In a new avatar

Awarded with the ‘Northeast Excellence Award’ in music by the Indian Chamber of Commerce in Kolkata at the beginning of the year, guru Rewben Mashangva’s musical eminence soars even higher. An accomplished singer, song writer, composer, manufacturer of folk musical instruments, researcher and an instrumentalist highly skilled with his folk blend guitar, tingteila, yangkahui flute, mouth organ, the guru  is just back from a one month stint in Guwahati and New Delhi with a new avatar. TNT’s Oinam Doren reveals more…

TNT: So, guru please tell us about your new avatar?

Rewben Mashangya: I was invited by Prof. Arambam Lokendra, artistic director of the mega project ‘Intercultural dialogue between Northeast India & South-East Asia’. As a part of the project, I was asked to play the main lead of a production ‘Mountain Chieftain & River Maiden’ which has no dialogue but all dance and music. It was the first time that I have taken the role of an actor in an International theatre production.

The Grim Reapers

They have come a long way participating in major tournaments around the region and making a statement that gaming can now be taken on a more positive approach as there is a lot happening. Major companies are seeking gamers, and what was considered a waste of time a few years back, is now taken more seriously and these young gamers see their career build up in this profession. However, lack of sponsors and insufficient funds has hampered the growth of these upcoming gamers. Yet they are strong in their stand and there is no turning back as the road to success is never backwards. TNT’s Geetartha Mushahary gets exclusive with the Grim Reapers.

TNT: How long has it been?

Grim Reapers: Since May 2008; started off with Andy and Abhishek. The rest joined by the latter half of 2008.

TNT: Is it a hobby or are you trying to make a career out of it?

Dr. Doolittle

Only a very small number of people are able to call their passion an occupation. Dr. T. Kakoty, an animal lover to the core is one such individual who has been a dedicated vet since 1991. TNT’s Kimde Marak caught up with Dr. Kakoty. Excerpts from the interview.

TNT: Lets start off with a rather clichéd question. What made you decide to become a vet and was your family supportive of your decision?

Dr.K: Ever since I was in school we had dogs, cows and hens in our house, and I was very interested in animals. After I passed my PU, I had sufficient marks to go into medicine. I had a lot of aunts and uncles who were doctors so they all were trying to pressurize me to go into the same line. But my father and mother stood by me and said, let him do what he wants so that’s how I became a vet.