Vanlal Tluonga Bapui: Hmar Linguist
Vanlal Tluonga Bapui: Linguist, Educator, and Author in Hmar History
- – Written by Zion Vankal
The modern history of the Hmar people cannot be told without mention of those who carried knowledge as their weapon and service as their duty. Among them, Vanlal Tluonga Bapui, born on 14 November 1944 in Boro Muolkoi Village, Dima Hasao, Assam, stands out as a living figure whose contributions as a linguist, educator, and author have shaped the identity of his community.
Education as a Turning Point
In 1962, when he became only the second person from Boro Muolkoi to pass Matriculation, the event carried meaning beyond his personal achievement. It symbolised a cultural awakening in a community where education was scarce. His journey through Haflong College, a Bachelor of Arts (1967), and later advanced studies in pedagogy and theology — including a Bachelor of Teaching from Gauhati University (1974), a Master of Christian Education in the USA (1985), and a Bachelor of Divinity from Serampore College.
The Educator’s Legacy
As a teacher, his career stretched from Doiheng L.P. School (1962) to the CHT Synod High School (1970–2000), where he nurtured generations of students. His influence as an educator went beyond classroom instruction; it built a culture of learning within the Hmar community. Later, his service as a Mission Enabler in the United Kingdom and as Director of the Mobile Theological School reinforced his role as a mentor and builder of institutions.
Linguist and Guardian of Language
For the Hmar people, language is both heritage and identity. As a linguist, Bapui’s work safeguarded this identity. He authored foundational texts such as the Hmar-Hmar-English Dictionary, Hmar Grammar, and the Hmar-Hmar-English Dictionary. These works did not merely record words — they anchored a language within the academic and cultural landscape of Assam and North East India. His leadership in the Hmar Literature Society, where he rose to become President, further ensured that Hmar language and literature would not be overshadowed in a multilingual region. The Government of Assam’s Literary Pension (2006) recognised his lifelong service to language and literature, honouring him as one of the foremost voices of the Hmar people.
Author of Knowledge and Faith
As an author, Bapui’s contribution extended beyond linguistics. His works include Hmars in Assam, Oral Traditions of the Hmars, Hmar Grammar, Hmar-English Dictionary and biblical commentaries such as Thupuongsuo (Revelation), Matthai (Matthew), and Zawlneitehai (Prophets). These writings form a bridge between culture, history, and faith, offering both scholarly resources and spiritual nourishment.
The Translator of Scripture
Another chapter of his legacy lies in translation:
– 2008–2010: Chief Translator of the Dimasa New Testament, Psalms, and Proverbs.
– 2011–2018: Contributor to the Hmar Study Bible, the first of its kind for his community.
– 2020–present: Active in the Dimasa Old Testament translation project, ensuring the continuity of God’s Word in indigenous languages.
His translation work secured a place for the Hmar and Dimasa languages within the living tradition of world Christianity, allowing future generations to hear Scripture in their mother tongues.
Recognition and Historical Place
Bapui’s service has earned wide recognition: an Honorary Doctor of Literature (D. Litt.) from Christian Deemed University, Florida; invitations to present academic papers at Gauhati University, NEHU University, Dibrugarh University, Manipur University, Tezpur University, and beyond; and collaborations with national institutions like CIIL Mysore and Sahitya Akademi. These honours placed the Hmar intellectual tradition on the wider academic map of India and the world.
A Living Chronicle
The life of Vanlal Tluonga Bapui represents more than personal achievement. As a linguist, he preserved a language; as an educator, he built a culture of learning; and as an author, he gave voice to the heritage and faith of his people. His story is woven into the historical chronicle of the Hmar community — a living reminder that from the remote hills of Dima Hasao, knowledge and service can radiate far beyond.
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