of the executive committee and assembly officials are elected or selected by nomination during the annual assembly by the representatives of Laarchang Shanuw Ruwrkheh whose numbers are determined by the population of the village.

BSR is glowing in its contribution of personnel in the different walks of life. It has produced religious Sisters belonging to different congregations, extending their mission across the country and abroad: Sr Teresa Shanglei MSMHC[1], Sr Ruby Anne MSMHC (missionary in Turin, Italy), Sr Penny Rose Chinir FMA[2], Sr Martha Telen MSMHC, Sr Elizabeth Chinir FMA, Sr Jeny Roel FCC[3], Sr Bertha Nungchim MSMHC, Indenthar Nungchum MSMHC and many young BSR are in their initial formation to religious life.

It is worth mentioning a few more of several BSR distinguished personnel in different professions: Dr Serthani Serbum, CMO of the Chandel District Hospital, Dr Gina Shangkham, former president of Naga Women Union Manipur, honoured with, “Laarchangnuw” (brave woman), Ch. Memi Mary, first MCS and Indira Chinir, Reverend. Many young BSR pursue to become professionals in different sectors of life to be able to contribute to the growth and development of the society and the church.

BSR’s different traditional attires for men and women with different colours and design related to their history and culture, exhibitions of its traditional ornaments, costumes and artifacts are highly commendable. It empowers and strengthens the Bujuur Shanuw and networks with other organizations.

(The writer is a FMA Nun, and she could be reached on pchinir@gmail.com. The Article is her own research work, therefore personal)

Reference:

[1] MSMHC = Missionary Sisters of Mary Help of Christians.

[2] FMA = Figlie di Maria Ausiliatrice (Daughters of Mary Help of Christians popularly known as the Salesian Sisters of Don Bosco).

[3] FCC = Franciscan Clarist Congregation.

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