The Piano Accordion

As I rummaged through old photographs in search of evidence to write my Corps History, I came across this old photograph which I later learned from others the identity of our pioneer officers. After flipping through few books of history (which I hate as a young student) and having a conversation with few people I began to form the puzzle of this photograph which happens to tell me a wider story than I could ever imagined.

One important person in this photograph is Colonel Joseph Dahya who was also present in the group photos of Commissioners & Territorial Commander/ Regional Commander with The General and Chief of the Staff during the Centenary Celebrations of the Salvation Army in 1965 at London. He came to Lushai Hills Division in 1958, he was appointed as the Territorial Commander of Eastern Territory in July 1956 with headquarters at Kolkotta. Colonel Joseph Dahya has brought greetings from Mr. Robert Pierce, Founder of World Vision International in the form of a Piano-Accordion for the Lushai Hills Division. Bob Pierce's World Vision had together with the Salvation Army a leading role in the development of the evangelical social action movie. 

The piano as seen in the photo was handled and played by Captain Chianghnuna who was the Divisional Youth Officer at that time. Captain Chianghnuna was the first Mizo Officer to attain the rank of Commissioner. He was also the official translator during the World Vision organized Pastor’s Conference at Guwahati in 1963 where Mr. Robert Pierce was the speaker. Translator of different language used to stand in a line and translate the speaker’s message to their mother tongue without a microphone. The Mizos got the clearest message due to the clear and loud voice of Captain Chianghnuna. This Piano Accordion was later in the custody of the soldiers of Central Corps, which was the first Corps in Aizawl.

Senior Captain & Mrs. James Kennedy accompanied the Territorial Commander. They are also newly appointed as the Divisional Officer of Lushai Hills Division, taking up their appointment in November 1957. Major Kennedy was a good musician and had a Concertina which he used to play during meetings and carols. He also introduced staff notation to the young people of Baktawng Corps and they are the first Band to play in Staff Notation. Major used to teach the Assam Rifles Baaja as well during his service in Mizoram. The couples are seen in this photo witnessing the proud moment of Chaltlang Salvationists.

Of course, our mighty pioneer officer, Lieut-Colonel Kawlkhuma OF is seen in the photo with his wife Lieut.Colonel Khuangi. He seems to have a deep connection with the Salvationists of Chaltlang. He has retired from active service but even attended their celebrations on 31^st March 1968 on attaining a Corps position. Chaltlang is the place where Mr.Chiangdailova – earliest member of ‘True Believers’ have resided since 1923 and completed his wandering years from Venghnuai to Sawleng, and was Promoted to Glory on April 15, 1930 at Chaltlang. Mrs.Ngochhuni w/o Chiangdailova was also Promoted to Glory on September 5, 1955 and both have rested their earthly bodies at Chaltlang. Maybe, these instances have instilled and pull him closer keeping in mind the earlier ties he has with the family of Mr.Chiangdailova. 

Captain Thansiama, the then, Commanding Officer of Bazar Corps is also present, as he happen to take charge of Chaltlang Society which comes under his command area during those days. It must have been a proud moment for him too, to have a new hall ready to be opened on 15 June 1958 coinciding with the visit of the Territorial Commander. He has marked this day in his bio-data for "Warriors for Christ".

Many faithful early Officers, Local Officers and Salvationists are present and to name a few – Major Saidawla, Major Thansanga, Major Lalthansanga, Brigadier Sapliana, Brigadier Vaikhuma, Major Khumtea, Lt.Colonel K.Khara, Major Lalchhawna, Mr.C.Thangkima CSM OF, Mr. H.T.Muankima CSM, Mr.Hmangaiha CSM and the list could go on. The earliest commissioned Local Officers of Chaltlang Society – Sergeant Major- Mr.Ngursailova, Recruiting Sergeant- Mr. Pema, Treasurer- Mr.Saia, Y.P.Sergeant- Mr.Vula, Home League Treasurer- Mrs.Selzingi and Home League Sergeant- Mrs.Rohnuni definitely make a presence on this auspicious occasion. They were commissioned on November 16, 1958.

Mr.Singula, one of the prestigious early businessmen of Chaltlang has purchased the hall site for Salvationists of Chaltlang from Mr.Papuia. Immediately they built a hall and get it ready in time for the Territorial Commander to open it during his visits to Aizawl. Colonel Joseph Dahya, thus, opened the new prayer hall on 15 June 1958 and gave them a Society status. The Territorial Commander presented them a Lock & Key for their new hall.

This Prayer Hall was used by the Salvationists of Chaltlang to conduct meetings and other services till 1973 when they built an Assam type Hall with additional land purchased from the Soldiers contributions, and used the old hall as Young People Corps Hall.

Jean Ralte