Yet another statewide observance of Irabot Day
- The People's Chronicle Editorial :: October 01, 2022 -

AS usual, Manipur observed the birth anniversary of Hijam Irabot, also referred to as jananeta Irawat and Lamyanba Irabot, with both prominent figures and ordinary citizens paying glowing tributes in remembrance and honour of the revered leader's activism to inspire socio-economic revolution and resolute stand to restore the sovereign status of Manipur.

Born and brought up in a lower-middle class family, Irabot lost his parents at a tender age but such early emotional setback didn't deter him for holding the cudgel for the masses.

At every annual commemorative event, contemporary leaders make it a point to hail Irabot as the epitome of sacrifice and eulogise his daring campaign against injustice in the society but such leaders, the present-day political elites to be specific, had never been able to exhibit even a speck of Irabot's leadership qualities.

In sharp contrast to Irabot's visions for upliftment of the society, establishment of an egalitarian society and preparedness to make sacrifice for the masses, one-upmanship for political power and clamour for wealth have been the hallmark of present day public figures, thereby testifying that modern world has little space for any saint-politician.

Considering the frequent shifting of loyalty among the politicians and those helming the affairs covertly scheming to put a spanner on socio-political progression of his/her competitors, it could be safely stated that the present day so-called leaders do not subscribe to Irabot's firm principle of serving and acting for the commoners.

As such, there is every reason to suspect that the commemorative events held across the state with significant presence of government dignitaries and CSO leaders are mere formalities.

No doubt, the political class and the civil society leaders exhort the people to follow in the footsteps of the multi-faceted Irabot, best known for his down-to-earth characteristics and indomitable spirit to work for the wellbeing of the masses, but these so-called public figures are both bereft of the qualities of Irabot and intentionally sideline concerns of the people.

To these leaders, Irabot was simply a public figure whose eloquent glorification would be vital to remain in the limelight, charm the gullible public with inspiring speeches and enhance personal profile that might come handy in shaping their own careers.

The political class might disagree, but the fact remains that the masses feel betrayed by their leaders and are equally worried that in a leaderless society where only a handful from among the intellectual class dare to question the establishment, the community is going to the dogs.

Contrary to tall promises being made by successive regimes for a vibrant and homogenous society, the narrative in present day Manipur is dominated by ethnicity-centric factionalism and perennial failure to mitigate human, environmental and economic woes.

Thus, Manipur desperately needs some true and real leaders like Irabot, who don't need a designation or authority to be a leader, but has the courage to take up the responsibility and guide the masses towards the cherish goal.

Moreover, it is obvious that people wouldn't yearn for someone who preaches religion but has a cascade of cars and celebrates functions like big capitalists but want those who can inspire a society or nation, have the ability to see ahead and give it a direction.