Ask me what I want for Christmas ?

Lien Gangte *

MBC Church, Chingmeirong :: Pix - Phurailatpam Banti

Ask me what I want for Christmas? As an individual, I like to have many things and the list can go on as long as my ability to sit and type this can be sustained.

The year 2012 has been a very busy and happening year all around the world. The success of the London 2012 Olympics and the Queen's Jubilee before that where hundreds of thousands of people in the UK came together to cheered these great events and support the nations and the royal family, and many other events across the globe that lifts up our spirits.

Sadly, all is not bright and sunny as in many parts of the world; we witness countless events of fights between communities and countries, killings, natural disasters and other unfortunate calamities.

While some of the sad news is beyond human control, it fills me with pain to say that, much of the troubles that are surrounding us are self-inflicted. Human beings have yet again proved that, we are indeed capable of ruining the ties that binds us together, eroding the land that is feeding us. We seem to be so focussed on creating geographical boundaries instead of celebrating the notion that "THE WORLD IS INDEED ONE".

The recent news in the US - The shooting in the school is disheartening. The flooding in and around the UK is uncomforting. Rape and de-humanising women in India is so shameful and extremely hurtful.

While most parts of Northeast India prepares to celebrate Christmas and welcome the Birth of Jesus Christ, Manipur is experiencing another episode of bandh and blockade just because someone lack respects for women.

When will we wake up and look at each other with love? It just upsets me so much that my beloved homeland - Manipur- is dwindling away into a land of fighting, disunity, shootings, starvation.

This is a land of great potentials and it has given the world the famous and most graceful classical dance called "Ras Lila", Polo and has produced many world class sportsmen and sportswomen.

SANA LEIBAK - The land of Gold is on the edge of losing its credibility. My people of Manipur, let us not forget, the misery we suffer is a pure reflection on our inability to love, share and live together in peace. We can start now (It is not too late) and rebuild our thoughts, our environment and our land and make this dream a possibility.

The Gold has not faded yet, all we need is the knowledge to preserve giving it our best. The land we live in is God's gift to us. Cherished it and it will feed our generation and the ones in the future.

To my Christian friends, Christmas is not only for us anymore. People from many faith and background will celebrate Christmas this year and let us lead the way in making sure that the Birth of Jesus is the essential part.

Let us love our neighbours, lets us spread the message of love, unity, peace and give way to a new Manipur.

Please join me in prayers for a kinder, joyful and more loving atmosphere in Manipur.

Dear God,
I know you have the world to look after but please give a little bit more of your time in Manipur and give us your Peace!
Merry Christmas everyone!

God Bless