Chaa-ngaang Hotel gee Waari
- Part 1 -

By Deepa Khomdram *

On a foggy morning somewhere in Imphal East District, four elderly men were having their second round of "chaa - angaangba". They had read the stained newspaper for the nth time, and were discussing various issues that were happening in and around the state. They were completely absorbed in the perpetual discussion – a discussion bearing no fruits just to while away their morning hours, until the sun comes out and could go back to their home to complete some unfinished chores. There has not been a subject they had not pondered under the sun. From climate changes to politics, human rights issues to pollution. Sometimes rather most often many of these subjects get mixed up in the heat of debate, and yet the end result is – time-pass.

The following conversation has neither a beginning nor an end; readers are advised to be discreet of the opinions expressed by these elders. Elders have been identified with their personal traits as - Advisor, Entrepreneur, Critique and Id10T. The overheard conversation was on – tourism in general but it involves many other issues as well.

Id10T: "Tourism se laakladee Manipur se....fana yaamna chaokhatkanee" ( if Tourism comes, Manipur will be a developed state).

Others

Critique: "Keino?? Ebungo, Tourism sibu mee ro Laairo!? Hekta laakpa yaabrane !? ( What? Is tourism some living thing that it would come!?)

There was sudden sound of laughter from all the other members and the Id10T looks on with a sullen face…

Entrepreneur: Yes!, if only tourism sector could be developed and more tourist visit Manipur, there would certainly be a opportunity for employment , extra income for Hospitality industries and other related small-scale industries like handloom, handicraft etc. And now that PAP has also been removed, may be we should all look forward to it.

Id10T: That is what exactly I was trying to say.

Advisor: It would be a golden opportunity for everyone if Tourist realizes that PAP is removed and unexplored regions of the North-East India can be rediscovered again.

Critique: But the question is - who would do to promote that and what is being done by the Government and private agencies?

Id10T: Sangai Tourism Festival was held recently with many cultural dances, stalls for handicraft, even food stall. It was a great success; many spectators were seen outside the venue. Even people from other states came to see it.

Critique: Oh that... I won't say it was success, but surely organizers made some good money.

Entrepreneur: Of course, it was meant to make some money, sly or not. People were happy anyway!! Those dances enthralled the crowd. Our rich culture was showcased and many liked it. Next year it will be a grand one, just watch it.

Critique: Are we discussing tourism or entertainment??

Id10T: Tourist wants entertainment, it's for them.

Critique: So, you mean the crowd was all tourist and no natives???

Advisor: The idea behind organizing such festival is just to bring the awareness among the general public as well as other media about the potential of developing tourism. Cultural show-case was just one aspect along with other attractive and uniqueness of Manipur as a tourist destination. But we need more than just the drum beat. Lot of infra-structure development is required to sustain continuous tourist inflows. To say the least – we don't have proper roads, no electricity, very few standard Hotels, public and private transports are inadequate. And most importantly, we have not even identified our "target tourist". What kind of tourist are we looking forward to?? Is it mainland Indians Babus, Paunchy sethji, string-budget back-packers, or corporate honchos??? Tourist industry is at an infant stage, general public do not have any idea and are not prepared at all to receive any tourist as we speak. Few hundred tourists should not be a problem, but are we prepared for few hundred thousands??? That's the major worry.

Everyone was quiet for sometime... On what was just said.... Looks like Tourism can never come to Manipur.... PAP or no PAP....!

To be continued....