Halls of Ivy - a lament
Dr Ranbir Laishram *
Dwelled by mighty souls,
From all possible directions,
Intellectuals and scholars; they are called.
Are they really scholars ?
Halls of Ivy in reality,
Converted into an untidy home.
Most are masked men and their clown invisible.
The entry - an uphill climb for many,
But child's play for the Haves and the mighty.
Might is always right.
Might is the law.
The Law has many faces.
It can be changed overnight.
Like in a masquerade party...
Mighty hands are long and can reach out far.
Ears of able men are large and wide,
Always fixed on the walls.
Having dwelt inside the Hall of Ivy,
For many a year,
One's intuitive mind wanders,
Amid perplexity and dilemmas.
The world inside it...
Is it really a nurturing bed or a fortress?
Set up to impart the best knowledge and expertise,
To the diligent, thirsty minds,
And deliver the best possible service to humanity...
Alas ! it has become
A venue for conventions ...
Mistrust and disrespect, rampant,
Politics of groupism, nepotism, and idolatry,
Spoiling the very essence of life and academic setting.
Someone asks in dismay,
"Will it remain as it is forever ?
Will it ever be changed for the better?"
For,what is allowed to happen,
Will continue to happen.
Or will there be a revolution ?
For the silence of the learned will cost dearly.
One's intuitive mind asks,
"Is there any remedy to the malady ?"
Someone from above says,
"Even if Almighty God comes,
The remedy is a far cry..."
* Poem written by Dr Ranbir Laishram for The Sangai Express
This poem was webcasted on 27 December 2020.
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