TODAY -

Life in some hill villages

Lunminthang Haokip *



1. GOD BLESSED MANIPUR WITH HILLS: North East India was blessed with many hill tracts. The valley's fertile expanse of the picturesque State of Manipur is surrounded with fence-like ranges of green hills that come out beautifully in photo-shoots or movie scenes.

Out of the hilltop ridges, streams and rivulets and rivers flow to meander down and seek water's own level at the mini-ocean fresh-water lake we call Loktak. If one follows the up-stream courses of the rivers of the State, on the foot-hills, gentle slopes and on hilltops, thousands of big, medium-size and small villages exist.

2. CHURCH-SPIRES SPROUT: Thanks to the Missionaries of the early decades of the 20th Century, the hill settlements are adorned with cross-topped spires of Church buildings which are visible from long distances even though thick foliage renders the houses 'half hidden from the eye,' like Wordsworth's Lucy.

The pioneer soul-winners, apart from sowing the Gospel seed of love, peace and salvation, brought about western touches to hill-men's dressing, housing, singing and thinking. It's to the credit of the humble zeal-fired Western soul-hunters that the back-block hitherto paddy-stock-contented simpletons of yore were geared up to thirst for academic learning.

If Christ-like meekness could not take roots in our psyche, today, I think, it was because the first converts did not allow the well-meaning Evangelists to sufficiently deal with the age-old pre-Christianity 'fleshly nature' oldies wanted to have been left untouched.

3. EXODUS OF VILLAGE ELITE: Many of the hill villages are big, well connected, electrified and blessed with diversified jobbers who defy odds and rectify the inherited setbacks of isolation to glorify their respective areas. Yet, a time comes when they have to seriously think about their children's educational future, as superior breeding confers superior finery, and the compulsions attached to one's job-place.

So, much though the rural ambience beckons the emotional attachments of the upwardly ambitious, the country-elite, sooner or later, have to shift base to the more happening towns and cities. That leaves the villages of their origin to the mercy of the less-educated lot, who though, nurse a desire to follow suit, are fated to stay back and create smaller ripples around the 'shallow waters.'

Nevertheless, the annual visit of the non-resident locals, mostly during Christmas time, is usually welcomed with open arms and Psalms.

4. THE PULL OF URBAN PERKS: State capitals are bound to have much better facilities, privileges and opportunities than the District Head quarters. That's how governance ought to be. And DHQs have Block HQs reporting to them. The habitations in closer proximity to the hierarchical Centres of public affairs management get easier and faster access to news and views about employment, deployment and fulfilment of other wishes of life.

It's not as if the man who stations at a badly connected remote village doesn't have dreams. He has, but approaching key persons or pursuing things is at odds and tiresome, if not a taxing ordeal. To reach the BHQ, for him, takes a sweating trudge for a day or two through a dirt-track that demands single-file walk on foot.

Therefore, he can't be blamed if he migrates to a neighbourhood where his dreams appear more achievable. This factor accounts for the alarming desertion of far-flung habitations.

5. LACK OF SPIRITUAL FEEDING: A Theological aspirant from the hilly interiors initially cultivates a sincere desire to get trained with a view to return to his parent Church with spiritual muscles and tussle to give strength to the 'weak' Church members who supported him in prayer. But once he gets a degree, the 'pedigreed' probationer who wants to fly free to serve the smaller folds, gets his wings clipped by decrees from above.

In the name of Church administration, like super-cool school-boys, the good ones in Biblical teaching, club together in urban head offices. Soon, officialdom blunts the sharp edge of the initial zeal in a trained 'wannabe Shepherd;' and the scattered sheep and the lambs, most of the time, are left in the hands of unskilled local Elders.

Devoid of meaty spiritual feeding, the starved sheep-folds unfold for themselves sad tales of murmuring, bickering and disobeying the Word. The casualty, at the end of the day, is the survival of revival and spiritual growth, stunted.

6. HITCHES IN WISHES: Learning begins in schools. A parent might have been denied the privilege of being taught in an upmarket school he sought to have been grounded in, but could not, due to the economics of the family he was brought up in. Still, the hope of a dad is that his children get better education than he did, so that the gen-next of his household equals his 'betters' and square old scores he suffered in matters of social equation.

A small-town dweller aims for a bigger-town institute of learning for the more brilliant among his offspring, and the village-saddled mother too thinks ditto. But such is the way of the world that expected clinching of deals to fetch the required amount of money for schooling expenses, often, get ditched by unexpected hitches. Eclipsed by a slip between the cup and the lip, a saddened dad, with a heavy heart, reluctantly makes do with the less-preferred private school in his back-block locality.

7. LESS LEARNING TOOK PLACE: Accidents of history had rendered many hill families homeless, and almost hearth-less. Displaced victims of fate had to somehow stay loose somewhere where plots of land were offered free of cost. Struggle for subsistence with a pittance of income, to quote Mulk Raj Anand, "made their days dark, and their nights pitch-dark,"

Yet, the love of the poorest father and mother for their kids is 'rich enough' to dig out ways and means to toil harder to somehow get their young ones admitted in a nearby primary school. When sources of cash ran dry, piglets were used to secure admission, and puppies offered in lieu of monthly fees.

Teachers of such classes of students, on their part, were college drop-out Ph.Ds (Passed Higher Secondary with Difficulty) who harbour a grudge of a streak of discontentment with their own state of affairs as their parents could not afford to make them study to their hearts' content. Under such pathetic conditions, although semblance of classes took place, less learning had to take place.

8. RIGHTEOUSNESS EXALTS THE UPRIGHT: Human nature being what it is, systems of the world are not likely to change overnight with the balance of favour tilting heavily towards the less fortunate. Level playing field will never be laid out to all players because the field where we play is not level.

But the Word of God says in Hebrews 12:13, "Make level paths for your feet,' so that the lame may not be disabled, but rather healed." When the people of Israel exited from Egyptian slavery, their forward movement was blocked by the Red Sea, and the strong Army of Pharaoh were hot on their heels.

The multitude of God's people who saw great miracles in Egypt felt hopelessly driven against the wall and blamed it on Moses. At that critical juncture, God gave a promise to Moses in Exodus 14;14: "The LORD shall fight for you, and ye shall hold your peace." The power of the Almighty parted the waters and Moses and Co walked on dry land to safety.

9. SEEK HIS KINGDOM FIRST: Why did God take up cudgels for Moses? Because, in spells of weakness, in all lowliness, Moses "sought first the kingdom of God and His righteousness," and all he and his people needed were offered on a silver platter in the form of heavenly manna that fed them in the wilderness. "Then the LORD said to Moses, I will rain down bread from heaven for you (Exodus 16:4)."

Seeking His kingdom means moving a no confidence motion on our own 'wisdom' and being compliant to total reliance on the diktats of His Word. Pricking problems will continue to hassle our beleaguered unsettled places of stay. Problems will hold sway in this crazy mess between two poles as long as we don't stand on the Lord's side and go humble to be bless-able. That done, our fabled troubles will fritter away like bubbles.

10. GOD'S RIGHTEOUSNESS: Moses measured up to God's desired righteousness when, in the face of 'wild worship of the golden calf' by the tribes of Israel for whom he brought the Ten Commandments, took a firm stand of unflinching Faith in the living God, "Then Moses stood in the gate of the camp, and said, Who is on the LORD's side? Let him come unto me. And all the sons of Levi gathered themselves together unto him (Exodus 32:26)."

The Levites took sides in the right direction and played ball, to become "the men of the match."


* Lunminthang Haokip wrote this article for The Sangai Express
The writer is an IAS (Retd)
This article was webcasted on June 23 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
  • Konung Kang Chingba #1 : Gallery
  • Violence in Manipur 2023-2025 : Timeline
  • Manipur Iskcon's 25th Ratha Yatra 2025
  • Native Threshing machine made for farmers
  • COVID-19: Update 04 July 2025 : Manipur
  • Riso Ejang: Youth-led Transformation
  • Include males too in addressing HPV
  • Whispers from the past :: Poem
  • LPU opens permanent outreach centre
  • Raj Bhavan moving on the right track
  • Speculations over PM Modi's visit to state
  • Colonial Knowledge Production in NE #7
  • 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