[ Sat, Mar 27, 2010 12:45 am ]

I have been reading articles by Ranjan Yumnam for some time now. I find him quite refined in his taste and knowledge of different issues pertaining to Manipur and beyond. He is really a man of erudition. No wonder he's having a white-collar job now. He is particularly interesting to me because he reminds me of the kind of articles I used to freelance for some publications in Manipur and other NE states almost a decade ago while still in college. It\'s really a pleasure to keep track of his articles. Keep it up. Wishes.

michaellaith

[ Mon, Mar 01, 2010 12:53 am ]

Is the individual more important than their families? Will the Manipur society be free the strong grasp of economic instability? Doesn't every individual has a moral responsibilty to the society? Such questions are of great concern. Although they sound deceptively simple, susceptible to 'Yes' or 'No' answers, when we try to answer them it becomes evident that each conceals a wealth of disputable assumptions and that the meaning of its key words is also disputable. Furthermore, the answers inevitably express opinions on what ought to be the case, rather than describing what is the case. I remember how we tried to avoid Moral Science class in school days and today i understand the importance of that subject. The present Manipur society is infected by the lack of social morality and a misleading mentality. Nobody is ready to accept the significance of every individual towards the society. So it is not quite surprising to see a snail's pace progress in intellectualism, social status,economic,art,transportation,communication,in every field lagging behind our contempory counterpart of other states and nations. Every institution is corrupted and politics a carrier of these diseases. I appreciate Mr. Ranjan's pragmatic view. To a large extent ,we can say that the root cause lies in the low economic status of Manipur. I believe every Manipuri diaspora will contribute thier bits to stimulate the economic progress.An active and dymamic response to our society shall not be a panacea for the crippled economic status of Manipur but will surely be a boon.What went on earlier is a history now and so lets take it to a new chapter of Incredible Manipur.Considering the mental eminence of every Manipuri diaspora,i conjecture that those who were inactive before will wake up to our national cause rather than sitting idled as a sweet fanny adams...Lets Make Manipur-The land of Jewel again....Mr. Ranjan.. i envisage a Neo-Manipur in the near future with people like your around.....Keep it up!

dux7luwang

[ Wed, Feb 17, 2010 at 10:22 PM ]

Hey,

Am a follower of your articles. Shortcut to success is a good read. I feel it would be more useful if it is published on both english and manipuri local newspapers. The clever and intelligent can take what's hidden in the article.

Regards,
kk

[ Tue, Feb 9, 2010 at 12:45 AM ]

.....And the award for "Mr. I Have An Opinion About Everything" goes to... Well Sir, I m just kidding. I love your articles and honestly wish they appear more frequently. You're the Maan!(jamaican style). Whenever I read your columns, I always feel Burkha Dutt would have written the same way. Please keep contributing

Koko Saka

[ Sat, Jan 16, 2010 5:51 am ]

Was happy with you becoming one of our administrators. But your recent writings have cast some doubts on my mind. In one of ur articles in 'my turn', I saw an upright young bureaucrat who sang 'come what may' and pooh-pooh-ing the tradition of 'yana yanaba chatlo'. And in your most recent article, I saw a metamorphosed gentleman who wouldn't 'bark' to it's master by 'virtue of him being on the payroll of the govt'. Well, certainly 'PVR lifestyle' being enabled by the state has it's effect on you. I can now foresee a pot-bellied officer whose phoren trips(quantum leap from PVR) will be paid by 'recruited' lecturers, supervisors, attendants etc.. oophs! let's talk about 'Dil to Pagal Hai"

Koko Saka

[ Wed, Sep 16, 2009 6:46:33 AM ]

Just gone through your article. Well everyone knows the bad part of drinking wine but not necessarily drinking is bad. Manipuri society as a whole a drinking society excels in sports and is renowned the world over for their talent in sports at least. Where as Bangladesh, Pakistan our neighbours basically a non drinking society does not even produce a world class sports person like Dinku, Kunjarani, Mary and the list goes on...So I do not see any bad side of drinking in Manipur. Our drunkard fathers does not cease to produce excellent children, well in any field..you name it... Keep contributing Ranjan...it's pleasure to read your articles.

Haidar - Dubai

[ Wed, May 27, 2009 10:59 am ]

Gone through your article on your topic, 'An open letter to IAS wannabes' subscribed at e-pao.net. By chance I cud get this opportunity to read your article. It was excellent & has good content. Like your english too. This is just an appreciation.

Gonmei Bosco

[ Wed, Apr 22, 2009 7:37 am ]

I find your write ups quite interesting. The way you present your views sardonically is what i find captivating to read. Hope you do actually mean and practise what you preach. Good luck!

Bina Maibam

[ Mon, Apr 20, 2009 8:24 am ]

Oh my God!! That was like a slap on the face!!

Anonymous

[ Mon, Apr 20, 2009 7:07 am ]

I'm not a regular visitor of E-pao. I chanced upon your name when I was doing my googling bit as a researcher at work. First of all, I'm quite impressed by the fact that you are very articulative and can floor your opponents to the ground easily. I'm all the more moved because you, unlike a lot other Manipuris who ostensibly serve the state, have chosen to serve Manipur very actively. Hats off to you!! I followed up on you and got to know that you have written a lot of articles on E-pao on various issues- "Subtle Yet Alarming!" Well, this is particularly with reference to your article "Mend your language" posted on E-Pao! It's quite commendable (the title itself) and I would like every Manipuri to read it and come to terms with it. It's unfortunate but it's so true-a share of all these problems and these stereotypical characterizations can be rooted to us folks. How sad, nonetheless very true!! I agree with every point you came up with; The mention on PA Sangma, Baichung Bhutia are commendable! Why can't our Kunjarani be an icon, why not Dingko and various other athletes from Manipur when they actually have the potential of being one!! It's very true that one's communication skills are so inextricably linked to one's personality! Putting myself in the shoes of an Interview Board member I would have a second thought on the candidate's credibility no matter how good he is on the technical aspects, if his communication skills are bad! I don't mean to be patronizing at all.

On a positive note, I'm glad to know there are a lot of manipuris with very strong communication skills to much of my surprise. We folks are aware (subconsciously) of this fact but made no attempt to come up with anything like you just did. So, I consider it very thoughtful on your part, as a renowned journalist, to openly address this issue!! I really appreciate it!! U mentioned that "this calls for a serious revision of our education system" or may be something to that accord but how does one ensure that? What should be the next step? What should be our plan of action? We know mere AWARENESS hasn't really helped us much! I would love to hear from you on your thought process about the same. I would love to read-up more on the articles you've written. This was the 1st one I read. Well, something out of the box, but seriously I feel Our MPs and politicians and the timid local insurgents need a severe spanking - they are just sitting on their asses!! Well, for obvious reasons, your articles would be met with "adverse reactions". It's no wonder, "the community per se is a salad bowl". Keep up the good work Ranjan!

Sonika

[ Thu, Apr 2, 2009 at 1:11 PM ]

To go through Whistleblower section is one of my favourite intellectual past time...the contents really provoked me to start thinking what will be the faith of our state...say 25 yrs down the line. I would like you to keep writing the things that really matter in today's life uncertainity wrt our state. I would like to get informed about the police reforms and improvement in the existing education system that will be the agenda of board room talks of all young MCS/MPS officers like you.

I 've done my schooling from JNV khumbong and moved outside for my BE degree. Being father of two lovely daughters, I sometimes get puzzeled about my success in explaining the right values of being an upwright Manipuri to them in future when they grow up. Will they belief me in the story about my care-free life which I used to spend in my village, Patsoi-3 ? I'm in the Air Force and visit (instead of homecoming) Manipur once in a year. I am of the opinion of meeting Govt. Administrator to understand the road blocks in executing the area-wise developmental plans rather than go for point-blank blaming session. Your thoughts about the Manipur Diaspora and the replies to that is an indicator of involvement of our own new generation in the issues concerning about us. I'm in the belief that Govt. administrator can call the shots for change starting from the Dept. he/she heads as we in uniform executes the change in the platoon/company I command keeping the overall aim of the organisation intake all the time. I would defenitely meet you during my next visit to the place from where I learn the values of life. Looking forward to see you as the MCS officer for the people of the state and may you get success in your task of bringing a radical change in the degrading office working environment of the Dept. you are heading!!! I've decided to be in touch with you and keep on complaining about the dark evils of the soceity as you are the link to one of the changing face my Emmaleibak Sanagi mani Manipur.

Taorem Devakanta

[ Tue, Mar 17, 2009 at 11:20 PM ]

Its a very fine evening in Hyderbad. I am a student of Hyderabad Central university. I hope you are doing very good in wherever you are now. I have read your article in the e-pao. I am very happy to know that somebody of your stature is in track with the condition of Manipur. I am really excited to know that someone who is in the government and holding a position of a diplomat. Will expect a lot from you sir.

Reev

[ Sat, Feb 21, 2009 at 12:53 AM ]

Just wanted to let you know that your article "lets talk" was very inspiring and that is exactly needed for us to read and hope it hits home for the insurgents too. I am not a regularly audience of e-pao but your article caught my eyes. I am proud of you.

Thokchom

[ Feb 1, 2008 1:57 PM ]

Hi Ranjan, Right from the beginning, it was fascinating to run over all of the article put up. Happy to read after long gap. Hope it continues ....

Johnson

[ Jan 31, 2008 12:50 PM ]

You are very correct in identifying the issues. Today we have all the means of communications within our reach. The Internet, The Landlines, The Cell Phones, The Skype, The Instant Messengers, The Social Networking Sites and the Scraps or Pokes on these sites. We have more than 100+ television channels providing content 24 hours gone are the days when there was only Doordarshan providing some news and entertainment. But even with all these people feel lonely even when they are among the crowd of thousands of humans. They are empty from within. They feel insecure, they feel the fear of being judged, the fear of rejection, the fear of being unappreciated, unpopular, unwanted. They are all the more confused and do not know where to go and what to do. Yes may be people have become more money minded and there is nothing wrong but they themselves do not know as where is the start and how do they end.

People may come up with articles on spending quality time and provide different tips and tricks and what not but these things are better in theory only and they are practically not feasible, it is not difficult unless you want to live a mechanical life and be mechanically happy with a schedule that on sundays if you do this then you will feel happy and stuff like that. People now a day enjoy making connection over these Social Netwroking Sites with known as well as unknown people. They enjoy sending "Scraps" (pretty strange word for expression as scrap means something not useful and unwanted) and pokes, but they will not speak with their friends now a days its a fashion to call everyone a friend. People have probably forget the meaning of the word friend even if you have come across a person only in last 24 hours than also he is your friend .

People fear to discuss problems and issues with friends (here friends means the genuine and true types) they do not speak up they fear that it will expose themselves and what others will think of them. They turn to Alcohol & Drugs and at time feel depressed and some even succumb and commit suicides. If they would have atleast talked to somebody about it probably they would have felt better and would have not resorted to such things, but you cannot help it.

Human beings are social beings but now they act in a more anti social manner.

You do keep up the good writing going on.

Dakshesh Desai

[ 27 Jan 2008 13:17:00 -0000 ]

I was really thrilled to read your article on "Learning Bio-Chemistry - The next Big thing". It was nice to know that you are a journalist and I really appreciate your work and the time you devoted for the youth in collecting all the information from everywhere. Keep it up!!!

Kshetrimayum Sony

[ 25 Nov 2007 13:17:00 -0000 ]

I just read your article, "Whats in a name ?" and it made a real nice reading, but........there's a BIG BUT.............as far as i know it's not the way of our ancestors to write the family name after the 1st name,the way you do ! So, if we were to write your name in THEIR way, it'd have been Yumnam Ranjan, and not Ranjan Yumnam, the way YOU write your name. So, what I'm trying to say is, if you are not following the old way of writing our names, why are you judging other people? And if James Bond were born in Manipur, his name would have been Bond James and not B. James Singh. And by the way, my name is Oinam Eureka, and not Eureka Oinam, the way you would have written..............but anyway, it was fun reading your articles and its a real pity that the Govt. of Manipur has snatched away such a good writer. But writing is not a lucrative job in Manipur, and it certainly doesn't give enough money , right ? Think about it and write something about it, will you ?

Oinam Eureka [not Eureka Oinam]

[ Nov 2, 2007 4:15 PM ]

How are you bro? Y know i m using bro coz i'm just a ...you can say kid but i do not think so i'm too that young, actually i'm still in high school so thought it would be better if i address you as bro, i have heard lot about you, i used to read all the article's written by U at Times of India ...anyways bro let me briefly introduce myself...My name is Boi, I'm studying here at ***** school (New Delhi) ...And little bit frustrated, confuse, not happy with myself... I'm here at the stage where I do not see any way to go...I do not know what is wrong and what is right, there is identity conflict going on within me...Anyway, I do not want to bore with all this , Actually, I was looking for a way or platform where I can put up all my questions....and recently I came to know about e-pao.net and found forums at e-pao.net, and I was going through your article and thought I should seek some knowledge from you. Today, I will start with the article " The Lies of Tango Charlie!" because I have gone through pain while watching it in the cinema hall. Our school has taken us for that movie and you cannot imagine how I have gone through it... the longest 3 n 1/2 hrs of shame and frustration, And here is my question, Everyone of us or most of us have seen that movie, Why they are not doing anything, why they are keeping mum, even if they cant do anything they can atleast go to the media or something like that to express that it is wrong, And I guess Manipur is the only state where we can find all those student organisation and blah blah blah... lots of organisation..and here in Delhi we have MSAD, what they are doing? Aint they suppose to speak up for our society, if not then what is the use of forming it, Pardon me bro, for expressing my frustration to you, thought you are in media, you must have idea about all these issues...Thank you bro, if you have free time, please show me a way, I will be grateful, Thank you bro, hope to hear from you soon.

Boi

[ Aug 27, 2007 3:06 AM ]

I was reading your columns. It was nice reading your columns. Though I won't be able to read much of your interesting columns anymore, I hope you will do a great job as Civil Servant. Good luck.

Dr Shanta Laishram , Canada

[ Aug 27, 2007 3:06 AM ]

I am not entirely a fan of yours, but I do read your column "WhistleBlower" once a while. Though I do have my shares of complaints and do not agree most of the time, reading your column is something I really enjoyed. For one, I like the fact that you at least have an opinion - most people dont!! Another - your articles are usually well thought out and do not seem to rely on wordplay/rhetoric's/etc. But, most important, I like the pragmatism and the relevance of the topic. "Lets talk" is one of the most sensible article I have read in a long time anywhere. Wish we could do something. I hope you change your mind about not writing. I am sure that a Govt Servant can contribute a lot without conflicting his duties. But, I do respect your decision.

All the best in your new venture!

Sameer

[ Wed, 26 Sep 2007 16:23:49 ]

On your article - The Tyranny of Society, some queries, hoping your sincere answers.

How do you relate society with customs?
Can corruption be understood as customs?
How can you bluntly link individual liberty and bad customs?
Instead of analysing what is that 'Custom' you left that in the wilderness of mist-without explaining?
Last time, you wrote about joining MPSC- Can you give a single Bureaucrat who brought even some level of change in a society from his General knowldge books? or so-called revolutions from within?
Can you ask yourself truely- why some parents want their children to become IAS, IPS or MCS- it is clear, may be you would call it 'Customs'- but for sure it is the Hegemony and Property class that grows in the process- so I bet for no change!!!

I could not connect very well with your quotes of liberal heavy weights and the article's trust in terms of concepts. I think your writing misses on one thing very clearly- the Politics and its associate impacts- so I would say corruption needs to be seen in terms of STATE and its Politics: People in a region- like manipur. Many things to say- if you talk about Changes which I would prefer to call revolution.

Hope you will not ignore my points consciously- if you believe to write and contribute to society, whatever little it may be.

Priyo Luwang

[ Wed, 1 Aug 2007 04:47:48 -0400 ]

Dear e-pao
You have been giving patronage to Ranjan Yumnam. He/she writes anything and everything about everything and anything that finds a place in e-pao. Does e-pao employ him/her or he/she runs e-pao? He/she should respect the journalistic codes however not all his/her writings are sick but at times. He/she should concentrate on areas best known to her/him, better not to bark on everything. I have gone through his/her nonsense article on meitei names, can I ask if he/she a male/female and if "Ranjan" a meitei name? What about FAQ on Manipuri films? Who gave him/her the authority to name Manipuri Film base as Imphalwood? I've lot more ....let's wait a response.

kayssunny

[ Tue, Jul 31, 2007 4:13 PM ]

Read your article 'lets talk' on e-pao. It's a bold article. Well done. Let's start raising voice against any anti-social elements. Militants in Manipur are the mother of all major & common problems faced by common people like you & me. Let's try to eliminate militancy.

Robindro

[ Tue, Jul 10, 2007 10:37 PM ]

I have read you article "The selfish Manipuri diaspora". Most of the things you are highlighting are not correct and as such there are lots of distortion in your understanding of the so called Manipuri diaspora by you. What I feel is that this is just your projection of your thought through other people. This is what you will exactly do if you happen to be one of them. In short I want to conclude from your articles that you got a serious ATTITUDE problem. You owe an appology to the people. Your article will send a wrong message to all the budding people due the so called "pygmalion effect". Understanding solicited.

{Name Redacted}

[ Fri, 6 Jul 2007 08:17:34 -0400 ]

It is disheartening to see that the article "The Selfish Manipuri Diaspora" was penned down by a budding and upcoming journalist. Some of my quick thoughts are -- the so called diaspora is very special to our homeland Manipur in many respects. They have succeeded spectacularly in their chosen profession by dint of their single-minded dedication and heart work. Inspite of residing outside their homeland, they have retained their emotional, cultural, spiritual link i.e. sense of belongingness with the homeland. Before writing such an article, somewhat in-depth study of the characteristics, aspirations, attitudes, strengths and weaknesses of the diaspora is highly appreciated. The significance of the diaspora under few headings are -

1) Socio-economic and political spheres: Most of the Manipuries who are working in various professions send at least few shares of their earnings to home. This contributes something to the growth of economy in Manipur. They also contribute in building up pressure group and lobbying for Manipurs social and political voice to the central govt. Take the examples from recently happened Sharmila Chanu's struggle for AFSPA in Delhi where this diaspora strongly supported and held protests. The students and many professionals from the diaspora group joined together at the times of ceasfire, Manorama, and other homeland related issues to reach our voice to the central govt. and the whole nation.

2) Contribution to education, science & technology, IT, health care: Most of the diaspora are well educated persons. They guide the new students coming here for studies. I don't have much knowledge about the overseas Manipuri diaspora. In the context of the diaspora residing at many cities of India, it must be admitted that they contribute in every field whatever they can do. Everybody must be aware about the number of diaspora working as academicians, scientists, doctors, nurses, administrators and in IT sectors. They try to help their community people in their respective fields. Suppose, if somebody of our community comes here for health treatment, these doctors and nurses guide them well. Mention may be made about my workplace, Parliament Central Secretariat, New Delhi, where more than 40 Manipuris working in different posts. All of us here extend very cooperation when someone's (especially from our community) needy time. Last year, we have also given tribute to our Heroes on 13th August at C-10, Hnuman Road, Connaught Palace, New Delhi along with MP of Manipur Dr Meina, former CM Rishang Keishing, Army officers and many other dignitary persons.

3) Sports and Tourism: Once who were the laurels of Manipur's sport have become members of this diaspora. Count the number of Manipuri players residing in Mumbai, Kolkata, Chennai and Goa. They are large. For example I elaborate only two players, former Asian Games gold medalist and former state football captain who have won many champions under his leadership have been residing in Mumbai with his family. Haven't they contributed anything for our motherland? The diaspora employees who are working in Railways and travel companies are the one who will forward you at your risky time as a passenger.

4) National Integration: It is very sensitive issue so I'll highlight only this that the so called diaspora helps in closing the gap between the mainland and our state. They spread the sense of belongingness to others.

The author has mentioned some characteristics that he doesn't want about the diaspora "there is more to life than chasing some materialistic dreams, netting a trophy wife, building a house, owning a car and procreating some children" Short reply of this is -- this diaspora may be called more materialistic because there is more needy materials to have when one settles outside Manipur. We don't see any cycle rickshaws ferrying passengers in most part of South Delhi. In this intense heat and fast changing life, owning a car is no more a fashion. (Anyway, how many of them have care- around 1%. Students aren't included in the diaspora.) If they don't dream of having a house, where they will stay. Nobody wants to stay in rented room for most of his life. You are also a part of this materialistic world. But we must contain the degree of materialism to least extend, the human life is more important than any products and the human feelings should not be oppressed.

At the end of the day, there is the word patriotism. The author has written -- "Let's give a thought to repaying the debts we owe to our roots for being what we are, wherever we are. This is a moral responsibility, a question of patriotism." -- Patriotism is not only the love one's country but also includes the love of the people, costumes, traditions, and pride to its history and devotion to its welfare. How an individual can raise the question of patriotism of a group? The ministers, beaurocrates, and army men are more or less patriotic than a layman. Others may argue that a true patriot speaks out when convinced that their country is following an unwise or unjust action. Then shall we agree that there is no other person who is more patriotic than a Journalist and an Opposition leader whose sole duty is to write and speak any issue? Phew!!!

Anonymous

[ Thu, 5 Jul 2007 17:27:11 -0400 ]

It seems you have gained the attention you are desperately seeking for. I wonder if this is an attempt to unleash some of your wildest frustrations ever. Anyway, a little in-depth wouldn't have harmed much for you, no matter how biased you are. I bet it's easy to generalise things with just a few handful of experiences and wear the mask of a wannabe know-it-all. You talk about repaying debts to the roots. I wonder at what you might have done to repay your debts to your roots. Lampoons, sarcastic comments, and biased dogmas will never be an act of repaying debts. Unless otherwise served on the platter of irony and mediocrity. I understand the rosy picture everyone has in mind about someone working outside. But only those who go through it know what it is like. It's a survival. And if we save up something to send for the parents back home, I think that makes it up for everything for the time being. The rest will follow with time. I wonder if someone working in Manipur has ever been asked about repaying to their roots. Have you ever thought about it?

"Sir, he is my brother. Please give him a job." - syndrome doesn't work in MNCs. A minister's kin is as good/bad as a farmer's kin in a private sector organisation. And I believe you must be well versed about this since you mentioned you were part of one. I wonder where you left all your intellectual capabilities behind while writing the article. Anyway, your anecdote on Bengalis tickles my funny bone. The concept is ethically incorrect. It is not ethical to recruit all your sundry relatives either fit or unfit for the job in a company just because you work there. So if you are thinking that just because one Manipuri works in XYZ Inc., he should get all other Manipuris a job in XYZ Inc. is stupidity. Groupism and favoritism are for the professionally challenged. People sure do notify job requisitions at e-pao if there are requirements. I wonder if you have ever thought about it. And your association with a few people who were unwilling to help does not justify you to slap up a mediocre waste of nasty frustrations in the public.

Open your mind and read about LINUX MANIPUR and SACSAS. Just sitting back and wondering in doldrums is not good enough to write meaningful articles. The outcome will surely be mediocre content based on biases and insipid frustrations. I wonder at your learning and working with some of the biggest and prestigious media houses, and the kind of vibes you are sending out with this article of yours. And with this article of yours, you have proved once and for all that there really are Manipuris who are still stuck with the depressingly prominent syndrome of 'Don't let my neighbour prosper'. I have always wondered over this. But well, after reading your article, I empathise with you that you came across such people as friends or acquaintance. So if you are going insane over someone earning big bucks in Silicon Valley, you need to shed your inhibitions and open your mind. Instead of lampooning, try to think big and appreciate people. The act of branding a 'Selfish Diaspora' shows the weakness and immaturity of some of us Manipuris.

I understand your article could have been on a better note. I also understand that I could have presented my thoughts in the preceding paragraphs on a better note. So the next time you lift the pen, please think twice.

Shyamananda Sapam

[ Wed, 4 Jul 2007 10:42:11 -0400 ]

It is very sad to know that Yumnam Ranjan is trying to gain publicity by posting an immature, inarticulate, and very very unreasonable article on the most popular portal. Since you have posted many interseting articles before I used to think that its good that a meitei macha doing so well in the field of journalism and writing well. however my assumption is short lived. Do you think it as all a rosy story for all the manipuri people working outside their homeland? Get your facts corrected , conduct a little research before posting such unpopular remarks to the manipuri peolle who are working their ass out unlike those manipuris back home who just want to idle around doing nothing. I am sure you wont be very happy to get such publicity. dont be. it is all cheap publicity

Anonymous

[ Sun, Jul 1, 2007 6:29 PM ]

Your article "The Selfish Manipuri Diaspora" is distorted in many ways. I think you should do more research before bluntly writing something that maybe your opinion. Being opinionated is something but you should segregate that on a platform like e-pao, which is the most popular portal for Manipuris and I think it is not quite right to blame the so called outsiders for not giving back to their roots. It's very true there is no Manipuri like Bill Gates although many have achieved significant laurels in their fields. But I can guarantee you that each capable individual is making their own efforts to send at least a few thousand bucks every month to help stem the tide at home. How do you account for those ? Do you think it is easy living in a place away from home for years together with a few days break to make a visit home? What about those burning desires to smell that aromatic smell of delightful Manipuri dishes and to get the feel of a real home ? What about the excitement just to see a new picture from Manipur on e-pao? Isn't the sense of deprivation a sacrifice in itself ? And as far as your opinion about crab mentality of Manipuris outside, you should browse the column of job postings on e-pao itself. Hope that will give you an insightful idea of how people like me are ready to push forward every resume forwarded by Manipuris. So I think you owe an apology to people like me whose years of struggle you are trying to sideline as some kind of diaspora.

[Name Redacted]

[ Mon, Jul 2, 2007 2:06 PM ]

I had gone thru your article "The Selfish Manipuri Diasporia" which was webcasted in e-pao.net. I had gone through many times and I think for sure you haven't seen the bigger diaspora. Your experience is with only of few high-headed diasporas on which you have generalized your idea. This is wrong on your part to get published such views without having a second thoughts. Perhaps, you can the world with more open and wholistic views. There are many more diasporas who is always looking for returning back. See the article attached to this mail. I hope you'll get convince.

[Name Redacted]

[ Tue, 3 Jul 2007 18:08:32 +0530 ]

It is nice to read about our own people, our own land, the current affairs , the developments but it seems like you are craving for attention though these are unwanted attentions. It's hard to stay anonymous, but it's a lot better than wrong attention.

As for the people you have spoken to who only brags about their pays or rather are concerned only about their pays, nobody can do anything. As you have also mentioned that there are a huge number of Manipuris in the IT field now. There will be people with different mentalities. It will be very wrong to generalise your experience. The mentality of the few whom you have spoken to do not represent the thinking of the mass. There are people who are trying to do their best to give back something to the motherland in whatever ways they can. I know for sure that a lot more thinks about doing something for the people who are there in Manipur.

If the so called " IT People with the mentality" whom you have spoken to are the ones you mingle with then I am sorry to say that I am not surprised to see an article like this from you.

Robert Leisangthem

[ Sun, 1 Jul 2007 07:33:24 -0400 ]

It is good to read such article that highlights the ongoing trend of Manipuri youth. The article however suffers from immature expectation and overtlyly assumptions. Untill the intense outbreak of the insurgencies and terrorisms some 20 years ago, Manipur, used to be indeed the nicest place on the earth. We could freely move around and go anywhere. Business were good and people were friendly and trustworthy. Life were exciting and forward looking.

Afterwards ,thanks to the insurgencies and terrorisms, no parents wanted their children to live and grow under those circumstances. Then, the exodus began. But old habit die hard, out of 10 Manipuris 9 used to go back after their studies. We are intensely home sick and perticulalry we can't forget our food habits. In my batch we 16 from Manipur went to Madras to study between 1989-2002. Don't be surprised, only 2 of us stayed back after our education, charterd our own path and fought against all odds. I am not self praising myself though.

Those highly qualified outside Manipur educated friends today are either teaching in private schools or doing small petty business. Their sole choice , ofcourse.

If you practically count,we are not as many as the Malayalis or the South Indians. Its been 15 years in Delhi I have been working in Delhi. You can still count the numbers of Manipuris working in the corporate sectos. BPOs and call centres are just yesteryears phenomena. Boys and Girls are working with temporary assignments. There is no security in those jobs. Please checks the numbers of Manipuris in Palam, Noida, Nothe Delhi, Murnika, Mayur Vihar or any place in Delhi. There is no substantial amount of Manipuris working in good positions in corporate houses. We are still yet to form a 'Manipuri Community' in literal sense, like those of Malayalis, Tamils, Telegus , Kanadas, or any one. Moreover, Manipuris out side Manipur are yet to settle before they think of other charities. There are lots of issues we face whe are outside Manipur. They are more painful then any othe communities. Needless to talk about this athis moment. Still, we fight and we survive, how nice this feeling. Sitting in Manipur, you may amuse us of good things. But please try to look at the other side of the coin too.

It will be totally wrong, Manipuris in outside Manipur do not contribute to the developement of our society. Why don't you consider that little amount of money they send every month to their parents and home are also contributing to the development of Manipur. Why do we need to do charity at the first instant? Charity begins at home. Please encourage so called diasporas to help their parents, brothers and sisters to start with.

For charity, Manipur has enough NGOs to do that. According to statistical survey of India Manipur as per the population, has the maximum numbers of NGOs. If not for their corrupt pratice, the fund NGOs received itself would helped Manipur attained developed State in India.

In regards to employment in corporate sectors, hardly few corporate houses entertain personnel recommendation. Why to mull over for not helping to get employed in corporate houses. It has been for 15 years I have been working, never once I got my jobs through this concept of 'jack'. It is sick thinking to rely employment on push and pulls. It is high time, for us to polish ourselves and focus on quality education. Our education system is competing with those of Bihar, then , in the end of the day corporates do not like unpolished and non-qualitative junks.

Year before last, my nephew came with a first class certificate from Manipur HSLC to do his 11th and 12th from Delhi. Phew...he could not pass the class 11. I wonder, the quality of that 1st class. What all I want indicate is, if this is the quality of education we have in Manipur, then it is a far fetched idea for us to involve in a highly competetive employment environment.

So, let's think of the other aspects and more so the kind of home works we need to do before preaching morality of Manipuri Diasporas!

Henry Meetei
Finance Controller
C&F manufacturing

[ Sun, 01 Jul 2007 08:04:56 -0400 ]

It's very disheartening to notice many of us leaving hometown for making our future elsewhere. However, we can't be blamed. We are circumstantially put in this situation . Lack of employment, infrastructure, oppurtunities, corruption and injustice has compelled us to stay away from our home sweet home. We are well aware of our inborn talents and skills which enable us to compete on global platform. Though we weren't brought up in a corporate & professional way. Irrespective of our location, lets create around awareness of existence of our talent embedded community. My message to all is not to forget our birth place & venture anything to help and protect our community from extinction.

Anonymous

Hi Ranjan

Whenever I have time, I do read E-Pao and one of the interesting part is your articles and is really good one for our society!

Keep it up!

Regards
Konsam Kiran

Hi Ranjan
Your article in the e-pao on the brain drain really makes a nice and a thought provoking reading. I do not know you well as a budding journalist or more especially as an essayist but I do brightly remember you still as a sincere,delligent boy who share the same locality during my higher secondary education.
Right now I am a CSIR JRF NET qualified research fellow in the Dept. of Zoology, Delhi Univ. Every aspect of life has its own ups and down. My yes will most likely be a great no for someone.What you call and love to term as the brain drain is an aspect of Human's mind search for more challenge and oportunity without which improvement is a very deem issue.
It is Ojit

Hi Ranjan,
I have been reading ur articles on e-pao and they are always gr8. Ur feedback to Tango Charlie is another.....
Yes indeed this film lacks research and dishonors the NE states. It's better that they open their eyes to reality. Afterall life is not a series of exaggerated hindi movies.
Keep up the good work!!!
Kabichandra Akoijam

Date: 21 Apr 2005 21:52:27 -0000
Hi,
I'm chit I'm working as a technical support officer in HP b'lore I was reading your topic about Tango Charlie, it is pretty good I normally don't watch hindi movie but the way you convey the message in your topic is pretty effective. All the best in future.

with regards,
Chitrajit Ngangon Singh

Apr 23, 2005 6:35 PM
Dear Ranjan, it was nice reading your articles on our e-platform. I admire the sense of belonging you have for our homeland. However, it is our duty to excel ourselves to the remaining part of the country and the world. I am sorry to say that I am still unable to digest the word brain-drain especially when observed in the context of Manipur and India. Most of us are from lower second class or from simple second class family. We can count the no. of rich people of Manipur on finger tips and the no. cannot complete even one hand. Though I agree that money cannot do everything, I am still inclined to beleive that money can do a lot.

The salary our Indian govt is giving to gazetted officers is much lesser than that what is given to a 4th grade employee abroad. Besides, all the educated unemployed youths cannot qualify competitive exams like IAS and our state govt cannot give employment to all. So, the only option is to cross the border of our native state though it is very hard for a person like you and me.

I have completed Ph. D., published several papers in journals of international repute, contributed a chapter in a book which is now taught in M.Sc. of our university, qualified JRF, but I know I won't get a good job in Manipur. I have tried several times and now left all possible hopes. I, with reference to my personnel experience, won't blame the ones who are working anywhere in the world. They also might have experienced the bitter taste. The name shown against this e-mail id is not my real name. I am sorry for not disclosing my name.

I really admire you for your writings on Tango Charlie etc. Keep it up and may God bless you.
Imran Ahmad

Today in this globalizes world, we have to interact with different culture and society. Language, the most important ingredient is used for communications, which leads to development and prosperity cannot be ignored as a whole. At any given point of time, I have no disrespect for any language or culture (it only increase my intellectual knowledge). If I have to hate Hindi, then ditto for English also as english speaking British occupied Manipur at one time. Should English be ban as well?

Tens of thousand of Manipuris are outside Manipur for studies and for jobs. Now how do they communicate, of course hindi. From Panwalah to vegetable vendor to high up MNCs, all interact in hindi. I’m repeating what you said as I strongly endorsed your views. So banning hindi justified? The answer to me is, it’s only alienating our society. I have seen people, even some of my friends who shied away from interacting non-manipuri. OK leave hindi, are we having good score when come to English as well. I don’t think so. It is more pathetic. There are lots of organisation and groups who come to Delhi for debate and discussion, still we cannot spelt out effectively our feeling and thoughts. I’m afraid to say that some of the people who are heading this organisation are not very intellectual.

My view is that any form of blanket ban will always have a negative repercussion. There is no movie showing properly in manipur, all the theatre are now becoming a shopping complex or school, what happened to those employed in this theatre? Liquor is banned in Manipur, but still we get it very cheap, of course it is from gray market, losing crores of revenue to government. Same for pan masala. No doubt that this thing is hazardous to health, but banning is not reducing the consumption at all. What we needed is mass awareness about good and bad. We manipuri are same as those of other state or country, we also want entertainment, to sing and dance. There is alarming increased of drugs used in youth in manipur. As there is no alternative means, this youth find solace in this activity. The end result is rise HIV diseases.

It's now time we dedicate our endeavour in socio-economic development. IT and Infrastructure in terms of road and communication must take up as its religion. My firm believes is that self-sustainance is the key to bargaining power.

It’s nice to read such column of your. I look forward that you would bring out more details about socio-economic development of manipur. As my knowledge about our state may be too little. It would be kind of you to share with you through such medium.

Thanking you
Charu I

Hi Ranjan Sir(i dont know how to address u)

I am Victor,a manipuri studying in bangalore. it was only a few days back that i came to know about www.e-pao.net ,the site dedicated to manipur,and it is today that i went through some of the articles that u ve written for that site.well what can i say,i felt your writings were great and couldn't help but congratulate u. i agree with your points and arguments, especially the one regarding the ban on hindi movies and hindi, as a language. to be frank im quite an alien to the manipuri culture as i ve stayed away from home since i was in the fifth grade,and i ve got more "mayang" friends than manipuris. so often im at a loss when people ask me about my culture. on top of that i ve got a mayang girl friend whom i met in delhi(i was there for 1 and half yrs) and its going fine till now,and i love her alot. but sometimes i wonder whether she ll be able to adjust herself to our culture or not. to be frank i dont want to be based in manipur when i start working but at the same time i dont want to loose ties with my native place. im basically a happy-go-lucky kind of chap but sometimes i feel im loosing my identity, something i dont want to,but at the same time i want to keep up with the rest of the world.i dont know whether im right or wrong but i feel that its only a matter of time before manipur looses its identity. i must admit that im not fascinated by the manipuri culture but then maybe its because im somewhat an alien to it......

these days manipur and other north eastern states has become synonymous with drugs and aids,which is very shameful for us..earlier when i was a kid and people used to ask me about manipur i used to tell them very proudly it has been described as the "switzerland of india" by pandit jawaharlal nehru, and other great things, with a little "add ons" of my own. now i dunno what to say as manipur is always in news now a days.... all for the wrong reason

u might be thinkin why the hell am i writing all these to you,well i just wanted to open up to someone who belonged to my place, someone who is intellectually inclined and someone who has a thought proccess of his own. i read your articles and thought u are the right person to share things with. thats all

a very confused person
victor

please be clear on one point once and for all! HINDI IS NOT THE NATIONAL LANGUAGE OF INDIA . Please check out the constitution. all languages that are recognised in the eighth schedule are national languages. Manipuri as well. That one single factual mistake leads all non-hindi speaking Indians astray and puts us on the wrong foot. Please get ourselves stand correct

thanks
Soumitra

I've read the article you contributed to e-pao. I felt very happy to go through the lines. Actually, we have been grown up in such a society where there is full of terror and no one is able to say anything against any unwanted decision taken by any group. We all love our lives.

I have several graduate and post graduate students studying in an Indian university located in Delhi and U.P. who even don't know what is murga ! Hindi being the Indian official language has its own value which a manipuri living in Manipur and never gone outside will never know. Besides, every Manipuri tries to speek this language even among themselves and they try to communicate to hindi speaking fellows through this language. In this way, a student spoils his valuable time only in this effort.

Any way, you have been able to write something to open the closed eyes of our doomed community whose future is gloomy.
Simply I can say thanks. Just do it.

Syam Meetei

Tamo,

What you said in your article, "Hindi is dead; long live Hindi" is quite nice and makes sense but the way it is put is not very tactful. In the fourth paragraph, when you refered to Hindi as 'one's own language' you literally say that we Manipuris who have a very different and distinct language (from hindi) of our own have no value at all. It is very good that you see the commercial aspect of a language (hindi). But let us not commercialize so much that we end up sucking up to others. We, Manipuris have lost out so much but we still do have our self respect and our ego. Let us not lose that. We should commercialize but I would like to request you to rewrite the article once again 'cos I have always liked your articles but this time I am offended. ybebe

yumnam bebe

Cheers Ranjan,

A nice Article. Wonder How to encourage your spirit . That’s Really Great.!!!

Thanking You

Regards,
Khogen

Dear Tamo

It is very encouraging to see that I am not the only one that thinks that it's time to revive our own original culture and traditions. I went home for the vacations this time and did a lot of reading and amateur researching and found out so much about our past that boosted my confidence and made me proud of being a meitei. With some knowledge of our glorious past I have come to believe that we are capable of so many things which are beyond our realisation. I truely believe that after 5-6 years there will be a beginning of a renaissance in Manipur. Culturally, politically and financialy....there will be a change in Manipur..a change for good.

And this can happen only when all the educated and able population of Manipur who are either settled, settling or preparing to settle outside Manipur return home with whatever experience they can get to bring this change. In their hearts each one of them long to return home and spend the rest of their lives where they were born.....where everything belongs to them....the people, the houses, the language...everything. They live today and prepare for today....but when the last days of their lives come....they will realise how much has been missing from their lives....and they can do nothing but regret about it. Some people do get emotional and leave everything just to be at home. But they end up wasting their lives.

One man can do nothing. Unity is our strength. Manipur is our home and only we can make the difference...no matter how much aid and financial support the centre gives....only we can make it happen. We have to return in groups plan and exploit the oppurtunities, raise the standards, offer whatever we have not as one man but as a group. There has to be a network connecting all these people so that each mind can contribute in the planning and also support and confidence can be shared among the people.

Nil Nil

"I have never seen a single play of Ratan Thiyam"---- you don’t know what you are missing, if you haven’t seen any of his brilliant plays, Mr. Ranjan Yumnam. Your article seems to be based upon what others have to say or what you have gathered from whatever nooks and crannies. It would be worthwhile to write from a first hand perspective rather than relying on the opinions of others.

Most of your article is peppered with words like "mayang", and it sounds very racist. What is it that you are hoping to achieve by using such words? Are you not falling into the trap of staying in a "mayang land" (Delhi) and having exploited what infrastructure it has to offer, you are "spitting into the plate from which you eat"? Why don’t you look at yourself beyond narrow boundaries and project a cosmopolitan attitude, like combining all the good points of cultures you have experienced sans the negative parts, like what Thiyam has done in his plays? For a person who aspires to change society for the better by writing thought invoking articles, you come across as a very shallow type, biased and inadequate, rather incompetent for the post. What Thiyam has done is a pioneering work, and he is a good businessman, he knows how to pander to the likings of his audience. He creates a sense of curiosity about himself, and ultimately his roots, through his arts, and that, my dear Ranjan, is what is called selling the idea of Manipur (not Meiteiland, mind you) to the world. Can you do better? In this light, your question “does his theatre really represent his roots, and for that matter the Manipuri society, its ethos and culture?" is totally irrelevant. Guessing that you have had your high school education in India, rather than abroad, and staying in Delhi, your statement " His latest offering is even named in Hindi words that seem like Greek to some of us- 'Ritusamharam'" just points to your linguistic incompetence. Now, is that a wise portrayal for an aspiring journalist?

About your lines "he seems to have lost his Manipuri soul when he gratuitously made 'Holi-playing' the focusing point of the play. There is nothing wrong in portraying Holi, while ignoring yaoshang; after all he has the artistic license...." my dear boy, this isn’t about artistic license, and you have lost the point, which is that yaoshang is just the Meitei name for the Hindu festival of Holi. Given that majority of the Meitei is Hindu, there is nothing wrong here. And, it is rightly said that Manipuri society has many layers…it comprises not just of the Meitei, and “Hao” (Meitei word referring to the hill tribes and Tangkhul word meaning ‘hills men’), but also of the Pangals, and the Hindi, Malayalee, Punjabi, Marwari and what-have-you minorities.

Forget what Tehreema Mitha, an Indian critic, felt (that "it presents a very Buddhist attitude towards violence," and that spawned ”confusion, since India is perceived as basically Hindu"), but did you forget that Buddhism has its roots in India? Ultimately, are you against the use of Buddhist elements in Thiyam’s “Uttar Priyadarshi”? That was essential because the play was about the emperor Ashoka and the futilities of war, which is very relevant in today’s world. It wasn’t just about Hinduism or Buddhism, and Thiyam merely used the theme to promote two things, peace primarily and Meitei form of folk arts ultimately. Can you think of a Meitei narrative that has such a theme of world peace? I doubt it. If you can, maybe you would bring it to the attention of Mr. Thiyam so that he may expound it in his next play. And who knows, that just might be your ticket to world fame!

Instead of giving the wrong message to people to sit at home guarding their roots, and eventually turning into the proverbial frog in the well, the Meitei should try to emulate Thiyam and spread out their branches to the sun like the banyan tree. Explore the world in all good forms possible and spread the name of the origin.

Alexia Lourembam

what ever you said on Thiyam is right if you are looking from ETHNOCENTRIC prism. We are in twenty first century, please, let us learn to look beyond meitei, manipur, our religion, our culture and all blah blah.

If you look closely, Thiyam is much ahead of our time. There is an element of humanity and internationalism in his theme. Let me cite an example from history, Tagore did not take major role in Indian freedom movement inspite of his towering personality. Because his idea of nationalism was much ahead of his time (To know more read Tagore and Nationalism). And it is a theme which you are missing in your most of the literature, you have published.

Pliz, let's not dig up too deeply that nothing comes out of it.

Michael

Interesting post you put up about Ratan Thiyam. As a way to start, Ratan bacame famous not with "Uttara-Priyadarshi" as you mentioned, but with "Chakravyuha" in 1986/87 when it won the First Fringe award at the Edinburgh Theatre Festival. "Uttara-Priyadarshi" is a much later play, and there have been many milestones in between.

Anyway the bone of contention is is Mr Thiyam is 'true' to his 'roots'. On this issue, I would give him more credit than you allow. In most of the plays that I have seen, what he does is to take a narrative that belongs to the dominant Hindu culture, like for instance the stories from the Mahabharat. But, the mode of expression is distinctly 'Manipuri'- thang-ta, waari-leeba, noopi-paala, khoolang-eeshei etc. He employs all these native elements to give expression to a unique perspective. In that way, I read his plays as 'subversive'- take the elements from the dominant culture, but express them in such a way that the native elements are highlighted and advertised. It is smart strategising, and I find nothing wrong with it, as long as you don't read it as 'purely' Manipuri. To reach a wider audience, it is necessary to incorporate elements from the dominant culture, and use it in our own way. So to read Thiyam's plays as mere succumbing and surrendering to a dominant paradigm is to simplify the whole issue.

There is also the much more complex issue of Manipuri culture. Most Meetei homes have both a sacred corner for 'Iboodhou Sanamahi' and the numerous Hindu deities. Where would you draw the line, if you were asked to define 'Manipuri' culture? I would rather celebrate this syncreticism, rather than try unearthing and delineating the Meitei and the non-Meitei in this fascinating mixture.

cheers,
Imocha Huidrom

Dear Ranjan:

Just read your tirade on e-pao. Being a "mayang" married to a manipuri, I know what you are talking about. Maite [Maiteh ?]-s like you are the most Indian wanna-bees that I have seen.

Including a guy who calls himself Randeep [let me hold on to the last name] - who has no idea that he has a "sardar" first name [he's all of 35 years young]. Plus, I have noticed that the Ranjan Yumnams of the world love to be seen eating Indian food, love to admire, adore, adorn themselves like the desi movie stars that they try to not be like :-)
Moreover, I dislike to hate Gandhi. When in 6th grade in Madras, I was asked to bring my parents to reinstate me into school when I claimed [correctly] that Gandhi would have lasted less than a minute under spanish [rather than the gentlemen Brit] rule [the spanish took the Inca's gold and then killed them.....].

Even in sports, the best defense is superlative offense. Just like the US is the #1 superpower due to its overwhelming firepower, the Brits were [in the days when the sun never set on the British empire] the superpower. Gandhi had [I agree with you here] no choice except to embrace non-violence [then Martin Luther King Jr. emulated him].
Oh yeah - Mr Varma could use a lesson in being more civilized - nothing like a bloody nose to teach a person on how to be human.

Bottom-line: Desis [and you] are more like everyone else - than different.
The best defense is superlative offense, and Varma needs a bloody nose to become more human.

Bapcha S. Murty

Your opinion on the renunciation of Sonia gandhi is interesting. But I feel one needs to sail deeper. Her decision not to become P M was a politcal response rather than a moralistic one. The kind of politcal mobilisation that was on the bjp cards had to be somehow smashed. Nonetheless, she followed the wait and watch policy for she declared her renunciation only of late. I would shorten it by saying that the her declaration was a political sagacity whcih disarmed the exclusivist nationalists.

On the other side, her politcal mastery has been already exhibited by the politicaltracks she has successfully drawn. If u remember she has also been compared with Mahatma. These are strong indicators of her political capacity having successfully led the congress party to suprising victory.

And it would be not wise to even rennounce her position in Cong and UPA. for the upliftment of Cong and the continuity can not be delinked with Sonia's politcal she enjoys across the parties.
Anyway, i can go on writing.. Recently, I conducted a talk on the verdict 2004. Implications are manifold.

regards,
Bobobohu

While the author's opinion on Sonia Gandhi's refusal on being the PM is indeed questionable, I would like to know whether the author has analyzed what her options are.

I wonder why is it that "what the inexperienced Mrs. Gandhi has done is really good for the country" is the irony, and not the reason. The way I see it, it has to be the reason, and not just some side-effect. The author seem to have conveniently ignored two things: (1) Sonia Gandhi has led the largest party to a successful election, (2) There is a strong opposition from BJP and its allies to her becoming the PM. In this scenario, as the author has rightly pointed out, it makes more sense to step down as the PM. If not, she would probably have to deal with a non-coperating opposition who are more interested in discussing where you were conceived and questioning the loyalty of a person trusted by half the 1bn population of the country!

I dont think that she is sacrificing anything, but what she did was probably the best move that a person who has the best interest of the country can think of. Consider her options:
1. Accept the PM seat: Many problems, strong opposition from the BJP. Would be very difficult to govern the country.
2. Decline PM, step down as leader of CPP, chairperson of UPA: Congress emerged as a great party in this election mainly because of Sonia, undoubtedly. She was the one person who every politician in UPA have a respect. Using the author's words, "Mrs. Gandhi will manage all the political headache". Today, she is irreplaceable in the Congress and the UPA. Stepping down will only mean a suicidal tactic for her party (and hence the government).
3. Decline PM, stay as the leader of CPP, chairperson of UPA: Silence the BJP and its allies, thus forcing them to focus more on core issues. And she can still use her presence to smoothen the functioning of the government and bind the coalition partners together.

Given these options, I believe, the choice is obvious.

The issue here is: Do you have a problem with Sonia Gandhi becoming the PM? If not, she has done what is best for you and for her.

regards,
Sameer Chabungbam

I read the article about sc/st n its reservations. Being a sc myself i have seen the advantages and flaws of it. Its not just because of sc that that we get into good institutions but if we fit into the criteria given in the institutions. Its not only in manipur that sc category r there.lots from other parts of India r also sc added that they r also brilliant students who has a good education background. Its not a childs play for getting into good institutions even though we r in sc category. We have to struggle to get in to it. Sometimes i hear people saying that a person got into a well known institution just because that person is sc yet they forget to see the persons effort n thinks its merely cos of sc. I find this very rediculous. Its also true that some people in sc category had acheived nothing inspite of the fact that they r getting a good oportunity but a society cannot develop unless they r some defects in it. So its my opinion that everyone shud grab the oportunity when its available so that there will b a better future.a person is known by the personalities one has but not by the tag of sc that one carries.

thanks Nancy

Hi,

I read ur article " Manipur not for meiteis alone", in epao and i couldn't stop raving about how well you have seen the society . Wish we have more likeminded people - our leibak would be a better place to live in then. Kudos to ur article, keep it up! Looking forward to reading more of ur articles regarding various issues faced, which the common man isnt able to express freely. Hats off man.

Thiem Gangte

Dear Ranjan, I have become a regular reader of your article at e-pao.net since last month. Your recent article "Manipur Not for Meitei Alone" is really appreciating. If all the communities and / individuals subscribe to such ideology, I perceived the territorial integrity of Manipur will remain intact with a peacefull co-existence among all the community, as long as the human race exist on this earth. For this, such issues need to be brought up on public platform. Thanks for your effort. Keep it up. Long live Manipur.

Regards
T Mangilal

Dear E-Pao Webmaster,

Sir, in view to his opinion by Ranjan Yumnam, "Manipur not for Meiteis alone", I as a denizen of Manipur would also like to opine that, we are not alienated by our facial difference, but we are alienated by our religions and roles played by the different earlier rulers in Manipur. For example, after Vaisnavism came to Manipur, the different looks of Manipuri communities and castetism started, where Non Hindus are treated as low caste and as if a migrants. Again, the British came and started the divide and rule policies, in which they inflicted amongst the people of Manipur a mentality of differences (e.g. Meetei, Naga, Kuki and blah blah blah). The British again gave Christianity to the masses and further we became separated. Of course, in essence, religion cannot divide a family, but we Meetei in Manipur should also remember of what our ancestors had look to our Non Hindu brothers. Is it justified? Indeed the argument will be lengthy, but is not it time for our new generation to compromise the earlier follies and love each other regardless of castes, creeds, sexes, ages, religions, races, communities etc. etc. and live as a join family, happily and merrily?

And yes, today, shedding all our doubts and bad memories, we should be proud as a Manipuri, showing the uniqueness of its cultures and traditions throughout all over the globe.

Wishing all my Manipuri brothers and sisters a prosperous and happy New Year 2004.

Dr. Khwairakpam Gajananda

dear ranjan

with reference to what you wrote in e pao "manipur for not meeteis alone"...you forgot to based your manipulations on facts. Facts are supposed to be statistical in nature, for that you need a household survey and let a selected section of majority and minorities opined on the topic.

You must also have a defined-truthfulness of your data and the conclusion should not be jacklish. nothing should be biased. Then jot this article again and I believe that will make a lot of difference. Without that ...better not shine a pungent shoe. anyway your writings are worth complementing

your fan
nara

Dear Ranjan,

I happen to read your opinion on Cohabitation before marriage in www.e-pao.net today. I was really impressed by the way you presented a very sensitive (in the sense to the people who might have experienced it) issue very vividly and logically. I was specially impressed by your way of seperating emotions and practical aspects of the issue. You gave a very good view on the subject.

I actually use to wonder on the thinking of many Manipuri guys. They have very limited knowledge on issues which effect on them. They live on their own instincts and afterwards when they get the result, they simply blame it on their fait! I don't know when we Manipuri's are going to grow up. I want to see a Manipur with people with matured thinkings which I think would take another ........... years. I am not sure when this will come. I think, we should start a system to mend our mental state.

Frankly saying, I am very happy to think of people like you who have solid thinking combined with equally able expressions. I would like to learn more about you.

And for myself, I am an airman of Indian Air Force recently posted at Gandhinagar (Gujarat) after a tenure of more than 5 years at Chandigarh. Chandigarh is the place where I came across many such arrangements.

Anyway, I am looking forward to you for many such eye openers through papers or through electronic media.

With lots of love and respect.

Herojit

dear tamo,

It's great to find a true meitei( manipuri), u know wat i mean .....out here in this part of the world ....i should be calling u a...... kind of Crusader. Tamo there is a problem, more serious ...which is going to have a profound effect on ... our society, career, lifestyle of the present meities including me in Delhi as well as future ones...... . A group of manipuri girls (nurses, beautician, other which they couldn't tell wat they r doing out here) r indulging in a type (one nightstand) of relationship with milkman (dodhwalllla), telephonebooth boys, gali ka mawali, Bihari, ASSAMESE.
After they passes before me (for example) i can't hear the words coming from behind me...

Got any comments about it Tamo, if u have I think it will be great to go through e-pao.net again

With respect
DelhieXpressTeam
Delhi and Beyond

Dear Ranjan,

My view may seem rather off the track but some of the views posted compelled me to hit the keyboard. Whatever may be the rhetorics,first of all,I agree that the reservation would definitely benefit the Meiteis. But the matter is not as simple as it seems. The reservation issue was brought up during the R.K.Dorendro's government in the late 70s for serious discussion for the first time. There were the same rhetorics. Guess who opposed it most? the SC/ST of Manipur. Because if the majority and relatively advanced Meiteis are in the same plane as them they would be further pushed to the background as they would not be able to compete with the Meiteis.The same will happen again.

But my point here is not to argue the pros and cons of the reservation.I would rather like to question the psyche and the mindset of the so called Meitei Intellectuals in particular and Meiteis in general. Our predicament is that we are being pushed into a fighting ring with our hands and feet tight by alien laws and regulations. But the most annoying fact is that we are not suppose to be in the ring in the first place. As we are unable to see what is going on outside the ring our survival instinct make us hit anybody. The 8th schedule,6th schedule,reservation,territorial question etc. etc.,these are all the manifestations of a frustrated nation whose destiny is no longer in his hands, whose status is now reduced to that of a mere begger. We are being forced into the confusing,clumsy,experimental state called India.

If we see our position from the perspective of an Indian state our position is perilious. If we apply the Indian mainstream yardstick to Manipur our position is hopeless and we the Manipuris aimless flotsam. It is still not too late for us to slow down and contemplate.Leaving aside the question of insurgency and all those image of gun totting youngsters for a while,are we coward enough to question who we are ?or who we were? or are we suppose to be begging the Indian government for everything? Why are we still in India even when our mere survival is threatened?

If we want these answers we need to see beyond the confines of the Indian constitution which has nothing to do with Manipur ( as the contituent assembly of 1946 was not properly represented).We need to look back at our history which are never taught in the Indian education system.We need to remind ourselves that Manipur (or whatever name it had from time to time) was an independent nation for over 2000 years and its boundary once stretched many times over the present size . Our forefathers gave their lives fighting off foreign aggressors so that Manipur would never be enslaved by any foreign power. However our seemingly docile merger to India in 1949 does not mean that we are all cowards . In the last fives decades we are slowly reduced to mere beggars who cannot shape their destiny in their own hands.Our situation is so desperate that we need to literary beg the Indian government not to give our land away to others.

Would we be begging the Indians for our land,8th schedule,6th schedule or reservation etc.etc. if we was independent. Small nations like Bhutan,Laos etc are surviving in our vicinity as independent nations because they wanted to remain independent.Economic development is a relative term.If we have the right to determine our destiny we can shape our future in whatever way we like.But so long as we are inside India we can never shape our future because the Indian political system does not have room for small peoples like the Manipuris,they have bigger problems of their own,they never care about us and they will never understand us,as well.To take a simple example ,we were having bilateral trade relations with Myanmar and other south east Asian nations from time immemorial as we are nearer to them than Delhi.

In other words buying household goods from Myanmar is cheaper and takes shorter time than buying from Kolkotta. But as it hurts Indian interests we need permission from Delhi just to buy a few Numitlei Marus from Tamu which is only a couple hours drive from Imphal.Of course, they will eventually listen to you and make some halfbaked laws and regulations which will not solve the problem properly.You will have to cry and howl like a baby just to draw the attention of Delhi.They are blaming insurgency for the econimic backwardness of Manipur.Why didn't they talk about industrialization of Manipur in the pre insurgency period as insurgency surfaced only in the 80s.So it all boils down to the question ,how long this will go on like this? with or without reservation unemployment will increase day by day as the government alone can never give employment to everybody,frustation level will increase,crime will increase.I am a businessman,I am comfortable in every city of India but every time I see a Marawari or any outsider controlling Manipurs lifeline my blood boils.

Forget about the private sector of Manipur.We still do not have the proper tools in our hands to compete with the Indians and the rest of the world.We need certain laws with which we can do business with the outside world.Only when we are independent we can have those laws.We need proper laws suitable for Manipuris by which we can properly harness our natural resources and by using our advantageous geographical position so as to make ourselves self reliant and also we need laws for deciding with whom we should have trade relations.These things we can have only when we are independent

Here intellect only does not click,we need tons and tons of courage to fight for our right.We Manipuris tend to sacrifice for small issues like the 8th schedule ,6th schedule or whatever issues coming up from time to time but we fail to address the main issue,the mother of all trouble-Manipurs sovereignty.The disease is our merger with India.All the other problems are the symptoms of this disease.Even if we are able to see the clear picture we tend to sideline the issue as it upsets our cosy lives.In short we do not want to take major risks which will cause hardship to our so called normal but evanescent lives.

Take Nagaland-The case of Nagaland as an independent nation is hopeless. There never was an independent nation called Nagaland in the history of the world. All the tribes that are collectively called Nagas speak different languages and seemingly emotionally not integrated as well. Besides the UN do not grant the right to self determination to the tribal people. Save some ignorant NGOs all the people that matter know that Naga cause is hopeless. However inspite of all these shortcomings Nagas are forcing the Indians to bow down to their will with their sheer will power, sacrifice and persistence. They never tarnish the independent spirit of their forefathers but it is we Manipuris ,especially Meiteis that tarnished the image of our brave forefathers who never bowed to anyone. Had the Meiteis sacrificed only half of what the Nagas did we might have got independence long time back.

We tend to see only our immediate shortcomings and like to bicker among ourselves. Insurgents are what we make them. They are our image, if we are cowards they are cowards, If we are courageous they are courageous.I nsurgency needs money to run their organizations.If we give them money they have money.If they collect money we complain and some of them stop collecting money. Then they do some govt. contract work through whatever means. Then we complain and some of them stop doing this also. Our system is such that even if these UGs not do these works some hongba and chaoba will do it and he will steal just like like anybody else. The only difference is that this time the money goes to a private pocket instead of that of UGs who may use it for buying arms or whatever. I pay donations and will try to give more if I am able to earn more because they are the ones who are doing the fighting and die for us. Because somebody has got to do it. Freedom is to be taken and it will never be put in a begging bowl.Its about time we grew up.

Bungo Chaoba

Dear Ranjan,

I am immpressed with some of the views proponded by you. For today, I am going to confine to the issues of reservation. It is never doubted that reservation was a masterstroke of the founding father of the Constitution...Ambedkar. Millions of outcaste SCs and STs have benefitted from reservation in the last fifty years. Without erservation , it is unimaginable how the Adivasi would be today. However, a time has come for all to restropect and review the actual operation of this social action.

It is my personal opinion that children of better-off ST/SCs should be denied this benefit(creamy layer concept must be introduced in all form of reservation). It is for our meitei brother and sisters to decide about your fate. It may be too late to demand for reservation. However, I have no doubt that meiteis will do well with reservation or without reservation.

Personally, I have decided to give up claiming for reservation for my children as I have got into class one govt service. I am contacting with like minded people from the SC/STs to demand for the introduction of the creamy-layer concept into reservation for SC/STs. We must all work together to bring about equality in our society.

Best wishes,
Athui Pamei

Ranjan,
The Philadelphia experiment is an interesting public school movement going on in US. The idea of privatizing public schools is a novel idea even in US. As you have mentioned in your article, it did stir up lots of opposition from the public and the teachers. There is a strong teacher union establishment in US. Under the union arrangement, teachers are sheltered in cozy jobs. Edison school system does not tolerate union in their schools; however they did compromise in the Philadelphia case. Philadelphia being one of their biggest contracts, they allowed unions for the teachers in Philadelphia.

Edison schools do offer another choice of school system. They have increased the performance of some schools. The results are not uniform. In Wichita, where they begin this experiment, some of the schools have fallen behind. It is also true that it is very early to draw conclusion on the Edison school system. It has surely increased the competition of delivering good education to students.

People will protest about giving up one of their rights – access to education. If Edison provides access to better education, I don’t see why one should not support the efforts of the Edison school system. In any case, most of the schools in poor neighborhood in US and in Manipur are in destitute state. If there is a mean to deliver better education to more people in Manipur, why we should not try a new system?

Sincerely,
Gautam

I fully agree with you, I have been advocating these issues for a long time seing the situation in india. Why dont you start a mass movements with the people of Manipur now. Even if we don't get the benefits now maybe upcoming generations will enjoy the fruits.

Rinchui

Hello Ranjan

I am quite impressed by your article and the reply to the Yumnam Kirani's article..
I want to confess that I am quite young and inexperienced to comment as anything such.
But I am a Meitei and totally against the Mayang-isation of Meitei Culture.. We must be free to choose the format of name :
1. Surname+Name+(Meitei-gender identity) .. No singhs and Devis .. please (there are thousands of other gender identifiers)
2. Name+Surname OR Surname+Name

Lets us not blindly imitate mayangs.. We have a beautiful CULTURE of your own. Its so nice and unique in the whole world.

(Even if we have to imitate .. there are better groups than Mayangs for that .. Just Joking)

Thank You for such a marvellous Article
Maniratan Naorem
**(I used to write as Naorem Maniratan Singh before.. but will write Maniratan Naorem from now)

Hi Ranjan,

A cool article. Right from my college days, I was reluctant to fill the religion column if it is irrelevant for my studies or applicable caste quotas. But I was forced to fill it up. Most people think we belong to a religion by default and that default is the religion of the parents. They used to be surprised at my unwillingness to belong to any religion. I used to question what if the father and mother of a person belong to different religion. They were even more shocked!! For sure I don't belong to any religion in heart and soul and I wouldn't force my wife or my children to follow a religion. If they want to follow, let them decide when they mature. Until then, no biased thoughts and hatred.

There are so many... in India, christians and Muslims think they should be non-veg!! Huhhh... I cannot imagine how they conclude this. My house owner in Bangalore asked me how Victor can be a vegetarian. I wondered how she knew that Victor wasn't a Hindu. I remember your article what's in a name. If you remember, I have given a comment on that article too. Just because mango has no meaning, I cannot call it an meaningful name like orange. Since people have named that nameless fruit as mango, mango has become a meaningful word. Of course nomenclature helps in many ways. But there is no hard nomenclature. It may bring differences and hatred.

I finally want to say that I enjoy your articles.
Luv,
Opendro

Dear Ranjan,

I was quite impressed by the title of the article you wrote. I am sure you did quite a bit of research before you actually wrote the article. Anyway, I just wanted to share with you my opinion and I hope we can make it a constructive discussion at the least.

In my humble opinion, God is not the way we perceive Him to be. Because of our own shortcomings and sin we fail to see the real causes for all the trouble in our world. Even a devout muslim would agree that blaming someone else for our miseries is a lot easier than to face the facts and try to change something positively.

Regarding your comments about the US involment in Iraq, I only wish you knew what the American people are like. Contrary to popular media perception, the US policy is the best in every aspect in the history of mankind. That is not to mean that it is perfect. But even with its faults, America stands as the biggest hope for freedom loving people all around the world. You quote American writers in your article, but you have to realize that popular media in America is very LIBERAL. President Bush is a conservative. So whenever there is a potential opportunity, you hear all kinds of uncalled for media attention.

I don't know how deep your knowledge is about Iraq, but from what little I know, the American invasion of Iraq has brought more good than evil for Iraqis themselves. My middle-eastern friends can testify to the statement I just made. Let me not prolong this mail any further. I cannot explain to you all the goodness that exists in America. I would only want to say that if there is a heaven on earth, it is somewhere in America.

Please feel free to write to me whenever you wish. Thanks for your time.

Lien Gangte.

Hi,

I agree fully with ur opinion that the meiteis should seek SC/ST status. The truth is that the meiteis cannot claim the general status just by embracing Hinduism. Many customs and practices are the evidence to the fact that meiteis are an ancient tribe, too. It is our foolish pride and ignorant complacence that we have always claimed to be general category people and forwent all opportunities that could have been used to uplift our society as a whole.

Pahael Soibam

Hello Rajan Yumanm,

Well let me introduce myself my names Y. Khapudang a Tangkhul from the very Ukhrul District, Manipur. I do really appreciate your straight forward articles posted on the e-pao,

Your attitude and view reflects a very Modern and relevant Approach to our rotting system back Home.

Much introspection has been done about our Naga crisis, I'm sure it is of great concern as what will be the fate of the present state. There's no doubt that how wonderful it will be to have a peaceful state for it is gifted beautiful naturally but, unfortunately inhabited narrow minded people who believe more in once communal dominance while the rest of the world is putting all its efforts to built global co-operates, mapping genomes for better life and so on.

Often e-pao is filled with gross imaging of our Naga nationality, There's this article by Col Th Bhubon retd. On Kanglaonline, I felt pity for him that he does not even believe in his own MeiteI origin rather he wish to label all us as lost migratory people wandering here and there.

I also have come across many derogatory remarks against us by the well defined personalities in many articles, the articles may evoke patriotism in a narrow-minded MeiteI but I don't think that it may have the same response to an outsider or foreign national; as a matter of fact it just reflects the writers poor perceptions on life.

It is also very apparent that many tribal in the Manipur offices faces number of remarks and discrimination. But I guess we Nagas are not willing to absorbed these conditions silently as some kind of unfortunate fate which had befall on us: In fact this condition largely reflected in the Hindu Culture in the state ST's and SC's , to which I thank to my Naga Blood.

If the Meiteis are really concerned about being together they should take an impartiality approach to all of us rather than govern by their outdated supreme thinking. Though I'm in DelhI for more than 13 years I never felt Manipur Bhavan as My own state House as there was no way I could be involved ( And I do not want a bureaucratic answer to this, But I'm sure You understand ), But I really do miss home and how I wish I could be.

My Village is called Kongkan, We as Tangkhul had war with your MeiteI counter part in history with your King Tikendrajit soldiers, they had camped in our place, till to date the portion is named as Kongkan Thana (This Thana is a MeiteI word). We should also not deny this fact that we were fighting over the possession of the area which clearly shows that it was not under the meiteI jurisdiction.

I guess our argument will be endless i.e. to find each others fault and spreading concocted message is easy and ignites hatred but solution will come to the one who works with neutrality approach.

I guess we as a concerned person should work upon this alienation existing among us; we are hampering the growth of our own after all God is not going to come down and sort a solution for us, but it is you and me that will matter.

Sometimes I wonder where we are. When, the world is moving at such a great pace.

HI Ranjan,

I often see your articles, mostly good ones. I would like to thank you for you contribution towards articles about Manipur.

I may not deserve to comment on your article. But, just a feeling that I have been telling people about names. Before I talk about Manipuris, let me tell you some of the funny nomenclatures I have seen.

One of my classmate from Coimbatore in my BE was named Joseph Thomas. His father's name was Thomas Joseph and his grandfather's name was Joseph Thomas and so on. I don't mean to redicule my good friend.

In my college, names like Manikanthan, Karthikeyan, Subramanian, Sivakumar, Priya, Shanthi, etc. were (almost) uncountable. And can you guess what their initials could be (if I foretell you that these names mostly belong to Tamils)? ... it is his/her father's name. No doubt, the father's name will also be one like their names. I enquired why their society had so many name collisions and confusions. Their answer was although simple... their parents had kept a God/Goddess's name for their son/daughter!! There are limited number of God's name while the population of Tamil Nadu is so many. Another reason is that they have kept these names for years and they will identify themselves as Tamils or whatever!!

Why am I telling these stories?

I used to tell how names change in Manipur from Generation to Generation. I'm not talking about Singh or Chanu, which I also don't like for the simple reason of keeping only two words nomenclature, for which I cannot leave out my family name and actual (first) name. I'm talking about the less-repetition of our names since we don't stick to the so-called self-identity. I'm not saying that one should not have his/her own self identity, but not necessarily in names. In my village some of the names above the age of 70 years (grandfathers/grandmothers) are Anganghal, Ibemukhi, Nimai, Ahongjao, Leibaklei, Nanou, Chandrika, Khomei... I don't see most of these name in my father's (50 years) generation which are generaly Damudor, Nipamacha, Bhubon, Subadanai, Munal... etc. I don't see most of these names in my generation (27 years). Let me not talk about the so-unfamiliar names of the newest generation.

According to me, keeping Joseph Tomas and Thomas Joseph alternating in one family is nothing great, in fact undesirable. I may unintentionally hurt his family's self-identification or emotions. Keeping God/Goddess's names just to identify themselves as Tamils and later modifying their names after getting US Green Card / Citizenship is also nothing great. It rather creates confusion. See a name like Maibam Ailan (my friend from Singjamei), not Allan or it is Eigee Lan (Ailan, my treasure)... so unique. It is much better.

I also agree that Manipuris (older people of my father's age) generally kept Singh/DevI for us to distinguish gender, which is not at all necessary. But, I don't want to attach any sentiment to it. Is Victor a christian name or Hindu name or Muslim name?? You Guess? According to me, Victor is the name of the son of my Professor KanhaI in DMC Science and also Victor is (supposed to be) the tallest person in Manipur. Nothing more than that. But, in other parts of India or world, Victor is Christian, RadhaKrishnan is Hindu!! What a narrow-minded conclusion. Okay, let me not say that it is narrow minded, but it definitely attach some attribute to the name to inflict a communal sense. You will agree that Meiteis keep Elizabeth, Victor, Alexanader as their son's names, but not Muhammed Latif, Chingeez Khan, because Meities generally don't like Muslims or (I want to say) I don't like Muslims way of keeping their names attached to religion and so don't feel like borrowing their names. Let's not put any logic to it... just a general sense.

Let's stop this thing of identity, emotion, sentiment in the name. It is wise thing to spread a common sense to drop Singh/DevI among our population, but not in the name of identity. Never mind my email id was kept opendro.singh instead of Thoudam.singh. Because it is my company's policy or nemenclature of assigning email ids. I also have tough time explaing to others that my first name is not Thoudam, but it is Opendro.... Thoudam is family name. It is because, my name is written as Thoudam Opendro Singh. If it had been something like Thoudam Opendro, or Opendro Thoudam, or Opendro Singh or Singh Opendro, the explanation would have been easier. Definitely I don't want to lose family name, which has been wisely kept by our forefathers. I'm not again talking about sentiments of keeping it. I believe that the philosophy behind these family names and yeks is very high and it is important that we keep it forever. It is not the Mayang string in my name that I hate.

Conclusion: Let's stop attaching meaning-emotions to names. "Thoudam Opendro Singh" means "me" only. Let's not ask why they didn't name "ORANGE" a more meaningful name like "BANANA", or why not named "BANANA" as "ELEPHANT". It is just a name. Once named, the name identifies the object or person and then becomes meaningful.

Thanks for you patience if you have read till this (painfully though).

With high Regards for you articles,
Opendro.

Dear Mr. Yumnan,

I just read your article 'An open letter to IAS wannabes', in e-pao, which was brilliant! I must congratulate you on the article and can only hope that it is read by all such IAS wannabes who just go through the motions without any realistic hope of ever reaching a goal that just is not meant for them, however much they pretend, to themselves and to society at large, but most of all to their parents, who most often can hardly afford the enormous expenses involved. I must confess that, I myself was one of the wannabes at one time, but fortunately got into another line which may have been lower than what I aimed, but has turned out to be the best for me in all respects. This is not to say that one shouldn't aim high but to be more realistic in what one can achieve by making a realistic assessment of one capabilities and means to achieve the aim.

I have also just discovered your other articles and I must say that the ones I managed to read are extremely insightful and worth being published in any self-respecting paper. I am sure they must have been published in other papers, though, for me it was the first time I had come across them. To my loss, I may add! I will surely go back to the site and read through all your articles.

May I, if I may be so bold, suggest that you send your article 'An open letter to IAS wannabes' to the Hmar Students' Association weekly magazine 'DelhI Thurawn' which is published every Sunday from Delhi? I am sure they would love to carry the article. They can be emailed at the following:
[email protected]
You can also access the magazine on the internet at http://www.delhithurawn.tk/ every week. I am sure the article would benefit Hmar as well as other students from Manipur in DelhI as well as other parts of the country.

May I also commend the article 'Mend Your Language' which correctly highlighted our situation. We have high qualifications but are unable to even express ourselves coherently to others, which just goes to show the level of education in our schools and institutions in Manipur. I sometimes get so frustrated at our so-called writers/teachers/professors/columnists, etc etc in Manipur churning out one article/letter to editor/columns after another, most of which are either badly written or completely wrong grammatically. However, when one sees articles like yours, well written and full of insights, one realizes that there is still hope after all! I hope I will be able to see more of the same in the future.

Thanks again for your article. I hope you also did well in the exam you just completed.

All the best!!
John H.Ruolngul

Dear Ranjan,

It was indeed a good article u have put forward .You have correctly stated that with the globlisation the whole globe is bcoming smaller and smaller day by day,thus increaseing the interdependence to each other. History has prove it that the violence will notserve the people voice rather it will leads to the bloodsheds of the innocent people. We can learn lots of lesson from the CHINA how they have revive the economy of their country. One has to see in term of the development and how they revive the economy. It is unfortunate that we r still in the delima about position in the current environment . As we know in the current environment context one cannot survive. It is pathetic to see the condition of our state in terms of development, we are far behind the other state. The people of Manipur should understand this problem. With lack of political vision and good leadership in our state we are suffering alot and I don't understand the objectives of this revolutionaries. They all are alike each other, the difference lies only in their existence. One is legally acceptable and the other is illegal. But they do the same work i.e extortion of public money and blocking the development process.

Mani Singh

Sir,

Its only today that I read ur letter at the e-pao website entitled, "An open letter to ias wannabes". In this regard I m of the same view as urs.moreover I want to share one more thing with u,that is, nowadays it has become a common trend in manipur that the parents of those students coming out with flying colours at the tenth and twelve exams insist upon their wards to go on for medical and engineering, no doubt these professions are one of the best professions available, but won't it be better that these students try out for civil service examination because they are the only ones who through sincere effort can crack it, because according to my knowledge there are only a few number of civil service cadres from our beloved "manipur" that I can count the number with my fingers. These people having high mental calibre and potential, they deserve a high position and are the only ones who can bring about a change in the whole administrative process.morover I accept the fact that they can try on for this civil service after the completion of their respective professional courses but u know these condition takes place in other states not in manipur.

If u're pleased with my letter,its my utmost request that you write a letter in the same website addressed to all the senior citizens of manipur to draw their attention regarding this matter.

thanking u.

Yours sincerely
Koijam Ravi

hi ,

That was a commendable article "mend your language". As a manipuri living and working away from home, we are faced with similar situations at one time or the other. Brushing up the language of the masses is a must if one has to survive in an alien atmosphere . Your article "Is it wrong to marry a non-manipuri" is also a very thought provoking article which I am sure many of my fellow kins can certainly identify with.

keep up the good work.

regards,
romila

( A graphic designer based in bangalore)

Hello Ranjan,

How are you doing today? I was just going through your new article titled "Open Letter to IAS Wannabes" and I must say that it is a big punch on the face of the wannabes. I have also encountered many aspirants during my stay in Delhi for some time. However I would not say that there not many who are serious. Its the make belief feeling in them that makes them so eager to give it a try to the IAS. But I seriously doubt whether these wannabes can answer all the questions that are asked in the exam. Since I do student counselling as my part time, I have access to all the questions that has been asked so far in these exams, and I wonder about few questions about our state itself which I have no idea about. the questions asked about our state is like out of this world kind of a question, questions which we never came across as a kid or as a teenage.If a normal meitei fumbles in these questions which are elememtary in nature according to the UPSC and which they regard that every manipuri should know, then I think what these people are doing in the so called EDUCATION CENTER OF DELHI???? I do hope that some of the aspirants take your article seriously and make amendments in their life before its too late.And by the way, Ranjan, I am compiling a list of Manipuri achievers for a website I am making, so I would like to request you to share with me the achievements of manipuri people whom you know.

It can be anybody, one who we think that he/she has made a difference in his/her life by doing something which is applaudable.of course I also need your profile for the website. Hope you would co-operate in my venture.

thanks and take care and keep writing.

Kh.Muhen

Dear Sir,

This is net administrator, Manipuri Students' Association - Allahabad Chapter, Allahabad Agricultural Institute Deemed University, Allahabad 211007, UP, INDIA.

We are very much impressed and glad to read your great articles published on the http://www.e-pao.net/ Among them, "Is it okay to marry a non-Manipuri?" and "What's Wrong with Ningol Chakouba?" are so touched.

We would like to put the two articles in "Manipuri Community Newsletter" for November Issue. This is the first time we initiated the newsletter for our private circulation and we may be kindly granted permission to insert them we find it very useful and as they are needed to Manipuri Girls studying in the University.

We are 22 boys and 14 girls in our University. Please visit to our web site too if you like.

http://www.geocities.com/manipuristudents or
http://www.manipur.8m.com/

Please kindly drop your suggestions and also write articles for us.

Thanking you

Sincerely yours

George Zunwa and Ningthoujam Rakesh Kumar Singh

(Senior Students Advisor cum Net Administrator and General Secretary)

Manipuri Students Association - Allahabad Chapter.

Hello ranjan,

I have always appreciated your articles on many and varied social issues. I would like you to keep contributing such useful articles so the youth of today's manipur open their eyes to the reality someday. Instead of wasting their time, money and energy on hurling abusives at each other in internet chatrooms and other tomfoolery, they should be always on alert to the manners in which other people are trying to take advantage of our senselessness and foolish complacence. take the cases of Bishnupriya manipuri case and the naga case. it is known fact that many leaders of national following are making ill-informed statements supporting our enemies. We need to counter these designs by making our voices heard through articles, letters and other writings in major newspapers. Because these are the media which influence public opipnion at large and that of the leaders in perticular. so I would like you to write on these topics for the benefit of the manipuri people. I would appreciate your considerateness.

Pahael Meitei Soibam

Final MBBS
Karnataka

Hi Ranjan,

That was a nice article about the name. Not only asking our new generation to follow the naming convention of using our yumnak and main name, we should also ask our local jounalist and reporter to refrain from naming people using Singhs and Devi's. Anyway, I like reading your article. Its very informative and i hope to head many more such articles from you in the future.

Thoiba

Hello Mr Yumnam,

Had a really good time reading your article. The article is straight from your heart and very punchy. Good to hear such good things coming out of we meiteis, its high time. Let me have the opurtunity to introduce myself. My name is Khundrakpam Muhen, I am presently working for ****** as a senior customer service executive. I am also a freelance career counsellor and a PDP(personality development)trainer. you are right in every sense that we meiteis lack in communication, I would not say we lack it, I would rather say we do not possess except for few.I have literally given up teaching communication to meiteis, once I had the oppurtunity to conduct a class for my ex-school, where I could not take the challenge of teaching the kids. I really had a tough time handling our so called meitei EGO which I believe is the only stumble block in our development. what do you think.Mr Yumnam, there are lot of things that we together can do. But right now I would like to go on. So lets keep in touch and share the things that we can impart to someone if not everyone, since 100 starts from 1.

regards,
Kh.Muhen

Dear Mr.Yumnam,

I came across your excellent article on IAS aspirants from manipur who are based in Delhi. Well, you have written very meticulously and wonderfully. It is definitely thought-provoking. I hope, those people will realized the futility of dreaming and killing their parents indirectly. I studied in Miranda House and JNU in Delhi, (although at the moment, I have joined ***** Central University as a faculty in the dept of sociology), I have encountered several such friends - they make mockery of themselves as we find them sleeping till mid-day and staying awake till wee- hours in the morning, basically doing nothing in concrete. I really appreciate another article which you rightly argued about manipuri women going steady with the non-manipuris.

Keep up the spirit !!
Today, print media have become a battlefield to raise our voices. All the best!!

Sincerely yours,
Ajai Niumai.

Dear Mr.Yumnam,

I am a student studying in delhi. I read your article today and found out worthwhile to be published. I must thank you for that. Just yesterday I went for a talk show being telecast on Sahara based on north east. So many political leaders were present and we had a good time with them telling them about our problems. But I am wondering how can they solve all this problems when they themselves are not even clear about their views.

Regarding the problem of language I feel it is due to education problems and ignorance. Personally I feel that we are mocked at by our own people when we try to improve ourself saying that we are showing ourself that we can. So it is also the attitude of the people that is acting as a hindrance. Lastly thank you again for publishing such articles and hope to read ur interesting article again.

Thoinu Devi Rani

Hi Ranjan,

You must be surprised when you read this mail. My name is Anthony and I'm doing B.Com at **** in chennai. I have read your article in e-pao . It was very interesting and I really appreciate you on this. you are very much true that there should be some prevention on this cabin system inside restaurant. In the name of love they are doing some nasty things. This is a very common thing which is happening in every restaurant. and there is no restaurant having no cabin. This invites couples to have fun inside. So such thing should be wiped out of the society. I`m really satisfied when I read your article.

Thanks a lot for such article . This article should be read by every young girl of this present generation including from others places. This is not only for manipuri but also for the world. I have expressed my thought to you just after i read your article.

I expect more article from you on next time. hope that you will write.

ok bye
Be a successful writer
Chakpram Anthony Singh

Hello

I really appriciated for your sensitivity towards the present really which I did not know what will be the end result of it. i really think it should not be happened. So far I took up the action on the same, I did not go to RES.. with my girlfr... whenever I told to my dear fr.. not to do all such thing, I always called as something very conservative fellow. They also said that girl are thing who can never be predicted what will be happened --today she is with you may be tomorrow she will be with somebody else. They said, whenever you get opportunity -- do not miss it.--eventhough i did not agreed with them always. thus they called me as swami --sawamiji. Anyway it is nice to see the people like you who is thinking the same line which I am thinking.

keep in touch
rishi***

Ranjan,

I just wanted to give my compliments to you for supporting the vegetarianism (refer you article http://www.e-pao.net/). I'm not at all against non-vegetarianism. But prefer vegetarian food. In fact I call myself fishitarian (vegetarian with exception to fish). I take fish only when I visit Manipur, mainly because I don't want to be completely different from my parents chafu-uyan. Another reason is that I consider fish healthy for us. Now you will know that I'm not an animal activist too. I prefer vegetarianism because it is better choice for me... as simple as that.

Keep up the nice article.

Regards,
Opendro.

HI!

I was quite impressed to read your article. Just wanted to tell you that it was really appreciable of you to come up with such a topic. In a conservative and utterly orthodox society of Manipur nobody actually knows what happens behind the veil of this facade.

Anyway, hope you will come will such interesting articles in future,

With wishes,
Pavitra

Dear Ranjan,

Your article on Biotechnology is awesome. I have been telling our Manipuri youths to choose biotech, micrbio, biochem as they will be the hot cakes in the next decades to come. You did a wonderful job.

cheers,
shantikr

Hi,
Nice article that Ningol-Chakouba thing. Quite an eye opener though I never have this first hand experience. I guess u r right abt the one Upmanship ego that propels a lot of people back at home.

Hope u continue to bring out more eye openers.

Regards,
Ingudam Manoranjan

hello ranjan!

Nice to go thru ur article in e-pao. its really impressive that some one has comeup showing the reality in us. Its high time we know ourself rather our demons and fight back. I should say when we have the talent and can compete with others the barrier we have for language can overcome with little practise and self-realization. lets make every1 realize and strive 2gether to prove to the world that they r wrong. Manipuris back at home 've little chance of getting improve. We want to do a lots in this matter, I am also aware about this as most of us staying out of manipur state have realise the important of the ability to perceive or convince people to survive and to rightly express ur feeling to others.

Whatever lets prove to the world that we can compete with them.

Chhatrajit.

Dear Ranjan,

I am proud of you in presenting such a befited good idea. IAS aspirants from the NE States much never feel that, this is the greatest goal in India academic fervor. There are many challenging career. If they dares, the sky is the limit!

Keep and pump on such penning.

Thank.
NehThang Kuki

Dear Ranjan,

This is to appreciate your article, "Is armed struggled obsolete?". It was a very good piece and keep it up. I hope at least few people among the very reluctant readers in our people have read it. It feels nice to come across such views being expressed especially in such a throtled society like ours in Manipur, irrespetive of the communities we belong. Once again keep it up. Well .. you may wonder who this intruder is ??. I am an MPS officer from Manipur, now on deputation to ***** .

Hope you'll keep in touch.

Regards, John.

(In response to Bury the Nagalim Spectre)

Dear Yumnam,

Something which are eternal and beautiful are not to be buried,..... it is beyond human reach to completly deminish a truth so don't try.

I'd advice you to refrain from writing pseudo fraternal propaganda.

Sincerly urs,
A Hungyo

Dear Mr. Yumnam,

I am so happy to read what you have written on this Ningol Chakouba. The social sickness is not confined only in this, but most individuals, with total human faculty is living in a dream world and when each one wakes up, if that time ever comes, there will not be a square foot of land to plant his/her feet on. Dowry, fashion, make up, painted like a doll, gold-genuine or otherwise, deception, competition in the wrong way, where will all these lead Manipur? Have they forgotten what real beauty is? Why the greed? All these make beliefs are to lure the people away from the real issues and take away from under their very nose the very thing which is most important, the land and its people with their identity which will utlimately lead to the extinction of the people of Manipur. Manipur the land will not disappear but Manipur will become someone else'. Why do not the people of Manipur especailly the girls, try to catch up with the rest of the world in becoming more self sufficient rather than becoming by-products of Indian films?

Young Manipuri men have a great role to play in shaping the girls of Manipur. Which one will bring more glory and lasting effect to Manipur- a painted doll or a great female scientist, economist, journalist ---? Who will altered Meetei women's role and outlook in Manipur? Do please get to the root. Both male and female have to take similar steps and march together if Manipur is to survive.

Best wishes,
Arambam Arambam.

My dear Ranjan Yumnam,

I read your article- 5 Easy Ways to get Rich. I was laughing like anything when I read it. It's very interesting and also will be very useful for those Manipuris who love Manipur. I find violence and misgovernment in Manipur in your article. I love it very much. May I request you to write more. I feel I must be a friend of you. I am afraid I am above 50 years and you are, in my imagination below 30. God helps those who help themselves. I wish a reply from you. God may bless you.

Thanking you very much.

Yours truly,
Dr. Robert Renatus Sanabam

hi,

I kinda like ur article "what's wrong with ningol chakouba" in e-pao. It's rightly timed. i agree with u it's high time we gave a li'l piece of our mind in this regard.

regards,
AP