Today, I've decided to shift my diary entries from my trusty old MS-Office Word to Blogger. I've heard great things about it, so I'm excited to start preserving my memories here.
I came across a quote that really struck a chord with me: “Everything in our lives comes and goes... you just need to go and grab those new things before they slip away from you!” - Jon Pebi Tato.
Introduction:
Hello, I'm Jon Pebi Tato. Currently, I'm a geography honors student at Dyal Singh College, University of Delhi. Being part of the Adi-Galo tribe, my Galo name is Pebi Tato, a continuation of my dad's last name, which is "PE" from Mirpe Tato. Our family practices the Christian faith, so I was given the name John. Though my dad wasn't originally Christian, he embraced it later on. Now, all my family members are Christian.
My Tribe:
I proudly belong to the Galo tribe of the Tani Clan. I'm fluent in Galo, Adi, English, Hindi, and have a rough grasp of Mandarin-Zungkuo'. According to our elders, my people migrated from the Loyu-Zayul region of Tibet, China. Even today, a significant part of my tribe resides in China. So, while I'm here in what's now called Arunachal Pradesh, India, I can't help but wish for a more unique state name.
My Native Land:
My roots are in the West Siang district of Arunachal Pradesh. Specifically, I hail from Aalo (Along) and my ancestral village is Yaki Tato (Keyak). It's a place bordering China to the north, East Siang to the southeast, and Upper Siang to the northeast.
Present Address:
Currently, my family resides in the Lower Dibang Valley district of Arunachal Pradesh, in Roing. My dad serves in the government under DC Roing as an EAC (Extra Assistant Commissioner). We live among the Idu-Mishmi-Adi tribes. Roing is a flat region with warm temperatures, but during winter, it can get bone-chillingly cold! Despite that, I absolutely love Roing.
It feels more like home to me than Along (Aalo) does. I feel a stronger connection to Dibang Valley district. It's an enchanting area with a diverse and captivating landscape. The zoo, park, and Sally Lake are all wonderful. Roing might have its challenges with transportation, communication, and a lack of economic activity, but I wouldn't trade it for anything. My childhood was mostly spent in the Idu-Mishmi region, from Lohit to Dibang. This tribe is simply amazing. I enjoy speaking their language, even though I'm not completely fluent (smiling). I also have an affinity for the Adi-Padam-Minyong tribes. Their traditional dishes like Etting, Ayin Ow, Tari, and more are absolutely delicious.
Sunday mornings were special. Everyone in the boarding school woke up around 6 am. The bell rang, waking us up. I quickly got ready and joined my friends and a P.T. teacher for a jog to the riverbank. Standing at the edge of the cliff, the cool breeze made me feel refreshed after the run. We returned after an hour, had a bath, and enjoyed warm puris with aloo baji for breakfast. I was in sixth grade and cherished every moment in the hostel.
Mondays were my least favorite, but Saturday nights were the best. After dinner, everyone rushed to the TV room. Even though I called them "morons," I joined them too! I remember my principal, Mr. S.V. Nambodri, who was also my English teacher. My favorite day was the school's annual foundation day. I danced and even won prizes. It was a lot of fun!
By the time I reached ninth grade, my focus on studies began to dwindle. Until eighth grade, I was a rank holder and even became the school leader once. From Monday to Saturday, I supervised the students during the morning assembly. The feeling of pride surged within me. I excelled in sports, especially football, where I played as a midfielder. Drawing was my passion, and I never imagined winning certificates for it.
As the school reopened in early July, my parents left me at the hostel, which was 230 km away from them. I initially felt sad and missed them, but after a week, I settled in. Tenth grade was my final year at that school. I knew I would miss my buddies who were moving away, but I made the most of my time.
In classes seven to ten, I helped my friends create posters for the "Children's Science Congress." I participated too, but I couldn't make it past the inter-school level. Then came March, the CBSE exams. I had a disagreement with my mom, which led me to my cousin's place with my laptop and a DVD player. The next day, my math exam was scheduled. My mom brought me back home and made sure I studied. I got 42 marks, and I was fine with it. I knew I didn't deserve more. I've always felt lucky in situations like these.
Finally, I passed out from Intaya Public School, Roing. My ninth-grade friends gave us a warm farewell. Some were emotional, but I wasn't. Looking back now, I sometimes feel like crying, reminiscing about my school days. Those days were truly special.
It was a Monday morning, and I walked into my new school with a mix of courage and nervousness. Despite my brave exterior, inside, shyness was taking over. It was my first time being in such a large crowd, and I couldn't believe my eyes when I saw students casually skipping class right under the teachers' noses, and the teachers didn't say a word. I thought to myself, "How can these students be so disrespectful? They should at least ask, 'May I go, sir?'" At first, I thought the school was nothing special and that it would ruin my life. However, within a few months, I made many friends, and I forgot all about my initial thoughts. I even joined in on the occasional class-skipping with my friends. After spending a long time in hostel life, it felt liberating to be in a school where teachers didn't scold or punish students like they did in private schools (ouch!).
Once again, the annual day was celebrated with great enthusiasm. I took part in a dance performance, and for some reason, everyone seemed to really like me. I became somewhat famous for my dancing, though I couldn't quite understand why. From then on, I performed at SOLUNG festivals. Time continued to pass, and the annual exams were approaching. Strangely, I didn't feel any fear. "I don't know why," as my friends would tell me. "11 is heaven," they would joke. I was genuinely happy, and I was truly innocent at that time. I took my class 11 exams and passed without much effort, achieving 68%. The most surprising news was that I was the top-ranked student in my class out of 118 students. It was a bit embarrassing, as 68% wouldn't even secure a place in the top 10 in my previous private schools. Still, I respected this government school—it may not have been considered the best, but to me, it was the finest school in Arunachal Pradesh.
In this school, I won the school-level science congress for the first time. I was then selected to represent the school at the district-level inter-school science congress. I acted as both the lecturer and the team leader, along with my two partners. Unfortunately, I came in 6th place in the district. I was quite disappointed at the time. Looking back, I realize it was just a competition. I was so innocent back then. Finally, I completed my 12th grade with 71.2% and ranked first in my class and throughout the whole Lower Dibang Valley district. My parents were overjoyed, and I was beyond thrilled. Relatives from West Siang, Dapo, and Itanagar were also delighted upon hearing the news. Originally, I had planned to study at Pasighat College, but my mom and dad decided to enroll me in Delhi University. Finally, I secured admission to DELHI UNIVERSITY.
This is me during my first year in college. I was quite shy in the beginning because this type of college was new to me. There were more crowds, more friends, good and bad, lecturers, and so many other things! I got ragged by a few seniors and they told me to sing any song. So, I sang Fort Minor's "Believe Me," which was a hip-hop song. I'm not sure if those seniors understood it, but they said it was good and I could go! Haha! So, from then on, I started coming to college daily, and I was really regular in my first year in 2008!!!
During my first year, I stayed in Lodhi Road, which was near my college. That's one reason I was so regular. Another reason was my own excitement to come to college every day. I really loved coming to college during my first year. When I was new, I hardly talked to people, so they thought I didn't know how to speak Hindi because I was from the North East. After a few months, I had lots of interactions with many new friends, and slowly I met so many people and became good friends.
In my geography class, most of them were "NYIPAK" and there were five of us from the North East: Angela, Alex, Roshan, Yasin, and myself. Among us five, Alex, Angela, and I were just like true North Easterners. Yasin and Roshan were different. They didn't make friends with us North Easterners but with all those "NYIPAKs." I didn't like it, but we were just hi, hello friends! Alex, I don't have any words to say about him. I just hated him like hell, always coming directly and patting me so hard—oh man, it hurts! I thought to myself. But I would smile at him as if nothing happened. Well, I saw Alex and Angela always together, so I thought of them as brother and sister because they were always together. Well, well... I even hated Angela, always smiling nonsensically. I don't know what was wrong with her, but later, pretty soon, I came to know she was very cool and a friendly person. We became friends after a few months. Oh, I remember Alex's dialogue... "Oh man, geography is tough!" Hahaha... and the way Pankaj used to imitate him was so funny! Haha!
The above picture was taken before our geomorphology class! We were all excited since we were new to each other. For me, everything was so new! Dwivedi mam was our lecturer for geomorphology and climatology, and she was really good at it. At first, I found her teaching a bit challenging because it was different from what I was used to in school. But I was getting the hang of it and learning new things.
During that time, my cellphone, the one I'm holding in the picture, got stolen when I went to Old Delhi to buy second-hand books. I was just reading a book, and my friend Vipin asked me for the time. When I looked for my phone, it was gone! I was so tense. We searched like crazy, but with so many people around, it was hard to search properly. It was a Sunday, and many people came to buy books, so it was super crowded. I even thought I might get trampled by all those people! Haha!
To be honest with my diary, I had a crush on a girl in my college. Since we were both new to each other, she didn't know me well at first. We became good friends later and started getting to know each other. My feelings for her grew, but I found out she already had a boyfriend, so I didn't pursue it further. I decided to remain good friends with her. It was fun while it lasted.
Winter came, and I had to prepare for my first term exam. I was really scared because we had to write at least six pages for one answer! The exam arrived, and when the results came out, I found out I had failed in climatology and population geography. I was so, so disappointed! I don't know why. I carried my dad and mom's saying in my heart. I really tried so hard, but it seemed I always failed to get good marks. The lecturer told me to try for the annual exam in April. Many of my friends were facing the same problem, except for a few brilliant students.
On a very cold and foggy day in January, I got my name put up for a poster-making competition in Indraprastha College (North Campus). I won 3rd prize, representing Dyal Singh College! I was really proud of myself at that time. Then, in my college fest, I won 1st prize in a poster-making competition again. I was so happy, especially because I got a certificate from the University of Delhi. Man, it really felt cool! It felt like a dream for me, coming all the way from the Northeast, the most remote state of India, Arunachal Pradesh, the land of the dawn-lit mountains. Studying here and doing all these things—wow! I really did it. So, my first year was really thrilling. Hahaha!
Two months before all this, I joined NSS (National Service Scheme) at my college. I became an NSS volunteer and really enjoyed it. Just one month later, NSS conducted a study tour to Haryana to learn about organic farming. Dr. Manjit sir was our NSS in-charge teacher and supervisor. We had a lot of fun in Haryana too. Three months later, it was the annual NSS day. All the volunteers gathered, and I was there too. I was the first person called to the stage to speak on the mic in front of everyone. I was nervous at first, but once I started, I spoke confidently. In the end, everyone received a certificate. I saw two or three certificates left in Sir’s hand, but they were different, with a different color. I wondered who they might be for! Haha! But just as I was daydreaming, Sir announced, "The certificate goes to John! Pebi Tato!" Hahaha! Oh man! It was like a dream come true. When I read the certificate, it said, "Certificate of Merit for Best Extraordinary Volunteer." Wow! I was so happy, and my mom, dad, and all my brothers were really proud of me. After three days, I was about to receive another certificate for my calligraphy work, but I didn't get it because it was with the president, and he lost it. I was so sad, but I thought, "Leave it!" Many other things happened during my first year, but I managed to pass with 54%. Scoring 60% in DU (Delhi University) is quite challenging, but some people in my state think it's not.
OH!!! I was late for college, and I didn’t catch anything during the first session. But deep down, I felt confident because I had already experienced college life in my first year. I was ready to face my second year with a daring spirit.
However, things had changed for me. I wasn't as regular in college as I used to be in my first year. I had also moved to a new house in Moti Bagh, which was quite far from my college. I had to take two buses just to get there.
After moving to my new place, I also got an internet connection. From then on, I became addicted to social networking. I started using platforms like Orkut, Facebook, MySpace, Twitter, and so on. I met many new friends through these platforms.
Well, this year, I really learned a lot about editing pictures using software like Photoscape, thanks to my internet access.
Oh, the months from August to October are scorching in Delhi. My new house is in Moti Bagh, on the top floor—basically the fourth floor. Climbing up after returning from college was quite a challenge. Haha! But after a few weeks, I got used to it, and I really enjoyed it. This year, 2009, has been simply awesome!
For the first time, I made many friends from Arunachal, my home state. I was really happy about that. Even all my room neighbors were from the Northeast—some from Nagaland and some from Manipur. Everyone was so good to me. They looked out for me because I was staying alone on the top floor. The girls on the ground floor were Akum, Anita, and Temsu. The floor below them had Njile and Sister Kent. And below that were Kenny, Sam, and their sister. Since moving to Moti Bagh, I became close to them and started to feel like we were one big family. We even cooked together. Sometimes I'd cook the rice, and they'd make the curry. It was really awesome for me. Haha! That's why I didn’t go to college as much as I did in my first year. Well, in my first year, I didn’t have many Northeastern friends, except for my classmates. Some of my friends thought I was having a great time with those girls, but the truth was that I didn’t go to college as often because it was quite far, and sometimes I overslept. Besides, I had become so close to them, like family.
I treated Akum and Njile as older sisters because they took such good care of me, and I reciprocated by being good to them. They would come to my room to use the internet or watch movies. Oh, what a year it was!
My friends began teasing me, saying things like, "Hey John, today the newspaper has caught you. You're featured in a headline about a rap case!" I became really scared at that moment and started thinking about what else might have been written about me. I was worried.
After a few hours, Angela and I went to the library to find the Hindustan Times newspaper. To my surprise, there was nothing in it that my friends had told me. They had played a prank on me! I did find myself in the paper, though. It was written as "John Tato, of Dyal Singh College, wearing a sports checkered shirt!" I couldn't stop laughing. It turned out to be a funny and enjoyable moment for me.
This picture was taken on a day when we didn't have any classes. From left to right: Anand, Me, Angela, and Lucy. We decided to go to Lodhi Garden just to hang out, as there was a college strike and no classes were being held. It turned out to be a really fun day. Angela and I were so eager to take photos in different poses - it was hilarious!
Today is the 23rd of December, and I'm picking up where I left off in my diary. Last week, I couldn't continue writing, but now I'm back at it, and it feels good. Up until today, my days have been good, and I've enjoyed every moment. I'm feeling happy. Today was the last day of my class, and only Abhisek, Angam, and I were there to enjoy it.
Date: 19th March 2010
Oh my... after many days, I am continuing my diary again. Anyway, my exams are coming near. These past few days and weeks, I am so, so busy writing lots of practical works. Aahh, my hand is paining, and even my backbone is aching like anything. I wish someone would come and give me a good massage so that I can just go on sleeping. Heheheh. Anyway, I am busy, I'll have to continue later.
Date: 16th May 2010
Hurray! I am finally home. Wow, Delhi's climate is reaching 48 degrees Celsius right now. My God, hahahaha! Woo, my Arunachal is rocking, so cool. And well, I'm off to Tawang. By diary, I am going to Tawang. I will write to you from there. Okay, goodbye diary... sshhh... miss me.
Date: 20th May 2010
Woo, I am in the capital! Got a ticket for tomorrow to Tawang!
Date: 27th May 2010
Today, I returned from Tawang, Bomdila, Itanagar, and now I am in Roing, my sweet home. I'm here with my brothers and dad, showing them all the pictures and things I bought from there. You know what, I bought Chinese cups for my mom and dad, and they loved it. I also got fans for my brothers. Well, I've hung one in my common room.
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| MYSELF AT TAWANG GATE-MY STATE |
It's quite chilly! I'll need to grab a blanket and snuggle up, hehe.
I'm really missing my friends from Delhi, especially Angela, my dear Mizo classmate. I hope she's doing well. Take care, Angela, I hope you get this message! No need to worry, I'll be back in Delhi soon. I'm leaving on June 1st.
Dated: August 30, 2010:
Hello diary, it's been a while since I last wrote. How are you? I'm sure you're doing well. Well, I must admit, I'm feeling quite homesick. :-( :-(
It's really tough... Anyway, I'll continue later, okay?
MY THIRD YEAR IN COLLEGE:
The beginning of my third year feels a bit dull... it's kind of empty around here. Anyone here? No? Well, that's okay—hahaha...
I believe my third year will be just as eventful as my first. Wait, no, not eventful, but certainly not boring. I don't think any of my years were boring. I've enjoyed every single one, and I'm content. :-)
FOOTBALL Match Day:
My friend Ben had the brilliant idea of organizing a friendly football match, combining 1st and 2nd years against the 3rd year. It turned out to be fantastic and marked the beginning of many happy moments in my 3rd year. Ben is truly a fun-loving guy, and I'm glad to have him as a friend. It's funny to think back to our first year when we hardly met or talked!
I find myself remembering every date this year, which is quite unusual. Haha, I'll just keep typing away... The football match was amazing. Angela, Ben, Minthang, Moses, Ching, Worshim, and many others appreciated my goalkeeping skills. I was the goalkeeper for the 3rd-year team, and guess what? I blocked a penalty shot in the end, and we won! Yeah, it was really, really fun... ahahahaha... NORTHEAST SOCIETY OF DSC ROCKS.
As for my friends - Angela, Ben, Minthang, Moses, Ching, Worshim, and so on - they're all cool. I'm going to miss them a lot... a whole lot. I might even cry because I'm leaving for good. I think they'll miss me too, but I'll miss them more. I often think about them, though I don't say it to them. Sometimes, I used to get a little annoyed when they spoke in their own dialects while I was around. It made me feel a bit left out. But hey hey hey, everything's all right now. I don't feel that way at all anymore!
Date: 23rd September 2010
Today, I embarked on a journey to Kanpur with my dance team to participate in a competition. We gave it our all and were thrilled to secure the 2nd prize. What's even more exciting is that we made it into the newspaper! I can't wait to share this news with my dad; he'll be over the moon. Our street dance performance was absolutely fantastic, and the audience showered us with appreciation. The chants of "Dyal Singh! Dyal Singh!" echoed in the air, making us feel incredibly proud.
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| LOS_COINS CREW-my crew team2010 |
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| myself-still from our dance-IIT KANPUR |
Staying in the hostel during our trip was an absolute blast. The highlight had to be the incredible deal we got at the canteen - just 30 bucks for unlimited food! I couldn't believe my luck. After every practice session, I'd rush to the canteen and devour everything in sight. It was a steal! I wish Delhi had something similar.
Now, it's already the 19th of March, 2011, and I'm finally continuing my post after many days. Honestly, there's not much to write about, so I'll just share some amusing snapshots of my friends, showcasing how they've changed over time. It's always interesting to see how we evolve! Haha.
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| this is ben |
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| this is angela |
great time n nice blog
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