Tribal Research Institute, Manipur Relaunched

By Lunminthang Haokip *

Tribal Research Institute, Manipur

The Preparation: The newly furnished mini-conference hall lying adjacent to the office chamber of the Hon'ble Minister (Home, Tribal Affairs & Hills and Horticulture & Soil Conservation), Manipur, was abuzz with activity at 2:30 pm on the 21st August, 2012. The occasion marked the "Souvenir Release" and "Website Launch" day of TRI, Tribal Research Institute, Manipur.

Amidst the expectant entry of jostling event managers and media-men, TRI's energetic Joint Director, Mr. Solomon was busy supervising the various aspects of the institute's memorable event. The programme began at 3 pm as the Hon'ble Minister, Mr. Gaikhangam made a grand entry inside the packed hall along with six ruling party Hon'ble MLAs of the state.

The Preliminaries: The moderator, Smt. M. Kamala Devi, Under Secretary (TA & Hills) was in upbeat mood as she was on the mike to get the bash going. Joint Director, TRI, in his welcome address, gave a brief account of the event. Soon after, the invitees consisting mostly of Hill area MLAs, Media-persons, website Engineers and Tribal Affairs functionaries were gifted thoughtfully designed and colourfully patterned mufflers woven to reflect the textural finery of tribal traditional shawls. It was the pleasure of Smt. L. Binodkumari, Librarian, TRI to do the honour to the dignitaries.

The Key-Note Address: As the head of the Department was on official duty elsewhere, this author who holds the charge of Director, Tribal Affairs & Hills, presented a succinct power point briefing on the activities of TRI. Equipped with a skeleton staff of 10 incumbents of varying ranks, the country's 17th TRI conducts research, training, seminars, workshops and exhibits artefacts, shawls and archaic musical instruments in a well-endowed museum and gallery.

The ground floor of the institute's imposing building displays on its frontal wall a collection of eye catching ethnic photographs to compliment the Library nearby where more than 2000 books for research references are neatly stashed up.

Hon'ble MLAs attending the Function

The Website Launch: High tech advancement was in full play on the wall of the mini conference hall. TRI's new website was designed by Cubeten, an Imphal-based web design firm. The Managing Director of the firm, a technocrat who had his craft at his fingertips, explained the contents, home page and links of the site which will be replete with all TRI's facts, figures, documentaries, videos, news and events. The introduction of an inter-active projector that could flash coloured images at point blank range saved the event management from the embarrassment of having to place an odd LCD projector on the space-scarce conference table.

The Minister's Speech: The seasoned orator that he is, Mr. Gaikhangam, without referring to a note, spoke ex tempore on the theme of the occasion with professional panache. The paraphrased excerpts of the attention-grabbing speech is reproduced hereunder:

The Importance of Research: "The significance of Research is increasing daily in this age. Natural knowledge of a cane or a bamboo is not enough today. Research brings out the botanical aspects of a plant. We watch and enjoy tribal dances or marvel at the dresses and agility of the performers of a traditional dance item. But one needs to conduct a research to find out as to how the dances were conceived and the dresses designed.

Mr Gaikhangam, Hon'ble Minister (Home, TA & Hills and Horti & S.C), Manipur

The Need To Preserve Culture: "In this plural society, the originality and authenticity of folk songs and folklore are fast disappearing. In saying this, I do not mean that we should dwell in and hold on fast to tribalism. Along with the pursuits of modern art, we should also learn how to preserve our ancient customs and traditions. These days, in the name of innovative ideas, songs and dances are corrupted by an overdose of masala and add-ons. Research will pave the way for imparting information to the gen-next. Otherwise, we will end up as a generation without foundation and bereft of knowledge as to how our community started. It was not for nothing that it was said, 'Past is experience, present a challenge and future, a hope'.

What's Your Contribution?: "In a society, citizens belong to a community. How do we harmonize the sustenance of our community?. You and me need to contribute inputs for the future. Tribal Affairs, as a Department, may go some day; but TRI, although it is taking infant steps as of now, will be there as long as the sun and the moon shine in the horizon. This small beginning is bound to see a big ending. We will try to increase the TRI budget. Stake holders must also report about their views to TRI officials, prepare DPRs and move the central Ministry to get funds outside the State budget.

A Word of Thanks: "From the core of my heart, I thank the Joint Director and staff of TRI, Manipur for putting in hard work, despite constraints, to launch this website. Credit should also go to them for having organized the first Cultural Festival on 18 and 19 November, 2011. The world has become smaller and smaller. Information is at our fingertips. Devices are available. TRI should not be caught napping and missing out on availing itself of the technological facilities on offer.

Time To Experiment: "Now, to know the activities of TRI, Manipur, we can log on to its website. Let us all cooperate in conduct of Research of all kinds. We must pool in human resources and knowledge. It is time to experiment and cultivate a scientific mentality. TRI is not only for Tribes. It's for all. In this changing world where we are to face an economic onslaught, let us get prepared for warfare. We should not be beggars in our own land".

The event was concluded with vote of thanks from Dr. K. Shantibala Devi, Museum Keeper, TRI.

Lunminthang Haokip

* Lunminthang Haokip, a resident of Old Lambulane, Imphal, is a regular contributor to e-pao.net. He can be contacted at lunminthang(dot)haokip(at)gmail(dot)com or his blog here
This article was webcasted on August 24, 2012.