How should we honour our martyrs and heroes ?
- Hueiyen Lanpao Editorial :: August 30 2011 -
The state government honours its martyrs and heroes every year. Such acts are mostly carried out as state functions and various programmes are held to observe such occasions.
The biggest of these functions are those related to Khongjom Day and Martyrs' Day. We also observe memorial services for Rani Gaidinliu and Jadonang. In the present political situation these functions are mainly confined to a select set of invitees. It is time we changed our attitude in the observation and conduct of these functions.
It is suggested that we have a comprehensive state policy to see that the observance and conduct of these programmes reach out to the common people widespread. It is not that the general population do not observe these functions, they do, but not under a state policy. Their observances are guided by civic bodies, NGOs or students' unions.
It would be much better and proper, if these functions are conducted by the government, more on the lines of the observances of Republic Day, Independence Day, Gandhi Jayanti and Children's Day to name a few.
One could query, will we be wading into unfamiliar waters? The answer is NO. Just one example will suffice to explain the proposition. There are many states in the country which have installed statues of Dr Ambedkar, and hold memorial services to honour him, that is, with or without support of any kind, financial aid included.
What is being proposed is, let there be a state policy based on which we can conduct our observance functions which we enact every year in memory of those who sacrificed their lives for Manipur, or for causes positively relevant to Manipur.
The lower level functions can be presided by MLAs, Councillors, Pradhans, ADC members or village chiefs.
Through the print and the electronic media details of programmes and other messages can be made to reach all people. Entertainment programmes, cultural shows, competitions for children can all be conducted under one broad based policy.
Help in cash or kind could be extended to the organizers, particularly those functioning in the Diaspora. Such a step would go a long way in promoting our composite culture.
It will enhance the spirit of unity in our multi lingual and ethnically diverse society.
There is another suggestion though this may be considered tangential to the subject under discussion. The government instead of issuing pamphlets to highlight its achievements can take the help of the print and the electronic media, this will ensure a wider readership.
This has little to do with monetary benefits and above all, it is only a sincere sharing of thoughts.
The point of the matter is let the younger generation have a closer feel of the ethos of observing Khongjom Day, Martyrs' Day or remembering Rani Gaidinliu or Jadonang.
Let the state level function be held at the designated place so decided by the government.
On the other hand, since security issues so dictates it, attendance of the common people in such programmes are subject to much screening and invariably misunderstandings ensue between the public and authority.
So, if the government so decides it, it can devise a calendar for such functions which is then to be perpetually followed.
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