“Not many Karbis have dared to choose to be an entrepreneur as a career option, however, at the present time, there are a few who have decided to walk in this less travelled path. Monjir Rongpipi, a housewife has come forward to start her own bakery and dance coaching centre at Rongkhelan, Diphu. In today’s issue, we will learn about her life and aspirations for the future.”
TDE: Tell us about your date and place of birth, parents and siblings.
Monjir: I was born on 17th May 1977 in Diphu Town. My parents were Lt. Maya Engtipi and Lt. Pari Rongpi. I have two brothers – Munsin Rongpi and Risim Rongpi.
TDE: Tell us about your academic career?
Monjir: I did my schooling at Don Bosco Higher Secondary School, Diphu. I passed my matriculation in the 3rd division and then joined Diphu Govt. College for HS. After passing my HS, I joined Cotton College for my BA and took English as a major subject. But I did my graduation from B. Barooah College, Guwahati. Then I joined Guwahati University as a private candidate in English Department. After studying for two years, due to some problems, I had to pause my studies. I left Guwahati and came back to Diphu.
In the year 2000, I joined Rongnihang High School as an assistant teacher. However, I left the job and joined Don Bosco HS, Diphu as an English teacher in 2007. In 2011, I gave up my job at Don Bosco and continued my studies in distance education institution IDOL at Guwahati University. I did my Masters in English and Mass Communication. At present, I am doing a course in Indian Classical Dance Bharatnatyam and also doing my studies in Human Resource Management under IDOL.
TDE: Do you wish to share any remarkable incident in your student life?
Monjir: Yes, very much. I have some very special moments from my days in Guwahati. I got an opportunity to meet Ma’am Bachindri Pal, who in 1984 became the first Indian woman to reach the summit of Mount Everest. We as Karbi students felicitated her on behalf of Karbi Anglong Mountaineering Association (KAMA). After my short speech, she appreciated me with such a big word – “You have a bright future.” These golden words still echo in my heart. As a student, I also got the opportunity to meet former Indian Prime Minister I. K. Gujral.
TDE: What were your dreams as a student?
Monjir: I never had a big dream, but of course, I always wanted to do something unique and creative. I like organising programmes and also love to communicate and interact with different people. I gain knowledge through conversations with people. I am very observant in nature.
TDE: Tell us about the journey you have travelled to open a dance institute.
Monjir: Well, I am not a good dancer, but I love music and dance very much. 11 years of being a housewife has given me a lot of experiences in life. Being a housewife has given me the opportunity to learn various courses. I just want to focus more on Indian Classical dance. Through my experience, I would like to share with women who are housewives to keep themselves busy through music and dance. Our people have the least knowledge about Indian Classical dance, so through my institute, both kids and their mothers can achieve their dreams and can make a career in Indian Classical Dance and Music.
TDE: So far, how had been your experience in the present work?
Monjir: Very good experience. I have got positive responses from people. but it is only the beginning. I have to go a very long way and I have to learn many more to make my students’ futures and careers bright because I want the students of my institute to be the leaders of tomorrow. Dihin Rupatso Arts/Dance and Music Centre is not only my dream but my parents as well, who always guided me to the right path to work for the right purpose.
I am looking after the entire complex in the name of Dihin Rupatso, at Rongkhelan. I have a bakery too. So, throughout the day, I keep myself busy.
TDE: Are you working alone? Or, do you have a team? If yes, who are your partners?
Monjir: I am not alone, my husband is always by my side. He is my strength and always supports and encourages me in my work.
Yes, at present I have three teachers for art & painting, for modern dance and also for Indian Classical Dance. The teacher for Indian Classical comes from Lumding, he is also my Guru (Teacher) in Indian Classical Dance (Bharatnatyam).
TDE: What are your main visions behind starting this institute?
Monjir: The main vision is to follow in the footsteps of my parents. My father Lt. Pari Rongpi was a renowned poet, author and social activist. I am always known as Pari Rongpi’s daughter wherever I go and whomever I meet. I always had to give an introduction as “Mr Pari Rongpi’s daughter”.
My father died very recently, so after his death, I visited Kala Kendra Music College. The principal of the college was my father’s friend. He told me, “Your father was a good man and he worked so much for the society. Now he is no more. You have to make your own identity.”
Coming home, the whole night I could not sleep. Those words were keeping me awake. So, I thought that whatever knowledge I have gained from my parents, must be put to work. My mother died when we were quite young, so my father played the role of a mother and father. He was my idol, my teacher and my inspiration. I cannot be a good writer or poet, but I want to contribute to society through my institute. I want those who have a love for art, dance and music to come and learn and achieve their dreams in the field.
Also, I want to make our people aware that dance and music are also good career options. On acquiring the degree certificates, youths can apply for teaching jobs in schools and colleges as well. For those interested in research works, there are options to do PhD also. On top of that, if you do courses from certified institutes, in future, you can also open your own institutes, or become choreographers.
TDE: Instead of going after govt. jobs, why have you chosen to become an entrepreneur?
Monjir: I always wanted to do something on my own. But it was not an easy task for me. As I have said earlier, I have got a lot of experience as a housewife, meeting people and learning about their struggles and pain. Seeing other people’s miseries make me stronger believing that my pains are lesser than theirs. I also believe that every beginning has an end and every end has a new beginning.
Another reason for not going after govt. job was my responsibility and duty towards my family and children.
TDE: What according to you is the reason for the lack of entrepreneurship quality among the Karbis and other tribal people of Karbi Anglong?
Monjir: Lack of patience, reluctance to work hard and give proper dedication and the lack of knowledge on the management of time and money are major issues with us. As I said, I am a beginner too, I have a long way to go. I will try to acquire all the qualities and knowledge to keep my work on the right track and make it grow with the passing of time.
TDE: What are your future prospects?
Monjir: If my life is blessed financially, I would like to raise the standard of giving to people like free coaching on dance and music, especially Indian Classical Dance and Music to underprivileged children. I also have the dream to open more Indian Classical Music and Dance Institutes in remote areas of Karbi Anglong.