A Few Questions
By Angomcha Chingkhei Meitei *
The turmoil that is felt by the people of Manipur after the heinous atrocities to Dr Kishan by barbaric gangsters clearly broke free in the voice that came out at this time.
"Like that he died...or like that he was killed...murdered...full stop. You must have some reasons for killing him, but I have one reason to want to make him live.... He was a good man, better than I've ever come across in my 25 years in earth.
I have few questions to ask to you...he was a god man, inspiring many with his good ways, why did you kill such a gem of our society? Because of him people like me, my friends are here, wanting to do something good. Why did you kill him? He said corruption is the worst germ in our society for us.
Why did you kill him? He learned so many good things. He had such vast knowledge. Where does it all go when you killed him? Will he ever come back? When you killed him? Why do you kill him?" lamented by Anupama Chingangbam, currently pursuing Ph.D from IGNOU, New Delhi in English Literature. Without the inspiration from Oja Kisan, she won't be doing her Ph.D that too in Modern Manipuri English Poets.
Many students are still following the path that he had showed to them. He loves the Manipuri literature and was trying to do his best. Students who can recite the names of English Authors with great spontaneity were stunned when he asked to do the same with the names of Manipuri Authors/poets.
One of his students recollects "I started reading Manipuri Novels, novellas, poems etc after attending his first lecture in my English Honours class in DM College". His teaching represents a break with traditional model. To him, without knowing the Manipuri literature properly, it's of valueless in learning English Literature.
He was one of the reformers who want to expose the rottenness of present day system and expressed his anguish and frustration at the changing social scene. He often spoke of his confusion at the happenings all around.
He is concerned with the social issues and he often adopts an ironic posture. He was aware of the corruption in the society, the unstable life style and vulnerable and insecure. He was worried about the life of the common man being caught in the everyday existential crisis.
His assertive style of reformation and about his roles in the society can be found through his articles and speeches. Reformism lies deep in his heart and he stretches his effort to new areas of experience in conventionality with the trend of new responsibility.
"It is not good... He was a reformer... He must be trying to reform the rotten system... I still remember the farewell speech given to us before taking over as MCS officer 'I am moving to a bigger sea...I left DM College for Manipur University, from here to work as a public servant, I want to reform the society, and it's a big opportunity for me'. He gave inspiration to many young children...he is a very precious human being...it's a great lost for Manipur..." mourned by Oja Dr Moirangthem Priyobarta.
Is he paying the price for being irony for truth??? Is it crime to be sincere and honest to our job???
His lost is irreparable, but the foundation he had laid is very firm...he will always remain alive in the heart of thousands of Manipuri youths.
Following his path, thousands and thousands of Manipuri youths will work together for a better Manipur. The acts of barbaric hoodlums cannot deter our true spirit.
Let's pray for his soul to rest in peace.
* Angomcha Chingkhei Meitei, Blog here and Editor of Keystone Print Ads and a National Literary Award Winner(2002) is a frequent contributor to e-pao.net. He can be contacted at acmeitei(at)gmail(dot)com. This article was webcasted on February 20, 2009.
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