In the heartwarming landscape of the Karbi hills, an extraordinary individual emerges as a source of inspiration and progress for his people. Meet Borsing Hanse, the first instructor among the Karbis in the esteemed Industrial Training Institute (ITI), whose unwavering spirit and love for learning have shattered societal norms. He has also made his mark in literature, with three published books, beautifully preserving the folklore, culture, and traditions of the Karbi community. This article delves into his remarkable journey, celebrating his triumphs, highlighting the challenges he overcame, and showcasing his transformative impact on education and literature—a true trailblazer whose legacy continues to inspire generations.
TDE: When were you born and tell us about your family.
BH: I was born on February 2, 1961, in Bijuli Reserve, Golaghat district where my father along with some individuals established a new village.
TDE: Tell us about your parents, siblings, and family members.
BH: My father’s name is Lt. Ram Hanse and my mother’s name is Amphu (Omphu) Ingti Katharpi. We are four brothers and have five sisters- the eldest name was Lt. Angjok Hanse, followed by Mrs. Kakrung Hansepi, Mrs. Kache Hansepi, Kaku Hansepi and Alish Hansepi. Kangbura Hanse, followed by me and my younger brother Khogen Hanse.
TDE: It must be very difficult to have access to education at those times but tell us about your education.
BH: We had no school in the reserve area where I was born and therefore, I enrolled myself at Nambor Adarsha LP School. It was later that I got to know that I was already 7 years old when I first got admission. And I could not remember much of my childhood times at school. My elder sister Alish Hansepi would always take me to school every day so, I am very grateful to her.
I read up to class 4 at Adarsha LP School and after that, I joined Japaralangso Khorsing Terang High School and I stayed at my uncle’s home. After I complete class 6 and due to poor financial condition, I was moved to Hanjanglangso (Sarihajan) High School and got me admitted for class 8 as there was no class 7. My closest friend Jitendra Terang on seeing my poor financial condition then approached LP school headmaster Padmeswar Bora who agreed to keep me under him at the time when I was reading in class 10. However, school headmaster Bora received a transfer letter and was then compelled to move to Langhin.
On seeing that I was going to be left alone, I and my friend Jitendra Terang went to stay at Hanjanglangso School hostel. Again, on witnessing my poor condition, school Founder Principal Joygyoram Gogoi took me to his home from which I appeared for the class 10 exam at Diphu Government Boys’ High School. I stayed at Government Boys’ School teacher Lt. Prodip Ch. Gogoi’s house to appear for my exam in 1981. It was he who insisted that I stay longer and prevented me from leaving his house urging me to look for a government job. I have no idea about my age, but I got to work with the Irrigation department in the weight and measure section. And that’s how I was engaged on a leave vacancy basis.
Upon the advice of former EM Jivan Ch. Pathak, I enrolled myself at ITI where I entered the motor vehicle mechanic trade. Classes were held from 7 am to 10 am and I would then go to work at the irrigation office. So, times were very tight and I had no time for eating but my enthusiasm for learning help me through it.
After that, it was becoming increasingly difficult to continue staying at Sir Gogoi’s house and therefore, I then went on to stay with PWD employee Ram Chandra Timung’s where I began to stay with Deuri Terang. Due to the statehood movement in 1980, we were all compelled to stay at home as all lives and activities were halted. It was in 1983 that I finally cleared my HSLC and also completed the 2 years course in ITI. Life has not been easy but I managed to keep my cool and readings of inspiring individuals and successful people and encouraged me a lot.
TDE: How many children do you have? Could you share something about your family?
BH: I have five children, who are accordingly named- Durmily Hansepi (MA), Sarding Hanse (Completed Welder Trade course), Dalimir Hansepi (MTM), Preety Hansepi and Urmili Hansepi (Library Science from USTM, Meghalaya).
TDE: Where did you go in order to become an Instructor?
BH: For that, I took 2 years course at ITI which include mechanical, MV, and Trade. When I became an Instructor, I was deputed to Howrah district, West Bengal for ATI/CTI in 1987-88 and it was after that job was regularized.
TDE: Could you also please share the history of ITI in Diphu.
BH: According to my knowledge, the Diphu ITI was inaugurated in 1964 on May 15 at the present place which was allotted by the District Council the same year Diphu Government College was also inaugurated on June 23, 1964.
The Vice Principals who have served here are MC Das (1964-66), MD Neog, NC Baruah, KK Baruah, S. Dey, Ramen Chakrabarty (also Superintendent) and SAFA Awal (present) with Bimola Timungpi as in charge. The Diphu ITI was the result of the vision, prolonged discussion and pursuance by the late Joysing Doloi, Chatrasing Teron, Sar Rongpi and late Dhoniram Rongpi with the Director of Employment and Craftsman.
TDE: Apart from you, how many Karbis are there as Instructor in Diphu ITI?
BH: I was the sole Karbi who was engaged as an Instructor for a long time since 1985 but later on Ajit Ingti (Electrician) from Tumpreng, and Bhakta Ingti (Fitter) from Greater Guwahati are so far, the only Karbis been appointed as Instructor at Diphu ITI.
TDE: What are your views on the statement those Karbi youths are not deeply serious about taking up ITI courses? Is that claim true? What do you think, are the reasons for that?
BH: Seems like it’s almost true because I was the lone Karbi at ITI from 1979 till 1981. Later on, few Karbi youths enrolled but our people are only interested in MMV and electrician trade. We have only a handful of technicians but non-Karbis has many candidates. I also feel that lack of awareness and promotion could also be the reasons for the low interest in ITI courses.
In addition to these, lack of interest, concern, and support towards ITI contribute a lot towards the overall situation of the institution.
TDE: What are the benefits for the youths if they enroll themselves in ITI courses?
BH: Pros and Cons exist everywhere but individuals who take courses from ITI are already well trained and therefore, they will have the capacity to look after their own families.
TDE: When did you retire from Diphu ITI? What were the challenges or difficulties that you faced and what were the most memorable and satisfying experiences of your life with the institution?
BH: I got retirement in 2021 in the month of February.
There aren’t many challenges but staying away from home and living outside among unknown people are the inconveniences that I found.
I was very interested in motor-vehicle for a long time and that is why I opted for MMV trade. And my curiosity about its overall structure and what are the things and parts required for a vehicle to move were all answered during my training and a lifelong stint with ITI. And to be appointed as All India Basics Instructor was the most memorable and satisfying part of my life.
TDE: When did you start involving in Karbi literary world?
BH: It was in 2010 that I first get into the Karbi literary world when Lt. Chitra Kr. Bey’s stepping into Karbi Lammet Amei. And so far, the Karbi literary apex body KLA has already published three of my works (books) and I still have three more.
TDE: What are your plans for the coming years?
BH: My desire is to continue to work with KLA as long as my body allows me as the only way to gain knowledge is through observation and reading. Our identity and future can only exist and preserve through our own literature and that is what I firmly believed in.
TDE: We always find the letter ‘R’ after your name, what is the meaning or story behind it?
BH: The letter ‘R’ stands for ‘Ronghang Aso’ and I had employed in my name with the aim of removing the background of my clan as Karbis are generally from three regions and therefore would either be Ronghang Aso, Chinthong Aso and Amri Aso. The letter ‘R’ is being used by me for my convenience and to eliminate the long task of explaining important events or situations.
TDE: What is your message or advices for the Karbi youths and general public with regard to ITI in Diphu?
BH: Having ITI in our own place is a matter of great pride as we do not find such resources or critical institutions in all places. Now the government has divided the process for online applications SCVIT and NCVT. The selection for those Karbis who apply online would be made under SCVT. The admission fees range between Rs. 35,000 to Rs. 40,000 and the application fee itself would cost around Rs. 1,600.
Coming from a very poor background and full of struggle, I am very heartbreaking to see that our own youths are forced to take admission outside the district as fees are extremely high in Diphu ITI. I hope something good happens for our people.