My Memories of Imphal From 1941 : Chapter 2 :: Download
Dr Mohendra Irengbam *
Author in a scout uniform 1946
PART 2
Growing up
Post Japanlan in Imphal
One of the ancient characteristics of pre and immediate post Japanlan (WWII) Meiteis, was the ‘feel-good’ factor – an extraverted quality in them that made them feel happy and positive about their lives. He might be impecunious but would deny it, saying like, Ay, peisagidi kari amata wabiriganu. - Please don’t worry about the cost.
It must be admired that despite their impoverished circumstances, Meitei men always dressed sharp in Meitei national dress of pristine white pheijom (dhoti) and pumyat (shirt).
As part of Meitei national character that sometimes, was streaked with foolhardiness, their mental schemata or psychological equilibrium, which was their ability to maintain a balanced understanding, often missed the point of view definition that, with reflection and rumination impulsive mistakes could be avoided, and bold strokes could be formulated. A characteristic catch phrase was, hekta phujilaga loire. Meaning the problem will end easily by thrashing him.
They did not understand the outside world, having no contact with it at all. They viewed non-Manipuris with a mixture of curiosity and politeness. With their distinct social norms, economic downturn, feudal political system, peculiar culture and strange beliefs, they regarded Mayangs (Indians outside of Manipur) as foreigners. It was a kind of nationalism. It was like Modi- India’s promotion of India as a proud Hindu nation.
Only in the post war period after 1947, with established de novo legal nationality as Indians, and delimitation of boundaries between states, did they accept to be Indians at heart. There are still a few die-hard Meitei nationalists who had become insurgents as they had refused to be citizens of India.
Their concept of ethno-nationalism (or ethnonationalism) is the conviction in which they regard ethnicity as core components of a nation. Nationalism is an ideology, an attitude. Nationalism is also a feature of movements for freedom and sovereignty (self-rule).
On the other, there were a few excellent national characteristics of Meiteis. One of them was their capacity to adapt to horrific changes in circumstances and environment. They were very adaptable and good survivors, by virtue of their inherited trait.
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* Dr Mohendra Irengbam wrote this article for e-pao.net
The writer can be contacted at irengbammsingh(AT)gmail(DOT)com
This article was webcasted on December 18 2022 .
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