Between the lines writ on the wall
- Hueiyen Lanpao Editorial :: January 23, 2014 -

Manipur observed its 43rd Statehood Day on January 21 amidst the palpable absence of the much needed enthusiasm and gaiety as expected in all high official rituals associated with modern Nation States.

While the physical absence of citizens from the official function organized by the State Government could be rationalized in multiple ways by an observer, the non-attendance at the function by many high ranking State employed officials and personnel not only tells a different story but also succinctly indicates the manifestation of "fatigue" with ritualism associated with modern governance.

The repeated "performative" tradition of the State in observing its anniversary draws sustenance from the logic of growth and development after having passed one of the "rites of passage" in attaining Statehood.

However, here it is worth reflecting on how one reads the indifference shown to an occasion celebrating the attainment of supposedly a higher height in bringing a collective together bounded by the rational of keeping together and organizing the collective under one government.

When this sensibility is assaulted, it does not need rocket science to understand why Deputy Chief Minister who also holds the portfolio of Home, Gaikhagam expressed annoyance with the absentee high ranking officials.

The reason behind the Deputy Chief Minister's reaction is simple – if these high ranking officials do not attend a function celebrating not only the birth anniversary of the State but also proclaiming its achievements, who else would take pride in the oft repeated claims to "tremendous growth and development" the State has seen in the last over 40 years.

Further, the Deputy Speaker's subdued rant also could be read as one way of seeking a sort of approval for claims on achievements of the State over the years by the regime in power.

When the government claims success in taking forward the state, the high ranking officials are normally expected to share self-conferred congratulatory honour.

And when there are just a few to share the joy of spatial and temporal achievements, any occasion commemorating historical feats can be misread by the general public.

Having read between the lines writ large on the walls, an occasion like the 43rd Statehood Day reminds us to reflect on where we are headed and not just celebrate the past achievements.

While re-analysing the historical significance of the day and also acknowledging the growing reluctance of the high ranking officials to partake in marking such occasions organized by the State Government, one needs to further ask if there is a covert public impatience with anything associated with ritualism of governing a State embedded in social and political predicaments.