My Educational Journey from Childhood

By Muana Khuptong

Growing up in a small village in the southeastern part of Manipur, India, in a town called Lungchin, my path through education was far from easy. In our village, continuing education beyond the fifth grade was a significant challenge. Although some of my friends were able to pursue further studies in Singngat, a town 37 kilometers away, I faced numerous hurdles.

Our village had a government-run middle school offering classes up to the eighth grade, but it lacked teachers. Corruption in the system meant government-employed teachers often abandoned their posts while continuing to collect their salaries. Some would hire underqualified substitutes at meager pay. In contrast, I attended a private Christian school run by the Evangelical Convention Church (now the Evangelical Baptist Convention). Unfortunately, the school only offered classes up to the fifth grade, meaning I had to look elsewhere for further education.

Struggles and Sacrifices

Due to financial difficulties, I had to take a break from schooling and work on the farm. Farming was the main livelihood in our village, with everyone practicing jhum cultivation to grow rice and corn. The work was grueling, with long hours spent under the sun clearing forests and planting crops. After a year of farm work, I begged my parents to let me continue my studies. Although they wanted to support me, financial constraints held them back. Late in 1993, my mother made a life-changing decision. She promised to find a way to fund my education, allowing me to attend Hill Model High School in Singngat starting January 1994.

Initially, I dreamed of studying in Lamka, a larger town with better opportunities, but the lack of money and a place to stay made it impossible. My time in Singngat was challenging but rewarding until civil war broke out between the Kuki and Zomi tribes in 1997. The violence disrupted our lives and forced me to pause my education. Tragically, some of my classmates, including Biaksang, Langsuanthang, and Mangmuan, lost their lives during the conflict. My family fled to Mizoram, where I managed to complete the ninth grade, but instability made continuing my studies in 1998 particularly difficult.

A New Beginning in Aizawl

In October 1998, I moved to Aizawl, Mizoram, seeking admission to high schools. After several rejections, I saw an advertisement in the newspaper about a new school opening: Providence High School, founded by Sir Lala. When I approached him for admission, he initially turned me down due to my appearance—poor, skinny, and unkempt. I wore a patched and frayed jacket that seemed two sizes too big. However, he later gave me a second chance, on the condition that I bring my father to vouch for me.

Sir Lala kept his word and admitted me. Over time, he saw my dedication and provided me with a significant tuition discount. I embraced this opportunity wholeheartedly, studying diligently and actively participating in school activities. My time at Providence High School transformed my outlook on life. I completed my matriculation (10th grade) in 2000, becoming the first person in my family to achieve this milestone. This success was a testament to perseverance and the kindness of those who believed in me.

The Journey Continues

After matriculation, I enrolled at Mizoram Institute of Comprehensive Education (MICE), formerly known as Special Hindi School. Admission was competitive, requiring a written exam and an interview. The school’s affiliation with the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) made it a preferred choice over local Mizoram board schools. At MICE, I could focus on subjects I excelled in, such as History, Sociology, and Computer Science, avoiding Math and Science, which had always been challenging for me. I graduated from high school with excellent grades, an accomplishment that brought immense pride.

Spiritual Growth and Friendships

During my time at MICE, I formed meaningful friendships with classmates like Lungmuana, Nghakzuala, KKa, and Biaka. Despite my financial struggles, I found solace and strength in my faith. I became deeply involved in the Evangelical Union ministry on campus. My faith grew significantly during these years, especially through prayer meetings and spiritual fellowship. Financial hardships often meant I skipped meals, but prayer and faith sustained me. On several occasions, I joined my fellow Evangelical Union members in the library to pray during lunch hours.

In 2002, a spiritual revival swept through Mizoram, led by Evangelist Faktea. This movement profoundly impacted my life, affirming my calling to pastoral ministry. The revival strengthened my faith and prepared me for theological studies. During this time, I also felt called to help my friend Lungmuana Ralte recognize his own spiritual calling. Although he initially resisted, God’s guidance eventually led him to embrace his ministry after facing personal trials, including a battle with cancer. This journey reaffirmed my belief in God’s plan for each of us.

Looking Back

Reflecting on my educational journey, I see a path filled with struggles, sacrifices, and unwavering determination. From working on the farm to becoming the first in my family to matriculate, each step was shaped by the support of my parents, the kindness of mentors, and the grace of God. Today, I cherish the friendships and lessons from those formative years, which continue to inspire me as I serve in ministry and beyond.

My story is a testament to the power of perseverance, faith, and community support. I hope it inspires others to overcome challenges and pursue their dreams with courage and determination. Thank you for taking the time to read my journey.