TODAY -

We Have Missed Sekmai

Seram Neken *

New Year 2013 revellers at Sekmai, Manipur :: 1st January 2013
New Year 2013 revellers at Sekmai, Manipur on 1st January 2013 :: Pix - Deepak Oinam



A Nostalgic Thirteen

The New Year is just a couple of hours from now. As every creature on earth will get a number added to their age, the Sewerage Project in Imphal city will be 12 years old by tomorrow.

Today, we are going to bid adieu to the worst stories of 2013, and to welcome a hopeful and energetic 2014. News of Book Releases and Housie Draws ruled 2013. While burgeoning works on literature are indicative of social responsibility assigned to the educated elite, widespread Tambola Games here and there reflect the deteriorating social values of the Manipuris. Manipur probably becomes unique in terms of publication of books on literature. During 2013, a number of writers and poets have cropped up in the nook and corner of Manipur, thereby making the state a big treasure of literary works.

Deaths due to medical negligence were common significant happenings of the year. Twenty Thirteen also witnessed mysterious deaths of drivers for a variety of synonymous reasons. Drug hauls were the major achievements of Manipur Police, while Bomb Blasts at security alerted zones attempted to malign its image.

The year 2013 also gave birth to dutiful policeman who was negatively rewarded for being too active to uncover the much-talked of illicit drugs trade in Manipur. It was, however, not amazing that Police hauled costly drugs that nobody owned. Judiciary could earn the coveted trust when it punished the culprits involved in rapes of both the U-Morok trader and the TG school student. However, Satyabhama ended in obscurity thereby suspecting foul play among the ablers of the society.

Conquest of Mount Everest and championing the International Polo were no ordinary feathers on the cap of a sporting Manipur. The global recognition earned by the infamous Nat Sankirtan of the state glorified Manipur once again during 2013. That the government finally created a Language Directorate was good news for patriots of Manipur, although we are yet to feel its presence. Border and a lot of other disputes remained entangled only to be handed down to the hopeful Twenty Fourteen. Let us hope for a new beginning.

Need for more recreation spots to channelize the young energy.

It's picnic time. To decide on a picnic spot is no easy task for me. My wife usually opts for a spot as beautiful as she is, and a spot where visitors are as gentle as I am. My eldest son always prefers river banks to pleasant scenery, as he is habituated to swimming in either natural or artificial water bodies. My youngest son, who constantly dreams executive, cherishes a park that is equipped with playthings and that would allow him to play until he is completely exhausted.

Even though I have no exclusive choice of myself, I have to definitely comply with the three among which there has always been consensus in the past. Nevertheless my wife has to exercise her skills to settle the option, following ponderings for a day or two. I am proud of owning a democratic family, where my siblings have a big say in decisions concerning them. As a responsible parent, my wife has the habit of teaching them the skills of decision making in various matters.

Previous years, Sekmai remained a perfect match for four of us, as well as for the families of a few intimate friends of mine. Just a phone call from my wife was quite enough to bring unanimity among the better-halves of my colleagues to complete the entire arrangement. Every member of our squad endorsed the choice of Sekmai for various reasons.

First was the presence of shallow streams convenient to beginner swimmers. Second was for the pleasant scenery Sekmai embodied. Third was for its comfortable distance from home. Fourth was for the ever-known brand, the Sekmai which attracted majority of picnic fans each year.

Most importantly, the children including my youngest one took keen interests in playing on water with the pebbles around. It was both a rare and a regular rendezvous of our siblings packed together in two-three cars only to stray at Sekmai river-bank for the whole day. Outing at Sekmai either at the end or start of each year was a contented relaxation. Being an intelligent organizer of such trips, one of my friends took no time in serving the hungry kids with quick-fried chicken.

Another smart friend tactfully controlled the impulsive children, as if he were an awarded warden in a hostel mess. The valued intimacy among our small children belonging to different families was itself a pleasant sight to us. We enjoyed Sekmai and the Sekmai every year. However, for the outgoing year 2013, we have missed Sekmai. Hopefully, we will have the rendezvous at Sekmai next year - 2014.

Sekmai is unique and the other local picnic spots fail to override the taste of Sekmai. Infamous Kakching Garden, Andro tourist Park, Lamdan Adventure park, Eco-tourism park at Laphupokpi, Shilheipung at Nongada, Kombirei Garden, Sendra and Omba Nurathel garden at Loktak Lake, Keibul Lamjao national park etc. are some other places of interests by the young and old alike. However, except for a few, most of them are not equipped with enough infrastructure and facilities for enjoyment.

Children, young people and elders, all need recreation in the face of monotonous life. It is more and more necessary in Manipur, where everybody develops tension in varying degrees and manner. Claimed to be a hopeful tourist destination by the rulers of the state, Manipur is yet to be adorned to attract its own people before we anticipate visitors from outside.

Leaving aside the idea of soliciting foreign tourists, we have not had a standard recreation park to accommodate our children. We are yet to have enjoyable water bodies in Imphal, even though the land is famous for having the largest freshwater lake in north east India. Keibul Lamjao, the only habitat of Sangai, is in a very pathetic condition. As a Manipuri, one will surely be ashamed of guiding tourists to this destination. Its floating beauty and the charms of Sangai remain only in books and tales.

No park for amusement of even the native people has been developed by the government so far. Not a single hospitality institute has been instituted in public sector. As of today, some enthusiastic entrepreneurs have intruded in the tourism sector as part of their business. The state government seems to be adamant in nurturing tourist spots and recreation parks in Manipur.

Widespread establishment of standard recreation centres and amusement parks will be helpful in controlling the prevailing crimes involving young people and solving the mental unrest among the youth of the state. There is need for the public sector to dwell on channelizing the talents of youths and ventilating their emergent feelings through proper maintenance of amusing parks. The much-talk-of problems in public restauras will get minimized in the presence of enough open recreation spots.

VOICE OF THE WEEK

It is time for the youths to think of refreshing themselves intoxicating with abusive substances. People enjoying picnic at Sekmai also need to bid adieu to the Sekmai Brand on seeing off the Twenty Thirteen and receiving the hopeful Twenty Fourteen.


* Seram Neken wrote this article for Hueiyen Lanpao as part of 'The voiceless speaks' column
This article was webcasted on December 31, 2013.


* 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
  • Archaeology: Culture of Manipur : Booklet
  • Violence in Manipur 2023-2025 : Timeline
  • Wanna be a singer? Get Botox
  • A Central institute in Manipur
  • Nagging in the name of love
  • COVID-19: Update 02 July 2025 : Manipur
  • 'Benefits' of Indira's Emergency
  • Social Stigma :: Poem
  • Inking a peace pact: Why, how: SoO quagmire
  • Van Mahotsav under shadow of declining forest
  • 11th Th Kishan Memorial Lecture : Gallery
  • Shinthoibi, Jangvei, Tamphaton : eMing
  • Manipur crisis & the Left media's blind spot
  • COVID-19: Update 01 July 2025 : Manipur
  • Bombom RK : Musclemania Universe NYC
  • The Grief :: Poem
  • Music Concert & Quiz (MCQ) 2.0
  • SoO agreement unlikely to be scrapped
  • Regulating use of plastic carry bags
  • Mera Houchongba @Kangla #4 : Gallery
  • International Day of Yoga @JNMDA : Gallery
  • BD Behring: The inimitable Gentleman I knew
  • Violence in the name of patriotism : Misguided
  • Daily oral vs long-acting injectable for HIV
  • COVID-19: Update 30 June 2025 : Manipur
  • Smile :: Poem
  • Why was President's Rule imposed ?
  • BJP under pressure to forge unity
  • Kang @Leikai in Imphal : Gallery
  • July Calendar for Year 2025 : Tools
  • COVID-19 : A recurring crisis in Manipur
  • DC Kaith and Forestry in Manipur : Book
  • COVID-19: Update 29 June 2025 : Manipur
  • Longing for Peace :: Poem
  • Black badge, slogan protest by peeved scribes
  • Present the true picture before Delhi
  • Pung-Cholom @ Polo Tournament : Gallery
  • Life: A Journey Through Thought & Being
  • Khongjai Hills & Kuki claim to indigeneity
  • Master Time by Managing Information
  • COVID-19: Update 28 June 2025 : Manipur
  • Pride & patriotism in CCpur's army families
  • The Power of Poppy - 87 :: Poem
  • World Decarbonisation Day: green environment
  • Welcome Home - Nganthoi #2 : Gallery
  • Loss of two precious lives from Manipur
  • Balancing civil liberties with public safety
  • COVID-19: Update 27 June 2025 : Manipur
  • Gender equality & human rights are indivisible
  • Stay hydrated this summer season
  • Silent Half of the Sun :: Poem
  • Connecting the dots in the wishlist
  • Assembly record tampering claims by ex-CM
  • The immortal legacy of Pukhramba Kajao
  • International Day against Drug Abuse 2025
  • COVID-19: Update 26 June 2025 : Manipur
  • Black pottery from Ukhrul - tribal heritage
  • Program on "Mission-Drug Free Campus"
  • Play makes a better world
  • Urgent Appeal to the Honourable MLAs
  • Tribal Empowerment Campaign at CCpur
  • Talk doing the round: PM to come
  • 'Emergency' relief for under-fire BJP
  • Golden Jubilee Art Fair @Imphal : Gallery
  • Declaration: Meetei People Convention, Delhi
  • A Flower Among the Rocks :: Review
  • Book Donation Campaign
  • Improved road connectivity boosts livelihoods
  • To Have Great Dreams :: Poem
  • COVID-19: Update 25 June 2025 : Manipur
  • Regret vs Sorry: Technical & moral insight
  • Cocktail of inept Govt, selfish people
  • State trailing others in cleanliness
  • Colonial Knowledge in NE India #6
  • UHI effect & rising temperatures in Manipur
  • Frequent road blockades cripple economy
  • COVID-19: Update 24 June 2025 : Manipur
  • Unite Health with Community health services
  • NSU, Imphal, tops IIRF Ranking 2025
  • Endless conflict :: Poem
  • Pak nobel pish prize for Trump
  • May 3, 2023 - June 24, 2025: Failure of Delhi
  • Hotter days, sudden rainfall no more a rarity
  • "The Great June Uprising" #2 : Gallery
  • How to Build a Career, Lead with Purpose
  • 2nd Foundation Day- Karnataka Meitei Assn
  • COVID-19: Update 23 June 2025 : Manipur
  • NSCN-IM Amnesty threatens to isolate it
  • Sunset :: Poem
  • Intl Yoga Day for a healthier environment
  • Of clogged drains and plastics
  • Poor roads testify Govt indifference
  • Welcome Home - Nganthoi #1 : Gallery
  • The Silent Erosion of Manipuri Language
  • Design health services around people
  • Serene Hills Host Inspiring Int'l Yoga Day
  • COVID-19: Update 22 June 2025 : Manipur
  • Chopper services between Senapati & Imphal
  • High Court Judges interacted with convicts
  • Redyeing the Fabric :: Poem
  • Differences yet to be resolved stand
  • Border fencing rage as solution eludes
  • Radio E-pao: 14 new songs updated
  • Climate Adaptive Agroforestry
  • Manipur overlooked demographic shifts
  • Young designers shine on Fashion Stage
  • COVID-19: Update 21 June 2025 : Manipur
  • International Day of Yoga at Lamphelpat
  • International Day of Yoga at JNMDA
  • The Power of Poppy - 86 :: Poem
  • Keishampat Lairembi Haraoba #1 : Gallery
  • Crisis in Manipur's Contemporary Education
  • Best 8 Performances in Manipuri Cinema
  • Identity: Caught between China & India ?
  • COVID-19: Update 20 June 2025 : Manipur
  • To The Father Who Listens :: Poem
  • How does net suspension affect youths ?
  • Targeting farmers to cripple state's economy
  • The virus is back and spreading
  • Who is afraid of Manipur ?
  • A threatened lily growing at Shirui Hills
  • World Environment Day in Manipur : Gallery
  • Ambubachi Mela at Maa Kamakhya
  • COVID-19: Update 19 June 2025 : Manipur
  • Dolls made from repurposed vegetable refuse
  • Condemns Attack on Farmer & Killing
  • Abhorrent politics of SoO
  • Police arrogance on harmless drivers
  • "The Great June Uprising" #1 : Gallery
  • Solution from Buddhist & Jain perspectives
  • AI sparks employment concerns in Manipur
  • Greatest Foe :: Poem
  • Chief Justice at Relief Camp, Kangpokpi
  • Call for Recognition of a 3rd Category of IDPs
  • Jun 18, 2001- May 3, 2023: Seed of violence
  • Contract scam in hill districts
  • Colonial Knowledge in NE India #5
  • Spaced Out - Panthung Di Kadaaida! : Rvw
  • Condemns the Killing of Abdul Qadir
  • COVID-19: Update 17 June 2025 : Manipur
  • Thoubal aspirant makes Manipur proud
  • Tamenglong hospital brings quality healthcare
  • Chief Justice at Relief Camp, Mayang Imphal
  • Kuki CM & Sixth Schedule
  • Selective protests, selective silence
  • Nailing the culprits need of the hour
  • UK Meetei diaspora run for Myanmar : Gallery
  • Erwin Khundrakpam : NEET-UG 2025 topper
  • Will we rise to #endAIDS challenge or stumble
  • COVID-19: Update 16 June 2025 : Manipur
  • Appeal to Prime Minister: Manipur Crisis
  • Urges Action on Misinformation
  • Condolences : 2 young cabin crew
  • Grateful To Be Alive :: Poem
  • Making bonfire on the roads
  • Aggression yet again, inspite of playing victim
  • Aftermath of flooding @ Khurai #2 : Gallery
  • Zomia, geopolitics, & the struggle for unity
  • COVID-19: Update 15 June 2025 : Manipur
  • Condolences : Demise of 2 Manipuri Girls
  • Manipur unites in grief after Air India tragedy
  • Hail arms recovery as step toward peace
  • Cleanliness Drive at JNIMS Campus
  • Global Wind Day for a clean environment
  • First came the rain, then the heat
  • Rise in Covid-19 cases
  • Thang-Ta Day @Khuman Lampak #3 : Gallery
  • Meetei diaspora in UK runs for Myanmar victim
  • Manipur empower children with disabilities
  • COVID-19: Update 14 June 2025 : Manipur
  • World Blood Donor Day 2025
  • The Power of Poppy - 85 :: Poem
  • A Northeast Gin Makes Its Mark
  • Mera Houchongba @Kangla #3 : Gallery
  • Saluting Nganthoi, Lamnunthem : Joining hand
  • Condolence : Nganthoi & Lamnunthem
  • 50 years of Pebet #2 : Gallery
  • Indo-Naga Talks (From 2012) :: Timeline
  • Colonial Knowledge in NE India #4
  • Namphake Monastery @ Dibrugarh : Gallery
  • Protest @Checkon -AT arrest [Jun 9] : Gallery
  • Protests - AT arrest [Jun 8 night] : Gallery
  • Aftermath of flooding @ Khurai #1 : Gallery
  • /li>
  • Flooding at JNIMS Hospital #2 : Gallery
  • North East NSS Festival @ MU : Gallery
  • 27th Meira Paibi Numit : Gallery
  • Trump's tariff legacy & its global echo
  • Flooding at JNIMS Hospital #1 : Gallery
  • Flooding Imphal East [31 May] #3 : Gallery
  • Flooding Imphal East [31 May] #2 : Gallery
  • Flooding Imphal East [31 May] #1 : Gallery
  • S Nirupama @Miss Universe : Gallery
  • Protesters to Raj Bhavan [May 25]: Gallery
  • Human Chain @Airport road [May 26]: Gallery
  • Miss Shirui Pageant Contestant: Gallery
  • 48 hrs Bandh: protest security forces: Gallery
  • Protest Rally: Journalist harassment: Gallery
  • HSLC 2025: Full Result (Check Roll No)
  • HSLC 2025: Important Info & Grading System
  • HSLC 2025 : Compartmental candidates
  • HSLC 2025 : Comparative Statement
  • HSLC 2025 : Statistical Abstract
  • HSLC 2025 : District Pass Percentage
  • HSLC 2025 : Govt School Pass %
  • HSLC 2025 : Aided School Pass %
  • HSLC 2025 : Private School Pass %
  • People's Convention on 3rd May #2 : Gallery
  • Featured Front Page Photo 2025 #2: Gallery
  • Riya Khwairakpam : HSE Science Topper
  • Keisham Hannah : HSE Arts Topper
  • Warepam Lidia : HSE Commerce Topper
  • HSE 2025 Result : Science Full Result
  • HSE 2025 Result : Arts Full Result
  • HSE 2025 Result : Commerce Full Result
  • HSE 2025 Information / Abbreviation
  • HSE 2025 Topper : Science
  • HSE 2025 Topper : Arts
  • HSE 2025 Topper : Commerce
  • HSE 2025 : Pass Percentage
  • HSE 2025 : Result Abstract
  • HSE 2025 : Candidates with Highest Marks
  • Ougri Lirol :: Part 1 : Ooba Video
  • President's Rule in Manipur : 1967 - 2025
  • Downloadable Manipuri Calendar :: 2025