TODAY -

Before I sleep... III

Rajendra Kshetri *



Election is the biggest festival in the largest democracy of the world. It is that kind of festival where uninterrupted supply of money power pours in and fire from all cylinders. An unique feature of this festival is that there is no dearth of money givers and money takers. The more there are givers, the more there are takers . There is no limit, not even the sky.

There is no hierarchy of rich and poor, literate and illiterate, educated and uneducated, mortal and lesser mortal. Money treats them all. Treats them equally. Money levels anything and everything. Money is the greatest leveller. Manipur, though diminutive in size, has been able to match the largest democracy serve by serve, stroke by stroke and volley by volley when it comes to celebrating the biggest festival.

Manipur, the land of jewels, 'jewel of India ' to a certain Nehru, goes to the polls for the 12th General Assembly Elections on 27th February 2022 (First phase) and 3rd March of the same year (Second phase).

Manipur, as the very name indicates, is a place where there is no paucity of fund allocations and no dearth of monetary pipelines. It is another matter that funds are not allocated and money not judiciously used for making safe potable water available to the general public.

Election (s) is/are more important than giving drinking water to the people. People can sustain without drinking water but not without money. And money comes to the public in large amounts of different denominations. Especially in times of elections.

There is a fever in the air. A kind of fever different from Covid/Omicron fever. To no one's surprise, election fever is very much in the air and catching up. One fervently hopes the Omicron fever does not catch up with the election fever. One can only pray that the election fever does not add up/to the dreaded Omicron fever.

Being a teacher, I did/do receive New Year's Greetings, both offline and online, from students every year. Twenty Twenty Two is no different and yet Different in that I was bowled over by the novelty (or is it ingenuity) of the gift from Dr Bimolata (technically not my PhD student though), whom I helped during her doctoral days.

A simple Tea Cup it is but inscribed on the Cup are my lines that I penned and posted on my FB wall "Before I Sleep " over the last few weeks. So thoughtful of her and so meaningful. A gem of a gesture. I love it.

Such gestures are what egg me on to continue my journey of rumbling thoughts from Social media to Print media: "Before I Sleep... lll ".

16. (December 28, 2021).

Women voters outnumber Male counterparts
Male candidates outnumber women candidates
Between these scenarios lies a tale
A telling tale of women
Who have suffered
Women who have managed to suffer
Women who have been managed to suffer
Yet women do not support women
No tangible sense of solidarity among women
No wonder women representatives in the House
Are Few and Far between.

17. (December 29, 2021)

'Vox Populi'
It's true.
The voice of the people is the voice of God.
Truer is...
The voice of the people's representative is the voice of people.
Truest is...
His Master's Voice is the voice of people's representative.

18. (December 30, 2021).

There are Three 'Mantras'
That can fetch BJP 40 plus seats .
Withdraw AFSPA from Manipur
Give ST Status to the Meeteis
Punish Drug Kingpin (s).
A tough call for the BJP Leadership
Not impossible to do though.

19. (December 31, 2021).

It is New Year 2022
Another resolution to take
Another battle to fight
Another lesson to learn
Another journey to begin
Another tale to tell
Another message to pass on
Another Covid variant to live with.
Come on in 2022
Show me light as I like nothing more
Usher in a New Order as I always yearn for
Bring me Hope as I like nothing else.

20. (January 4, 2022).

There are two battles ahead
Battles to be fought
With all the weapons in our hands
Battle of Babupara and
Battle of Omicron.
Battle lines are drawn
Between dumb politicians and dumber people
Are you ready to fight ?
Don't be dumb and act like one
Be conscientious and resilient.

21. (January 5, 2022)

BJP State President is woman
Woman understands women's issue(s) better
Issue is...
(under) Representation in the House
Non-allotment of Party tickets.
Thirty three percent reservation is yet to see the light (forget it)
Reservation can be done though at Party level
If not thirty three percent
Say ten percent to begin with.
Can BJP walk the talk
Can the BJP State President do it?
If the woman President cannot do it for women
Who else can/will ???

22. (January 7, 2022)

Tonight is a cold winter night
The clock struck twelve
A chilly midnight
Birds have stopped chirping and singing
All nestled in the nest
Waiting for the morrow sunrise.
But the night is still young
Super enthusiasts of political parties
Die hard supporters of candidates
Are out and busy on the streets
Up with billboards, flags, festoons, posters
Wooing (read buying) poor electorate.
The night is young and tender
The air is hot and humid
Tonight is a cold chilly night.

23. (January 13, 2022)

I am tired but not dog tired
I am sleepy but eyes wide open
I am silent but let my silence speak.
It has been a night without sleep
I need to sleep
I need to synergise my energy
Tomorrow is another day
Another Sunrise.

24. (January 14, 2022)

"I will save Manipur
Vote for me"
Pet slogan of politicians of all colors
Every time Election comes around.
'Save Manipur from whom/what'
One wonders.
Manipur is fine/doing good
Will be better off if politicians are not around
Echoes man on the street.
"Save Manipur from politicians "
My Considered Agenda.
What do you think???

24.(January 15, 2022).

This land of 'Sanaleibak Manipur '
Is a land where elections are fought
On the power of four Ms
(machinery, mafia, money and muscle)
Not on the issue of State/National importance
Never on the power of ideology.
Gullible electorate are flummoxed and befooled
Whoever is mafioso Godfather wins the election
Your 'Sanaleibak ' my golden Manipur
Their Eldorado.


* Rajendra Kshetri wrote this article for The Sangai Express
The writer is Professor of Sociology at Manipur University, Imphal.
Author of 6 books, his latest publication (Mittal) "Letters from the Republic of Dust" is available at Amazon and Department of Sociology, MU.
This article was webcasted on January 25 2022.



* 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
  • Colonial Knowledge Production in NE #7
  • Violence in Manipur 2023-2025 : Timeline
  • Make Yourself Visible to Opportunity
  • Orange bowl: tradition with ecological wisdom
  • 10 ways to keep a kitchen garden disease free
  • Between PR, military mandates & AFSPA
  • Allocation fund for MLALAD Fund during PR
  • Denounces Killing of KNA Deputy C-in-C
  • COVID-19: Update 03 July 2025 : Manipur
  • Cases of fake Aadhaar cards
  • Sincere dealing must for stricter Aadhaar
  • Archaeology: Culture of Manipur : Booklet
  • 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