In Pursuit of Change - TEDxImphal, 11th December 2011

Sanatombi Angomcha *

It has almost become historical for people to refer our state as the land of jewels, the land of the unique Shirui Lily or of the land of Sangai. Political unrest, armed violence, economic blockades, general strikes, protest rallies etc. - all these collectively portray a crumbling civil sphere at present.

Angst and feeling of helplessness among its citizens fill up social networking sites encouraging many to resort to keyboard revolution and voice their grievances. We are prone to talks, discussions and debates related about the problems in the state on every forum. Maximum of us are so far immune to the problems. The reason is cynically simple. And the gradual breakdown of the social civil sphere is affecting everyone's life.

The indifferences are many but we cannot give up easily, cannot get discouraged. We can talk with one another, share ideas and ultimately find out means and ways to resolve things together. To add, it's still not a hopeless situation because there are many who are struggling to provide a social change in the state at every possible realm. There are people who are really concerned about what is happening around in the state. People who strive to make others' live better.

People who have struggled with the near 20 hour/day electric load shedding and kept on with their zeal for life by not bowing down to diktats or social censure. People who have battled various extreme odds to be pioneers in their fields and people who give hope in the midst of despair. These are people who have lots of ideas and their ideas if once become contagious among the masses can be counted on to bring a change in the state. Change is desperately sought in the state, am-ong our people.

To bring this change, ideas should be continuously spread among the masses. Ideas are considered the most expensive of all possessions one ever has. Unique ideas can influence lives and encourage individuals to say no to a wretched life as much as powerful ideas can add sparks in the lives of many fuelling up incredible changes.

As far as Manipur is concerned, familiarizing with the issues or in other words finding out the real problems would be the first ever step to bid adieu to all the indifferences prevailing in the society. One of the probable reasons on why the problems in Manipur have become deep rooted is a shallow understanding of issues or should I be more precise considering it the lack of ideas? Bad ideas can prompt a negative resolution; while good ideas can instigate a positive revolution which is driven by a common goal and which aims to bring an agreeable change in the society. And this change is going to mean a lot for each one of us.

Mainly focussed on the issues that are prevailing in the state, TEDx where x=independently organized event is going to be held in Manipur on 11th December, 2011. TEDx was created in the spirit of TED's mission- Ideas worth spreading. The program is designed to give communities, organizations and individuals the opportunity to stimulate dialogue through TED -like experiences at the local level.

TEDxImphal is themed on 'Winds of Change'. This unique event will have some speakers giving their talk in Manipuri. This will make Manipuri the fifth language from India at a TEDx event after Hindi, Tamil, Gujarati and Rajasthani. The event is in pursuit of change which is badly sought by each one of us. In order to create a better future, we have to leverage ideas, technologies, design and education.

TEDx is the right opportunity for us to instigate a change. TEDx event is not hosted for political reasons, monetary reward or personal gain. The event organisers truly believe in the power of ideas to change the world starting from our society.

For those who believe in bringing together individuals who want to be change agents surrounding remarkable thinking and out of the box ideas, this event is going to incredibly change their lives. As mentioned earlier, unique Ideas are always worth sharing and should also be contagious among the masses.

If you believe in the power of ideas and if you believe in innovation that may shape people's lives forever, this event is the right platform for you. All in all, if you truly believe in ideas that are worth spreading and ideas that should be transmittable, TEDx is the event which is going to create history in the state and also among the North Eastern States of the Nation.

Due to license restrictions, TEDx cannot accommodate more than 100 audiences but it doesn't mean the rest of Manipuris cannot have a TED experience. Various artists and visionaries from the state can reach out to a wider audience on online media through TEDx.

The performing artists of the event include Imphal Talkies N the Howlers and Guru Rewben Mashangva, a performer, songwriter, and music researcher who is hailed in the Northeast as 'The King of Naga Folk Blues'.

The event will be mainly sponsored by E-Pao, Venue Sponsor by The Classic Hotel, Video Recording Partner Mayum Media & Communications.