Maram tribe gets its first Lieutenant Colonel

Staff Reporter Dimapur, June 15 (EMN): Major Robert T A was promoted as a Lieutenant Colonel in a historic event held in Patiala, Punjab early this month. Lieutenant Colonel Robert T A joined the joint services academy of the Indian Armed Forces (Indian Army) after clearing the national level reputed examination ‘National Defence Academy’ (NDA) in June 2000. Lieutenant Colonel Robert T A is the first person among the Maram tribe to have coveted the title “Lieutenant Colonel” As part of the military norms, he studied at College of Military Engineering, Pune and earned his B.tech in civil engineering from Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) Delhi in 2004. After completion of four years of degree course, he was commissioned as Lieutenant in June 2004. During his life in the service, the Officer along with his team members participated during the national prestigious ‘Army Adventure Challenge Cup’ 2008 held in Sikkim and the team emerged as winner. For his courageous act and initiatives he was awarded as the Vice-Chief of the Army Staff Commendation (ASC). He also had a very close relationship with the army football team where he voluntarily took part in football games during different occasions. It is worth to mention that from cold Ladakh region to warm Jodhpur India, the Officer had acquiescently served the country. He is the eldest son of Thoiba Angelus of Maram Centre village, Senapati district, Manipur. It may be noted that Maram Naga tribe is the only tribal community who considered pork as filthy and who did not consume pork. It is also the only tribe of Manipur which has been declared as the primitive tribes of India. The Maram Nagas are known for their rich cultural heritage, rich traditions and good hospitality. The tribe is also the only in Northeast or whole of India who celebrates women’s day to commemorate women.