Shirui Lily the same fate of 'Sangai'

Philazan Shangh *

Shirui (Siroy) Lily :: Pix - Zion Tuithung (Shirui Kashong Timrawon website)

The post festivals of Deepawali and Ningol Chakaopa is followed by 'Sangai' Festival and the most awaiting event and festival all around the world is the celebration of the coming of Prince of Peace, Christmas.

In every community or religion different festival has its own concern, in every family it brought different meaning so does in every individuals every festival or event gives a sense of belongingness, togetherness and a spirit of unity. Different festivals are accepted as recognition and respect for all, irrespective of diverse cultures, communities, religions, ethnicities.

Various festivals brings a step closer in building the relationship within and beyond the communities, nations and countries no matter what does it actually mean to us. These are the identities, recognition and response towards the practice, desire and demand of the particular race, ethnicity and religion that follows their own custom, culture, and traditions for ages.

There are festivals around the world bringing different people, countries and status for different purposes which provides a podium to address issues like customs, environment, health, education etc which are of great importance for the particular society, state or a nation. It is not an exceptional for the State of Manipur to recognised and respect each communities/tribe, traditions, faith and issues of immense concern since the State comprises of diverse potentials.

However, this may not entirely a fulfilment for every tribes/community, district or religion yet it does not mean that it has exhausted and stopped its quest. As long as the existence of human kind these things would always be a part.

Related to this context, it may be note worthy to mention that few politicians, bureaucrats and Statesmen are aware that on 20th March 1989, Shirui Lily has been declared to be the State Flower of Manipur. Nonetheless, it stays as a name tag and black paper crown flower, although her uniqueness and rareness gone across the world.

It has been said and accepted that Shirui Lily, a botanical name Lilium Mackliniae is the Manipur's unique gift to the flora wealth of the world, there has been no efforts made to preserve and nurture the Shirui Lily which is a matter of immense concern because she is facing threat of extinction due to global warming and climate change on one hand and human interference against animals and plants on the other.

Shirui Lily could be best compare to as a woman who faces discrimination, undermining and unrecognised despite the great value, dignity and humility, she bear as a mother, daughter, wife, and a sister. She lives in between thorns and stones where inhuman act and uncomfortable moments around her from four corners yet her contributions and presence could not be erase since she was created with great purpose.

It is pertinent to note again that Shirui Lily is no less important than 'Sangai' as both of them are facing the same fate of extinction. It is really appreciated that, 10 days long Sangai Festival has been observing by the State because 'Sangai' is a state animal.

The 'Festival is sponsored and organised by the Tourism department to reflect the precious concern of the State to save Sangai from extinction. However, state flower, the 'Shirui Lily' has been ignore and neglected for more than 20 years after she got the paper name the State FLOWER. There may be hundred and thousand reasons why?

But here are few questions we all need to ponder. She is in a verge of extinction for she is not taking care, neglected and unheeded so is it the intention for some of us that let it disappear, vanish because it grows somewhere else not in my garden?

Are we to blame the community where this gift comes as a blessing? Or should there be any of State responsibility, initiative, and interference who recognised the importance of its uniqueness and for crowning SHIRUI LILY as the State FLOWER? Or is this the game of certain actors that it should extinct and lost to the world?

In the light of the fact and circumstances, my humble opinion is that it is the State to act upon in time to save Shirui Lily as it is done in the case of Sangai to ensure this State flower does not extinct and every citizen should own the responsibility in saving the only species that grows in the world.

Some of these are the extraction from the representation submitted to the i/c Tourism Minister, Chief Secretary, Government of Manipur, Commissioner & Director Tourism dept. Government of Manipur by the Shirui Chief, Chingthak on 17th Nov 2012.