Before I sleep...

Rajendra Kshetri *

Social media nowadays is a most popular medium for sharing ideas, thoughts and information through virtual networks. 'Facebook', 'WhatsApp', 'Instagram', 'Twitter' and 'You Tube' are some of the most commonly used social media platforms. In this age of information where information is power, this computer/smartphone based technology has emerged as the most powerful weapon/agent for social change.

The extent of influence that social media commands is such that it can make and/or destroy a person/organization/Government. No wonder every literate person (not necessarily educated) right from President, Prime Minister, Chief Minister, Minister, MLA, MP is on/using social media. What's to be kept in mind is how one uses social media--responsibly and/or irresponsibly. Irresponsible use of social media amounts to abusing this fast spreading medium and should be avoided at all cost.

Like millions of netizens the world over, I too use social media in a responsible manner. But unlike many of them, my relationship with social media is limited to Facebook and WhatsApp only. I am happy and contented with my limitations as my penchant for PRINT MEDIA still remains strong and active. For one thing, Print Media gives you a sense of credibility and seriousness. For another, it is still the most trusted medium.

So friends, my rumbling opinions/thoughts " Before I Sleep ..." posted on my FB wall over the last few weeks... From Social Media to Print Media.

1 (December 11, 2021):

There are two types of politicians
Political Leader and Political Dealer
The first one deals with ideas and ideologies with visions.
The second one deals with people and events with little or no vision.
Identify and choose your political leader carefully while exercising your constitutional rights to vote.

2 (December 12, 2021):

Elections are round the comer
Intending candidates are doing the trends.
BJP is the most sought-after political party
No less than 4 BJP intending candidates in every AC.
How serious is the intention of intending candidates?
Will they contest still if not given ticket?
Will they uphold the party principle and support party nominee?
Will they disappear into thin air after a few lakhs are exchanged between hands?
Seriously how serious are the intention of the INTENDING CANDIDATES???

3 (December 13, 2021):

There is a kind of fever
All over Manipur
Now all over the State
The Election Fever
More contagious than Covid fever
More deadly than Covid
You have managed Corona somehow
What is your Election Vaccine?

4 (December 14, 2021):

Election time is promise time
Politicians are out on the streets
Candidates are out on campaign trail
Intending candidates are out on intensive field
Promising the moon and the Sun
Promising promises of making heaven on earth.
Don't believe don't ever believe a word
Promises are promised
Only to be unkept and unfilled
Who gives a damn to Election promise
Politicians never believe what they said
They are surprised to be taken by people.

5 (December 15, 2021):

The King has served his people well
He did everything that is people friendly
He had launched people-centric schemes
He had put State interest above Self interest
He had waged war against drugs
He had bridged the hill-vale gap
He had earned people's trust
He had restored people's confidence.
Most affable and amiable that he is
Most approachable and likeable
He did something though
That amounts to nothing short of a crime
He had appointed a Clown as 'Mahei Mantri'
Goddess Saraswati is annoyed and angry
So is Bhagwavan Krishna
The King is now subjected to trolling
Poor King
My sympathy (if only to console the King).

6 (December 16, 2021):

Election time is think time
Time to teach a lesson
A lesson to all corrupt politicians
Who are corrupt to the bones.
A time to use your weapon
A weapon more powerful than atom bomb
The Constitutional power given to you
The ultimate power to form a Government
A Government of the people by the people and for the people
The supreme power to dethrone political clowns
Use your power judiciously
Use it to usher in a New Order.

7 (December 17, 2021):

Election time is identification time
Identify political parties less corrupt
Identify candidates less corrupt
If none exists go for your conscience
When the choice is between evils
Go for the lesser evil
Don't let money dilute your conscience
Be a conscience keeper
Trust your conscience.

8 (December 18, 2021):

Candidates candidates everywhere
But not a single candidate worth voting
Money money everywhere
But not a single dime worth its value
Muscle muscle everywhere
But not a single tissue worth its utility
'Khadaang' 'Khadaang' everywhere
But not a single 'Khadaang' worth its words.

* my apology to ST Coleridge for paraphrasing the lines from his "The Rime of the Ancient Mariner".