May be small but united...

‘Unity is our strength’. This famous QUOTE will always be the main theme of Bombay Mizo Christian Fellowship Choir. Although we are about 20 Choir members only, we never miss a chance to perform in different places, different churches whenever we get invitation or request from different organizations/groups irrespective of the so called denomination. That’s why, I am proud to be a member of BMCF Choir and I shall always be.

BMCF Choir

The day was 23.12.2011, one of the leading English Newspaper of Mumbai ‘AFTERNOON’ acknowledged their appreciation to the principle and how we uphold the continuous service of BMCF Choir. I, personally and sincerely thank  Mr Zuala Chhangte, revealing our humble and modest service of our BMCF Choir. I will just highlight some point of the story as told by the Newspaper, and if one wish to read the whole story of the mysterious and baffling line of BMCF choir, just click the link below.

Click me : Bombay Mizo Christian Fellowship Choir by Afternoon Post

There’s a nip in the air and colourful Christmas decorations dot random homes and stores. As Christmas season envelops the city, it’s time for the faithful to meditate on the birth of the Son of God, Jesus Christ. For revelers, it’s time to be merry with plum cakes, Christmas turkeys and tipples on the side.

Those fortunate enough to be attending Christmas services in south Mumbai, one may be serenaded by the vibrant Bombay Mizo Christian Fellowship (BMCF) choir which presents English and Mizo carols. What the small choir (around 20 members on average) lacks in numbers, it makes up for with talent. Every Christmas, for the last decade, the BMCF choir has presented classic carols like ‘Hark the Angels’, ‘Silent Night’ along with newer ones like ‘Come On ring those Bells’ and ‘Oh Holy Night’ to an appreciative audience around the city.

For the Mizo community residing in the city numbering less than 500, Christmas is a time of celebration and worship. The northeastern community from Mizoram is predominantly Christian, with more than 90 per cent professing the Faith and Christmas is taken seriously.

“As much as we enjoy living in Mumbai, there is a strong urge to spend our biggest festival with our families back in Mizoram. For some of us, especially the students who are still new, the city can be a lonely place even with friends. But not all parents can afford the fares for a return journey. When it is clear who will be going home for Christmas and who will be staying behind, the choir takes shape and practice begins after the Sunday service,” explains choir conductor, B Ramhluna. A lively debate precedes practice sessions as the young singers nominate their favourite carols. The choir is game for almost any carol, which is relatively “simple” for members who can sing the ‘Hallelujah Chorus’. Practice begins around 6 pm till 8 pm every Sunday. Girls who can hit the higher notes sing the soprano; the others take the contralto part. The male singers also divide themselves between singing the tenor and the bass.  

“Mumbai is a big city and no one has time to practice. Some of the girls have to go back to Navi Mumbai or Kalina from Malabar Hill (where the BMCF holds its service at the All Saints Church). So we have a very limited time to practice the choir,” points out Maruata. In a good year, members can be up to 25, but the choir members usually number around 20, including the conductor and musicians – a keyboardist, guitarist and bassist. Over the years, the choir has performed at different churches and meets from the YWCA at Colaba, Wesley Church to Hiranandani (Powai) in Navi Mumbai. The choir also receives requests to sing from churches in Pune.

“We are always greeted with warmth from everyone. If there is anything that sets us apart, it would have to be that we like to worship our Saviour with whatever talents we have and we take pride in our singing and the songs. We give our best,” concludes Ramhluna.