Technological Globalisation and Manipur

Marjing Mayanglambam *

The world is in a fast race of 'Developmental Globalisation Progresses' in many fields specifically Science and Technology. While in some Third world countries and especially underdeveloped states like Manipur, it is in a very slow snail race.

Undeniably, Manipur has some glittery too, that is the temporarily sparkling buildings, grand offices, and Luxury Hotels for the VVVIP's and higher officials to stay in (while it is announced that VIP culture is removed or non-functional).

In addition, the worth mentionable are Sports, Culture and recently, Entrepreneurship as well as Natural and Rich biodiversity spots too (where the tourism dept. has done their rusty and dusty services). Although we have this sort of minute jewels in accordance to the World, The Fast Race of Technological Globalisation has a tremendous lot of deleterious effects to the people, and most notably the authority too.

Let me share some of my own experiences and views regarding the effects of Globalisation in Manipur. With the arrival of Computers, the then Govt. job aspirants due to certain reasons do not or intentionally learned the way of its practice and usage. This led to the Govt. department and a few private sectors to recruit some Highly Qualified employees (not respect to their CV but by the hush hush or under table lending notes).

These employees use the Computer for basic data entry and other computer related activities for the public welfare. However, because of their hollow knowledge, they cause nuisances to the already Angry and revolt-volatile people of Manipur. This Late period Techno Globalised mechanism was not even ready for the present learned or not educated people at all.

The most interesting part was the Bombastic evolution of Smartphones with Internet Data services in India, and especially Manipur, which created a huge crisis that is much bigger than earlier E-mail and Telephonic frauds. For Manipur, while not adapting suitably with the PCO's and small keypad mobile phones, the smartphones with their automatic intelligence has surpassed our own stumpy brain.

Frankly speaking, let the public be blamed first, for I do not want a fuming reply from the Elected Head of the Government. The massive public had acquired fine Smartphones and recharged it not with power at the case opening phase, but with Unlimited Data, SMS and Call packs.

Now, what do they use it for? Well, of course, for sharing and posting Hate, Hoax, Chauvinistic, Troll, and those entire things that came out from the Pandora's Box.

This issue led to many Death and Suicide cases, Unplanned, and Child marriages, huge riots among different, ethnic, as well as same communities of the state. Many non-academics, and born to be wild persons, uses it and, astonishingly by learned intelligentsias too, whose mindsets are uniquely horrifying. Exceptionally, not some of the people use them for these Senseless purposes.

The final resolution for this scary and inhumane issue can strongly be measured or restricted by the Govt. only, for they have the main power as given by We the people, whether it is used Democratically or not. Hoped for the best, but life kicks us hard with the Government's control measures. Their seemingly only way was to BAN the Mobile Internet Data Services and some particular SMS services. "Kya Baat hai!!" was our first exclamation.

When this sort of Banning continues for more than two-three times, what were we supposed to do? Dance and sing? "No way!". Do they know, how much this banning cost us, economically, personally, and for the International Relational Job workers too, to mention a few.

It is a fact that the Network Providers have some loses too financially, but I guess that it is much bigger for the people of Manipur not only financially but for other important purposes too. This is a sort of violating our Human Rights, and strongly needs a Legal action, and very unexpectedly, I deeply acknowledge Ka Paojel Chaoba of this esteemed Newspaper 'IFP' for filing a PIL against the Internet Banning at the High Court.

Of course, for the economic sectors and others, there's broadband and all, where, shockingly we can see the Elected Head of the Govt. tweeting from the Banned state, with a Manipuri who's aboard. Is banning the only way? Several intellectuals from the IT sectors of Manipur have repeatedly suggested the restriction or censorship of the particular Social media apps and websites where the Fuel is being fused for the already burning fire of Manipur.

When the Home of our Motherland is in Fire, our Elected Guardians, and the Residing people cannot bring the burning fire to extinction with the optimistic and developmental use of Technologically Globalised Gadgets and such. It is not healthy not to mention the goodness of Our Govt. too. They did bring solutions and MoU to some major and minor issues of and related to the state, which some resulted in colossal chaos and some, in small celebrations.

The last question is "Am I being too much Anti-State or Anti-Government?"