The conferral ceremony for Guru Rarenbenba Tatar, under the Guru-Shishya Parampara scheme of the Ministry of Culture, Government of India, was held at Langpanglenden, Ungma, on Thursday, July 11. Guru Rarenbenba, hailing from Ungma village, is the son of Mr. and Mrs. Lt. Imtiakum. The documentation and interview of Guru Rarenbenba were conducted in Guwahati in September 2023, along with 771 other candidates. He is the fourth individual from his village to become a Guru.
While narrating his accomplishments, Guru Rarenbenba Tatar recounted how he started learning folksongs and dances as a 6-year-old and how he became more fluent and improved in all fields of cultural activities. He expressed gratitude to several figures and Gurus for their teachings and the opportunities they provided, allowing him to practice and perform without hesitation.
He also mentioned how he received various invitations from different groups across India, such as Sangeet Natak through the Northeast Zone Cultural Centre, Dimapur, which he believes helped him gain recognition. He thanked all his well-wishers, supporters, and his wife for their continuous support and prayers.
Several other notable figures, including from the Village Council of Ungma, Guru Sangyusang Pongen, the District Art and Culture Officer, and Mekumpong Kosasanger Pusu Menden Ungma, shared their acknowledgments for Guru Rarenbenba’s achievements and encouraged him to strive for even greater heights and to train the younger generation to follow in his footsteps. During the acknowledgment speech, the District Art and Culture Officer mentioned that Guru Rarenbenba’s documentation was very well maintained and noted that he is one of the youngest among the Gurus.