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| Mizo song composer Laltanpuia, Sialsuk |
Written by Dr. Lalzarzoa, Department of History, Government J Buana College
Mizo song composer, Pu Laltanpuia (also known as Sialsuk Laltanpuia or C Laltanpuia) was born on June 16, 1915, in Sialsuk, Mizoram. He was the third of 11 children born to Hrangchina (Chhakchhuak) and Kapkung (Ralte Siakeng). He had 10 siblings.
Pu Laltanpuia possessed a well-built physique, being strong and handsome, standing 5'10" tall. He showcased exceptional talent in handicrafts, particularly bamboo and cane craftsmanship. He was a kind, open-minded, and humble person. Although shy and reserved, he was well-versed in various topics due to his regular reading habits.
Not only was Pu Laltanpuia talented, but his siblings also exhibited remarkable skills. His siblings included song composer Romani, writer James Dokhuma, and Lalngaihdami, composer of the celebrated wedding song "Chheih raw khah, a lawi dawn e." Darawtlovi (popularly known as Darawti), a notable figure in Aizawl, and Thanghnuna, Mizoram's first athlete to participate in the Asian Games (1951) under the Javelin throw category, were also his siblings.
In 1944, Pu Laltanpuia married Rotluangi, the inspiration behind his song "Zatlang lawi ang." They were blessed with two children, Chuhthangi and Laltinthanga, and 20 grandchildren. His wife Rotluangi passed away on November 28, 1982.
Among his composed songs, the patriotic song "Kan ram hi kan ram a ni" and love song "I am dun ang" (also known as "Aw Sialkhawpui ka pianna hmun") remain popular to this day. His song "Kan ram hi kan ram a ni" is sometimes referred to as "Zoram hi kan ram a ni" due to a misinterpretation by the first singer. However, the correct lyrics is "Kan ram hi kan ram a ni." Excluding his 'Tlar thum zai' compositions, Pu Laltanpuia penned 40 songs. While some of his songs are not well-known in modern times, others are featured in Mizo literature textbooks.
Pu Laltanpuia's first composed song, dated May 27, 1934, was based on the English tune "Dearest Song." In 1935, he wrote "Zatlang lawi ang sakhming khuavela thang tur hi, Chham ang zal reng ila rianghlei ka chantawk," considered his first original Mizo love song. He was renowned as a pioneer in love song composition in the Mizo community, second only to Durra Chawngthu.
Most of Pu Laltanpuia's compositions date back to 1955, 11 years after his marriage. Alongside fellow musicians, he formed the "Awmhar Champion" group. whose members were affectionately known as "Berhvate". His musical repertoire included various popular genres, such as lengzem hla (love songs), hla lenglawng (secular songs distinct from love songs and gospel), and kaihlek hla (gospel-inspired love songs blending spiritual melodies with romantic themes). Additionally, he composed poignant khawhar hla (dirges and elegies), paying tribute to loved ones. Those who knew him well were impressed by his instant talent for song composing, particularly 'Tlar thum zai', a traditional Mizo three-line ballad, which showcased his spontaneous creativity and solidified his position as a gifted songwriter.
Pu Laltanpuia was deeply enamoured with nature and held a profound affection for the villages and landscapes of his homeland. He often climbed Chaihte Tlang, a hill situated just above his house, where he drew inspiration and composed many of his songs. A patriot at heart, he yearned for the freedom of the Mizo people, and his songs reflect his ardent feelings.
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| Laltanpuia, Sialsuk |
Pu Laltanpuia was deeply enamoured with nature and held a profound affection for the villages and landscapes of his homeland. He often climbed Chaihte Tlang, a hill situated just above his house, where he drew inspiration and composed many of his songs. A patriot at heart, he yearned for the freedom of the Mizo people, and his songs reflect his ardent feelings.
He was deeply devoted to his village, and this love resonated through his music. During the turbulent Mizoram disturbance period, his birthplace, Sialsuk village, was ravaged and reduced to ashes. In response, he penned the heartfelt song "Sialsuk Kan Hla," a poignant tribute to his beloved village.
The song was born from tragedy. On June 15, 1966, the Indian Army's burning of Sialsuk left an indelible scar. Homes, rice stores, and livestock were consumed by flames, leaving the villagers with unimaginable losses. Compounding their misery, a deceased community member needed to be buried amidst relentless rain, while the homeless villagers sought refuge in nearby forests.
His lyrics poignantly capture the anguish:
Vanhnuai mi hril Sialkhawpui zopui khawia'n nge maw i awm?
His compositions were not only a testament to his love for nature but also a reflection of his personal experiences and emotions. His final composition, "Mamte, ka ui em che," was a heartfelt lament for his granddaughter, Lalchhawnkimi (daughter of Laltinthanga), who passed away on November 29, 1994. This poignant composition, penned in December of the same year, exemplifies his enduring love and sorrow.
His lyrics poignantly capture the anguish:
Vanhnuai mi hril Sialkhawpui zopui khawia'n nge maw i awm?
Ka rawn zawng che, piallei hawktui thlafam dairial maw i chan le?
Lungchim tea chhungtin par ang vulna kan run nuam,
Hmelma doral darfeng valrualin senmei pui hrang an lo ban e.
Chinlai khua kim deng zel la, aw, tuarah vanpui a chim,
Ka tan khua rel reng em lo ni, ka tawng hmelma te diriamna;
Turnikir vanglai khuangruahpui cham reng sumtualah,
Awmlai hrang nen suihlung an rual za,
Suar ang kan chim khawtlang hnawmah.
(Translation:
Sialkhawpui Zopui, village of renown, beneath the open sky,
As I searched for you, the torrential rains claimed your fragile existence;
Our beloved homes, where families once gathered with joy,
Now reduced to embers, ravaged by enemy fire.
Spreading across all the villages, oh, our sufferings are like a sky now fallen,
Is this nature's order, that I endure mockery from my foes?
The torrential rains reached their peak in our village,
Heavy rains entwined with death's dark presence,
We all succumb to the relentless downpour.)
His compositions were not only a testament to his love for nature but also a reflection of his personal experiences and emotions. His final composition, "Mamte, ka ui em che," was a heartfelt lament for his granddaughter, Lalchhawnkimi (daughter of Laltinthanga), who passed away on November 29, 1994. This poignant composition, penned in December of the same year, exemplifies his enduring love and sorrow.
Pu Laltanpuia, a Mizo song composer whose heart often yearned for Mizoram's rise and struggled with loneliness, penned the iconic lyrics, "Lungrualna hi ram leh hnam tan himna kulhpui ber a lo ni" ("Unity is the safe refuge and fortress for country and nation"), passed away on April 8, 1997, at the age of 83.
On his final day, Pu Laltanpuia attended an entertainment program organized by Mizoram Upa Pawl (MUP) Sialsuk Unit at Sialsuk Government Middle School-I. When he failed to return home by late evening, his family searched for him and discovered his lifeless body on the verandah of A.H & Vety department quarters located on the other slopes of Chaihte Tlang, just a short distance from their house. It is believed that weakened by age, he had climbed the hill after the programme and succumbed to exhaustion.
His funeral programme was held on April 9, 1997, and he was laid to rest at Sialsuk Public Cemetery (Thlanmual). During the procession, school students from Sialsuk village and members of the Young Mizo Association (YMA) marched alongside his body, paying their respects with the traditional Mizo cloth, 'pawndum'. This solemn ritual, accompanied by the 'pawndum', symbolized the high esteem in which Pu Laltanpuia was held in Sialsuk. The Laltanpuia Lungphun Committee organized a meaningful event to honour his legacy on December 7, 2012. His memorial stone was unveiled at Sialsuk thlanmual, and the inauguration ceremony took place at Laltanpuia Hall, a community hall named in his honour. The event featured a grand programme and a community feast.
Source: Laltanpuia thu leh hla zirhona, Published by Laltanpuia Lungphun Committee 2012. Printed by Zorin Compugraphics, Aizawl.
The Mizo tawng (Language) version of Pu Laltanpuia's life story can be accessed in this link: Mizo hlaphuah thiam Laltanpuia (Sialsuk) chanchin
His funeral programme was held on April 9, 1997, and he was laid to rest at Sialsuk Public Cemetery (Thlanmual). During the procession, school students from Sialsuk village and members of the Young Mizo Association (YMA) marched alongside his body, paying their respects with the traditional Mizo cloth, 'pawndum'. This solemn ritual, accompanied by the 'pawndum', symbolized the high esteem in which Pu Laltanpuia was held in Sialsuk. The Laltanpuia Lungphun Committee organized a meaningful event to honour his legacy on December 7, 2012. His memorial stone was unveiled at Sialsuk thlanmual, and the inauguration ceremony took place at Laltanpuia Hall, a community hall named in his honour. The event featured a grand programme and a community feast.
Source: Laltanpuia thu leh hla zirhona, Published by Laltanpuia Lungphun Committee 2012. Printed by Zorin Compugraphics, Aizawl.
The Mizo tawng (Language) version of Pu Laltanpuia's life story can be accessed in this link: Mizo hlaphuah thiam Laltanpuia (Sialsuk) chanchin
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| Sialsuk Laltanpuia memorial stone: |
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| Laltanpuia, Sialsuk |
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