My personal experience at TEDxImphal
Bishwajit Luwang Khumukcham *
Ngangbam Lelen Meitei speaking at TEDxImphal on 11 December 2011 - Pix :: Namiba Khaidem
It was Dakhu (Ronid Chingangbam) who invited me to TEDxImphal. I have heard of TED but had never cared to search and go through what it really was on the internet or to watch theTED videos etc.
But fortunately for me and another 99 people, we happen to experience TEDxImphal at Hotel Classic on the 11th of December 2011.
Who would have thought it would be so fun and inspiring event. I reached the venue about half an hour early as I didnt want go sneaking into the room when some speaker was delivering their speech.
The conference room had already been set when I entered the room. I met Dakhu, Da Sachin some other good friends and sat down and chat for a while.
The introducing video from the creator of TED and TEDx were good enough to understand what TED is all about. The event was a really an inspiring one with many interesting speakers and other TEDxvideos.
It made me think over my life again; my aims and what can be done of this pathetic state, our "Fatherland" a term according to Lelen Ngangbam. Meeting personals like Lelen and Jilatombi was a very good experience.
It was really inspiring knowing what they are doing for this state. Jilatombi's work should really be made into a department by the government of Manipur. We have so many talents in our Fatherland but the lack of exposure and financial difficulties tampers the beautiful sketch.
Lelen was another inspiration for not only the people attending the event but to all the Manipuris. Imagine the option he gave when he was asked to teach at NG College, "If you people give me any salary, I will quit the job."
He has taken up the initiative of planting "Chinese Chives" locally known as Maroi Nakkupi and playing his little part in making Manipuri's indigenous spices available in plenty.
The other TED videos were very inspiring too; my favourite being the video of William Kamkwamba.
TEDxImphal had two musical performances, one by Guru Rewben Mashangva and his son Saka and the other by Imphal Talkies. I have seen both Guru Rewben and Dakhu (Ronid of Imphal Talkies) perform in Delhi a lot but never in Imphal and I was lucky again to be there and watch them performing.
Guru Rewben is one of the most respectable men living in this world and we should learn from what he is doing for his for the future generation; the treasure that he is guarding for them, for us.
Dakhu is a brother and a very good friend to me and he was the one who invited me to TEDxImphal, and I was really happy that I finally got a chance to see Da Sachin and him performing together.
Imphal Talkies sings Manipur, his lyrics tells us the story of the torn society, the frustrated lives, the neglected Indians (if we really are). When we think over again, it is really only in Manipur University that we see an army camp inside the University campus and no one says anything about it and he reminds us of this in his song.
Other speakers too did their part well sharing what they had experience and what needs to be done.
It was really a good experience and I hope that we will get to see TEDxSenapati, TEDxUkhrul, TEDxChandel etc in near future.
All thanks to TEDxImphal organisers and All the Best to them.
* Bishwajit Luwang Khumukcham wrote this article for e-pao.net
This article was posted on December 20, 2011.
* 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.