Mirabai Chanu - The daughter of Meira Paibis : A tribute

ZK Pahrii Pou *

Saikhom Mirabai Chanu felicitated at City Convention Centre, Imphal on July 27 2021 :: Pix - Shankar Khangembam

Mirabai Chanu, You are the Daughter of Meira Paibis. You were born under the vigilant eyes of Meira Paibis amid the harsh patriarchal and militaristic society. You were born in the land where womenfolk had defended the land and food security through Nupi Lan.

You were born in the land of Irom Sharmila-the Iron Lady of Manipur, where people refused to live under the humiliation of Indian armed forces. You were born in the land of Thangjam Manorama-where womenfolk refused to let the brutal armed forces go away unashamed by defeating them with their nude bodies.

You were born in the land of Mary Kom-where women had fought their way to man’s domain and brought laurels. Do not forget that you were born in the land of Meira Paibis-the defenders of ancestral land and people since time immemorial.

Mirabai Chanu, You are the Daughter of Meira Paibis. You have gained high status and are recognised the world over. Do not let your ‘medal status’ duster away your invaluable family background.

Your background is the bedrock of your happiness and peaceful life. When you are feeling down, remember how in your past life, you have been helping your parents in daily domestic chores; how you have been helping your brother in carrying firewood; and how you have been travelling miles by trucks for taking training. Fame and wealth often robs peace of mind from people. Be on your guard always.

Mirabai Chanu, You are the Daughter of Meira Paibis. Your words, speech, and writings will become powerful more than ever before. Not many people in the world including me will reach your rank.

Therefore, use your celebrity status to bridge the gap between the rich and the poor. Be a champion for the cause of the poor and the downtrodden. Stand for the rights of women. Be the voice of the voiceless.

Carry the courage of Meira Paibis to world’s avenues. You will, like anyone of us, die one day. On our death, our physical body will join with nature. However, your legacy of good deed will remain forever and inspire thousands of upcoming youngsters even long after you are gone.

Mirabai Chanu, You are the daughter of Meira Paibis. You have brought fame and pride. Don’t let any political party or politicians use your celebrity status for party’s interest. Many politicians are like migratory birds. They don’t stay in one party forever.

They come and go according to convenience and opportunity. In the same way, don’t let any organisation use your success to foment groupism, communalism and ethnic-ism in the State.

Always be there for the betterment of humanity. “Live your life so well that even death loves to see you live.”

May you have peaceful and blessed life, Oh! Daughter of Meira Paibi!!!