TODAY -

Editorial of the week

FREE WHEELING AT 30
Courtesy: The Imphal Free Press 23 January, 2002

Manipur turned 30 yesterday. But at 30 there is nothing very much to go to town with. The only areas where the state may have really stood out, we all have witnessed, are in those that can manage with little state patronage, although patronage could have fuelled them to even greater heights. Sports and the performing arts are just a few of these, with feathers in their caps like the state athletes' sterling performance at the just concluded Punjab National Games and the reception Ratan Thiyam's play received in New York. In practically every other field, the state has lagged behind and the impact of the cumulative effect of these failures, the present times are taking most severely. There is no money with the government. Atrocious things like government employees having to do a month or two without salaries or pension, have become absolutely normal, deemed as something that can have no justification for complaining. In any case, justification or not, complaining can do no good, for the fact will remain that the money in the state coffer can never be enough to foot its bills. A very simple but fundamental economics question here is what can be done in such a circumstance? There are three equally simple and fundamental answers to the question, and one does not need to be a high browed economist to come up with them: Increase earnings: cut down spendings: or both. All of these answers, as again we have been witnessing in the state in the past few years, are easier said than done. All the talks of mobilization of available resources and of creating an atmosphere of job generating entrepreneurship, have gone up in smoke, precisely because of the lack of political will. If the earnings cannot be increased, than the next logical course of action ought to be to cut expenditures, but this too have not made much headway as nobody wants their entitlements pruned even for the greater common good. The thought in the saying that one should not want to be king, but instead want to live like a king, is beautiful philosophy. But Manipur seems to be pushing this wisdom too far and skewing it in the process. Political will alone cannot be all; it must be reciprocated in equal measures by a willingness of the people to shoulder responsibilities in the onerous mission of shaping the place's future.

It is extremely disheartening that at 30, the state still has not found a firm footing on hard ground. Its people by and large still do not know which ground to plant their feet on. Among the factors undoing the state, is definitely this two-mindedness. All of us, in many different ways, are still bent on riding two boats in the belief that this will amount to eating the cake and having it too. At 30 the state still has not learnt that this belief is just a myth. Success in today's world necessarily implies a single-minded pursuit of goal. There may be individual success stories, but at the societal level, this single-mindedness seems still totally missing. It is time all of us sat down and asked ourselves this decisive question: What exactly is it that we want? Is statehood something to be proud of? If yes then let us combine efforts to make the state worthy of respect. If no then what is the next intellectually rounded and interesting alternative to the present? In these matters, let us not forget, 30 is too old for romance.


* Comments posted by users in this discussion thread and other parts of this site are opinions of the individuals posting them (whose user ID is displayed alongside) and not the views of e-pao.net. We strongly recommend that users exercise responsibility, sensitivity and caution over language while writing your opinions which will be seen and read by other users. Please read a complete Guideline on using comments on this website.




LATEST IN E-PAO.NET
  • Kwak Tanba @Sana Konung #2: Gallery
  • Violence in Manipur 2023-2024 : Timeline
  • Manipur's Chilli farmers battle climate change
  • The dual nature of conflict
  • Online Global Fest tribute to Irabot
  • Battle Against Poverty :: Poem
  • Condemnation against killing of woman
  • "Jamir can best speak on Naga issue"
  • Dragging peace parleys since 1997
  • Manipur crisis & centre's indifference
  • 'Travelling Book Fair' @ MSFDS : Gallery
  • Loktak's challenges for survival
  • A kid's question- 'What is your title?'
  • Walkathon on Legal Services Day
  • What does Trump's victory mean for India ?
  • The Power of Poppy - 55 :: Poem
  • Marup Mari #1 : Folktale
  • Talheiba, Gailiamliu, Tongsin : eMing
  • A climate reality check for Ukhrul
  • Hospital-acquired infection fuelling AMR
  • Condemnation of Attack on Zairawn Village
  • The impact of social media on young minds
  • Adoption of advanced technologies in NE
  • Emergence of power players
  • CoTU under scanner
  • Meitei Mayek Tamba : Online Classroom #2
  • Jananeta Irawat Birth Anniv @THAU : Gallery
  • Working on Mushroom cultivation & potentials
  • Tribute to Ratan Naval Tata
  • Skin detox tips to follow post Diwali
  • World Sustainability Day 2024
  • Questions doing the round
  • Roadblocks to peace gesture
  • Emergence of Manipur in history #2
  • Response to KNF on Thadou Convention
  • Who gave birth to the KNF/KNA ?
  • Interactions with Kitovi Zhimomi & Alezo Venuh
  • National Lok Adalat in December, 2024
  • The growing addiction to screens in children
  • Myanmar elusive democracy & India's stake
  • Another lie on Government portal
  • Repetitive warning to rogue govt doctors
  • Ningols to Mapam Lamdam #2 : Gallery
  • Thadou Inpi Manipur (TIM) formed
  • Audition: Mister North East & Miss North East
  • Han Kang: Nobel Prize winner in Literature
  • Weeks of Flower's Bloom :: Poem
  • Stroke unstruck
  • Emerging geo-politics and what it portends
  • Thadou fillip to NRC move
  • Chakkouba Annual Fish Fair #1 : Gallery
  • India cant dismember Manipur historical status
  • Appointment of Liaison Officer in Bangalore
  • Quality of milk in Imphal
  • Governor Acharya & coffee table book
  • Careers related to cities for sustainability
  • Voice of protest against border fencing
  • Fish fair as launch-pad for increasing yield
  • Ningols to Mapam Lamdam #1 : Gallery
  • Debate on Article 3 on status of Indian States
  • Indications on 5th Anniv of Naga Peace talks
  • Discrimination :: Poem
  • Looming threat of antimicrobial resistance
  • Do we study for a JOB ?
  • Ningol Chakkouba Shopping #1 : Gallery
  • Ningol Chakouba turning into social contest?
  • Thadou Convention 2024 : Declarations
  • Thadou Convention : Concluding Report
  • Manipur Campaign for Peace Worldwide
  • Online Global Fest @ Barak Festival
  • The Power of Poppy - 54 :: Poem
  • Four to attend 55th IFFI, Goa
  • Emergence of Manipur in history #1
  • Ningol Chakouba 2024 at Delhi
  • Rani Gaidinliu Sports Meet at Shillong
  • Thadou Convention passed resolutions
  • International Drug Users Day 2024
  • Fragrances to wear this Festive Season
  • Stay out, don't enter : CoTU to CM
  • Ooba Video : is now relaunched !
  • Countering false narrative with facts & figures
  • Sayol Taragi Jagoi : Gallery
  • A hypothetical reasoning in day dreaming!
  • National Unity Day at Manipur University
  • A Song Whispers In My Heart :: Poem
  • School inspection in Liangmai areas
  • Thadou Convention 2024
  • This Diwali think of the environment
  • Not the time to rub anyone the wrong way
  • Student bodies & healthcare system in state
  • Apangba Pandit : Folktale
  • 13th Annual General Meeting AMAND: Gallery
  • Urgent rollback of Kangpokpi district
  • 5th Rongmei Freshers' Meet 2024 at Delhi
  • Appeals to Prime Minister of India
  • Obit : Naga leader 'Uncle T A Ngullie'
  • Be what you want to be
  • Pointing fingers at the last 40 years
  • Helming the affairs in a polarised society
  • Thang Ta @Polo Tournament #2: Gallery
  • November Calendar for Year 2024 : Tools
  • Peace for all through legal ways
  • Cease War-Like Situation in Manipur
  • Ningol Chakoubagi yaipha paojel
  • Celebrate Diwali, light earthen diyas
  • Lady Justice holds Constitution & not blind
  • Send the report as sought
  • Unrest situation affecting neutral regions
  • International Dance Day #4: Gallery
  • Manipur, oh My Manipur
  • Chemistry Nobel Prize 2024
  • Barak Festival 2025 at Silchar
  • Liangnah School, Tamei : Cultural Day
  • 4th Death Anniv: Spility Lyndoh Langrin
  • Of bombs & monetary demands
  • Public outrage against extortion activities
  • Downloadable Manipuri Calendar :: 2025
  • Featured Front Page Photo 2024 #5: Gallery
  • Golden Jubilee of Hamai English High School
  • 5th Northeast Fiesta at Jalandhar
  • Being Dumb :: Poem
  • Versatile visa interview for Bharat
  • Tale of potholed roads & more
  • Why food safety drives only during festivals ?
  • A Lotus in Mud :: Movie Screenplay
  • Komagata Maru :: Travellog
  • Understanding the theories of IDPs
  • BRIC-IBSD : Phytopharmaceuticals
  • The Power of Poppy - 53 :: Poem
  • Preserving audiovisual heritage as career
  • Radio E-pao: 1000+ songs from Manipur
  • 133rd Manipur Police raising day #1 : Gallery
  • Pre-conditional talk needs differentiation
  • Nigerian delegation visited Manipur : Gallery
  • HIV response under lens of indigenous rights
  • Rash driving killing thousands in India
  • Skincare tips to get your Diwali glow
  • Protesting against Govt: Why target Meiteis ?
  • Afforestation vision limited to Imphal valley!
  • Fattaba Laushingi Namthak : Folktale
  • India International Science Festival 2024
  • Northeast Fiesta 2024 at Punjab
  • Amphibians most affected by climate change
  • Manipur violence, a litmus test for officers
  • A crisis for Meitei community survival
  • Stand against border fencing
  • Chakkouba, litmus test of benevolence
  • Manipuri Mythology & Folklore : Gallery
  • Fresh Water Pearl Farming in Manipur
  • RIST #60: Complex heterogeneous systems
  • District reversal- Restructure for State integrity
  • Unclasp the Fear :: Poem
  • Prognosis from MPCC : The last 17 months
  • Ban on chewable tobacco products
  • Indigenous Chothe Naga Tribe & its Identity
  • 13th Annual General Meeting of AMAND
  • IBSD: Exploring Microbial Bioresource of NE
  • Learning English communication in age of AI
  • 9th Brahmaputra Film Fest announces dates
  • Growing fears of technological disaster
  • 7 days since the Delhi do of Oct 15
  • Highway facelift fund for strife-hit state
  • Women drive the dry flower business
  • The Last Kangjei of Kanglei Sagol :: Poem
  • Nigerian dairy stakeholders visit Manipur
  • Promoting tourism at Thanga Chaoba Hilltop
  • Tababi calls for focus on women football
  • 9th Brahmaputra Valley Film Fest: PR & Media
  • Ibudhou Mongba Hanba & Hanuman Ji
  • Looking at the all round failure
  • Highway siege diluting UDAN success tale
  • 128th Jananeta Irawat @Shanglen #2 : Gallery
  • SN Chand: Lens of Brogendragee Luhongba
  • Will talks succeed in absence of Muivah ?
  • Attacking the villages of Scheduled Castes
  • Manipur deserves a responsible Government
  • Foot & Mouth Disease: Are farms ready ?
  • Understanding essence of normalcy
  • Aggressors playing the victim card!
  • Mera Houchongba @Konung #1 : Gallery
  • 'Imaging Manipur' :: Book Review
  • Nongpok Thong Hangba - The prophecy
  • Free & Safe Travels for All People
  • Diminishing trend of home garden practices
  • The Power of Poppy - 52 :: Poem
  • Keep your skin glowing during festival season
  • Floral tributes @ Cheiraoching #3 : Gallery
  • Debkumar Bose, Pioneer of Manipuri Cinema
  • Mera Chaorel Houba #2 : Gallery
  • Culture-saving literature with Somi Roy works
  • Puri Temple Kitchen- A sneak peek
  • Freshers / Farewell Party at IIIT Manipur
  • ST Status for Assam's Meeteis
  • Ka Henna Pambei Mahei : Folktale
  • 76th People's Unity & Democracy in Manipur
  • Welcomes Manipur peace meeting at Delhi
  • Was there a need for SoO pact with Kuki-Zo ?
  • Not to be Unlucky :: Poem
  • What points were put forward ? Questions
  • Artificial food crisis
  • Case for Manipuri as a classical language
  • 8th Wheelchair Basketball C'ship : Gallery
  • Child Abuse in a Connected World
  • Unity Triumph :: Poem
  • Environment & wildlife ethics for co-existence
  • Hand washing: Step towards healthier world
  • Questions on Delhi dialogue
  • Thriving extortion racket
  • Kwak Tanba @Sana Konung #1: Gallery
  • My Beloved :: Poem
  • World Mental Health Day 2024
  • Manipur's society : At a glance
  • Manipuri Cinema & Status of Women
  • Skater Tiluck Keisham scripts history
  • Bor @Hiyangthang Lairembi: Gallery
  • Fellowship for Conflict Victim students
  • Armed Conflict in Manipur
  • Ema Panthoibi @ Mandalay, Myanmar
  • Chaga Ngee : Liangmai Post-harvest Fest
  • 128th Jananeta Irawat @Lilasing : Gallery
  • 70th Wildlife Week Celebration #1 : Gallery
  • Manipur: A jewel under siege
  • Indo-Naga Talks (From 2012) :: Timeline
  • Haudonggi Bichar : Folktale
  • AMWJU Golden Jubilee #2 : Gallery
  • Book release & Panel Discussion at Delhi
  • 13 Aug: Heikat-Leikat #2 : Gallery
  • World Bamboo Day @Chiangmai #2 : Gallery
  • Maru Amashung Maasha : Movie screenplay
  • Mera Chaorel Houba #1 : Gallery
  • 128th Jananeta Irawat @Shanglen #1 : Gallery
  • 'Maral siriba matangda Wafam thamjari'
  • Manipur Official Phone Directory : Search
  • Panthoibi Phijol Hongba @Mandalay : Gallery
  • HSLC (Class X) 2024 : Full Result
  • HSLC 2024 : Important Info & Grading System
  • HSLC 2024 : Pass % : Private Schools
  • HSLC 2024 : Pass % : Aided Schools
  • HSLC 2024 : Pass % : Govt Schools
  • HSLC 2024 : Statistical Abstract
  • HSLC 2024 : Comparative Statement
  • Malemnganbi Laishram : Science Topper
  • Thokchom Sheityajit : Arts Topper
  • Aiena Naorem : Commerce Topper
  • Hr Secondary Exam 2024 : Science Topper
  • HSE 2024 : Subject Pass Percentage
  • HSE 2024 : District Pass Percentage
  • HSE 2024 : Candidates with Highest Marks
  • Hr Secondary Exam 2024: Science Full Result
  • Hr Secondary Exam 2024: Arts Full Result
  • Hr Secondary Exam 2024: Commerce Result
  • Hr Secondary Exam 2024 : Arts Topper
  • Hr Secondary Exam 2024 : Commerce Topper
  • GHOST of PEACE :: Download Booklet
  • List of Kings of Manipur: 33 - 1984 AD