Welcome to NCCI

More than 500 members of the North East Indian Christian Council - Women Assembly coming from 32 member churches all over North East Indian states to celebrate the Silver Jubilee of the NEICC-WA and a 9th Biennial Assembly during April 22-25, 2010 was a historical event in the life of the Churches in North East India. The enthusiastic and committed members dressed in their beautiful bright and colourful ethnic attire were a great feast for the eyes and great joy for the heart and soul. The Silver Jubilee celebration was inaugurated by Rev. Phawa, Secretary, NEICC who delivered the inaugural message basing on the Silver Jubilee theme - “Thy Kingdom Come”.

The second day began with a bible study by Mrs. Zangeni followed by a full day Seminar on issues of “Human Rights” for North East Indian Women. The two resource persons were Ms. Fenella Lyngdoh Nonglait, Professor Law College, Shillong and Dr. Hrangthan Chhungi, Executive Secretary, COT-NCCI. Ms. Fenella dwelling on the basic concept on Human Rights spoke on the gross violations of Women Rights and Human Rights in the North East India. She reiterated the importance of being educated and being informed of our basic rights in order to claim our status and protect ourselves from being constant victims of Human Rights violations. Dr. Chhungi based her presentation on the Customary Laws of Property Rights and Inheritance with Biblical Texts and urged the delegates to be watchful of the negative impact of their cultural influence and be alert to mend and rectified social practices through the biblical teachings. The action planning group of the Seminar decided that the Seminar papers be translated into different languages in order to have a follow up study programmes on “Human Rights” within the NEICC-WA member churches. I was informed by the Secretary that the translation works is already on its way in Mizo and Khasi languages to begin with. The Day Two came to a close with an evening service. Rev.(Mrs) H. Lalhmingthangi. GBC delivered the message on the theme “Thy Kingdom Come in Mission”. During the service Dr. Hrangthan Chhungi was given a time to say Greetings to the silver Jubilee Celebration and the 9th Biennial Assembly of the NEICC-WA on behalf of the NCCI.

The Third Day began with a Bible Study by Mrs. Zangeni Mualchin, USA followed by Business hours in the morning. Among many important agenda was the issue of NEICC-WA becoming member of the AICCW-NCCI. Ms. Rachael Pradhan, Executive Secretary AICCW was in their midst and it was resolved that the matter be put up in the AICCW executive meeting to consider matter positively. In this Business Hours the new leaders – office bearers and all the executive members are selected for the new term. Day Three concluded with evening service where Dr. T. Vanlaltlani Professor, ATC from Mizoram Presbyterian Church delivered a message on “Thy Kingdom Come in our Family.”

The Day Four began with Holy Communion Service in the morning where all the 12 celebrants were women Pastors and Church Elders. During the Sunday Morning Worship Rev. Dr. K. Thanzauva, President, Baptist Church of Mizoram delivered a message on “Thy Kingdom Come in the Society.” After the Communion Service the “Jubilee Celebration Service” was held in the open air where about twenty thousand people gathered to celebrate the event. Dr. R.L. Hnuni, Principal AICS, Aizawl from Baptist Church of Mizoram delivered a message on “Thy Kingdom Come in the Church”. The Celebration of the Silver Jubilee and the 9th Biennial Assembly of the NEICC-WA came to a close with the night service. The night service was for the installation of the New Leaders for the new term 2010-2012.

The hospitality and dedicated service of the local host of the Silver Jubilee and the 9th Biennial Assembly of the NEICC-WA, Poksheh Presbyterian Church was immense and greatly appreciable. The melodious and beautiful choirs from various churches within the Shillong town were a real treat to the soul during the whole silver Jubilee Celebrations service.

To mark the Silver Jubilee celebration of the NEICC-WA, a Souvenir was released that contains the historical details of the NEICC-WA and their activities. There are about 8 Lakhs members from 32 Units and 2 Associate members. This NEICC –WA is the largest ecumenical women body of the Protestant Churches in North East India and the biggest Christian Women Organization in the region. Though the NEICC-WA is celebrating her 25th year of existence it is worth noting that in her 25th year the NEICC-WA has her full time Secretary Ms. Sony Lamkhoboi Baite from Manipur Presbyterian Church for the first time in the journey as separate assembly since 1984. There are many significant contributions made by the NEICC-WA for the Church and society. Few may be highlighted here below:-

1.    The establishment of Girls Hostel in Shillong in the year June 2007 with a strength of 15 inmates. The Secretary of the NEICC-WA is a designate Warden for the Girls Hostel as part of her official responsibilities.
2.    Conducting Seminars almost every year since 1995 in different North Eastern states on various issues pertaining to life and especially on women issues.

May God continue to bless the ministry of the NEICC-WA immensely to be the voice of the Women for greater height and responsibility in the midst of gross violation of the Rights of Women in general and in the North East India in particular.

Dr. Hrangthan Chhungi
Executive Secretary
Commission on Tribal and Adivasi