Unity is strength : Under one umbrella in this changing world

Prof Dr Koshilning Maring *

Mera Houchongba , re-affirming close bond and ties between hill and valley people at Kangla on 27 October 2015 :: Pix - Shankar Khangembam

People talk about Unity with a great and deep meaning according to world situation. The word “unity” has derived from Latin unitas simply means oneness; the state or fact of being one undivided entity. We mainly understand that unity purpose is always focusing into two areas namely pre-unity and pro-unity. Pre-unity is constructive method before destruction take place, and pro-unity can be bringing together after clashes took place. We need unity always at pre and pro situation is arisen.

Let me draw your attention unto Rabindranath’s philosophy of Universalism, which is known as Unity, for unity of Manipur people. Rabindranath was the youngest son of Debendranath Tagore the great leader of Brahmo Samaj.

He was influenced with western philosophy of education and sciences (humanism) as well as humanist tradition of Gautama Bhudha. He was a poet, critic, essayist, and story teller. He was a rationalist and a humanitarian. He was religious and social movement’s leader leading to neo-Hinduism. He got the Nobel Prize for literature in Nov. 1913 and honorary degree of DLitt from University of Calcutta in 1914.

Rabindranath’s main movement was to unite all the nations under one banner or a single nest, without distinguish caste, colour, culture, religion etc. He was known as prophet too. World War I was on when his mission was started and died during World War II. In 1918 he gave away his properties for Vishwabharati University foundation and inaugurated on Dec. 22, 1921.

His aim of mission was to unite all the cultures of the west and east into this University. He called upon all the nations to come together to shed their nationalism to exchange their gifts of the spirit, to develop personality and to achieve creative unity. He had been preaching cooperation of all nations.

The goal of the University was the achievements of a universal culture. In this University, male and female genders were also studied including the social and religious subjects and had been taught by professors from different countries.

Though Rabindranath was belonged to Hindu, he never does partiality but rather he treated equally. He became conscious of a mission to bring men closer to each other. He worked for universal brotherhood, peace and prosperity of all mankind. He worked for all nations to meet at a point of benefit to each other. As a result, he was of opinion that “national differences were essential for the smooth and harmonious development of humanity.”

He loved peace and unity but hated all kinds of conflicts within the nations. He worked hardly for social welfare of humanity and safety of humanity. Dr. Aleyamma Zachariah from Kerala said that Rabindranath wanted to realize the ideal of one world. It was for this purpose that he established his international University, Vishwabharati.

The motto of the University is “Where the Universe Becomes a Single Nest.” He explored political, religious and social areas of human relationship. He based more on perception. He emphasized on human solidarity and believed in democratic ideals. Through his goodwill mission for India got national anthem “Jana gana mana” as well in 1947 and sang during Independence Day.

Now, through his life and work the nation India still remembering him for what he had contributed for India. We Indian people should be very proud of him. Likewise, here my sincere implication towards my people of Manipur is this.

In this crucial situation we need a socialist leaders or renaissance like Rabindranath Tagore who did his best for universal welfare. Our Manipur is a beautiful land, people, culture and natural resources. This much God had created lovely for unity, peace and love without flaying the name of tribe, culture and community living in Manipur.

At this present scenario, land of Ema Leibak is filled with evil practices. Political disagreement, religious disagreement, social disagreement and ethical and identity disagreements are the issues prevailing within Manipur. Instead of bringing unity under one umbrella or a single nest or common sense filled with chaos.

Whose responsibility is this? Leader has a great role to this task. Who can bring peace, love and unity? This is only a genuine and socialist leaders could bring. When shall we have unity is strength of Manipur people? That is only when the leaders bring changes like peace and love within the community leaders (religious, social and political leaders). Until and unless peace and love exist there wouldn’t be any unity.

Unity can bring through sports/athletics, negotiation, feast and festivals, seminar, get together and as well as self realization through positive attitude. Leader is not a post, it is administration. Being a leader should not be a verbal commander but practical person. Practical showing of words is indeed thankful.

Living peaceful co-existence is the best way of human living.