Identifying with idea of Manipur : Inclusive or exclusive
- The Sangai Express Editorial :: October 13, 2012 -

How inclusive is Manipur or the term Manipuri ?

To some this may be a disturbing question, to some others this may be of little significance, to others this may well be a question which should have been addressed earlier and yet to quite a number of people, this is a poser which should be addressed to pronto and sincerely.

Under the first category will come the section of people who swear by the name and belief of Manipur as a social and political reality, but who have not quite addressed this question with the sincerity it warrants.

In the second category will come the section of people who have been quite vocal in their stand against the understanding of Manipur while in the third category will come the people who have the penchant for laying the responsibilities at the doors of the earlier generations, but who nonetheless believe in the existing reality of a Manipur and what it stands for.

It is the last category which needs to be cautious while dealing with this question, for in many ways, Manipur as a political and social entity escapes the classical understanding of a people and a place.

Manipuris. In many ways this term has become synonymous with the majority Meiteis.

Little wonder then that which has anything to do with Manipur has always been identified with the Meiteis and this includes the dances, the food habits, the culture etc.

Manipuri food inevitably means the typical Meitei dish. Manipuri dance means the dances identified with the Meiteis.

A case of the majority hogging the limelight or a case of the minorities not being given their rightful dues ?

A question which may raise heckles of some but a question which should be raised now, especially given the fact that there are interest groups which have been attacking the political and social fabric that makes up the Manipur that the world knows.

It is in this light that the observation of the Director of Jawaharlal Nehru Manipur Dance Academy should be seen.

As reported in an earlier edition of this paper, the Director had mooted the idea of including the dances of different communities in the syllabi of the institution.

Why should a dance institution based in Manipur only offer dance courses which are more identified with the majority Meiteis ?

The underlying meaning is significant. The heartburn and the dissatisfaction over the manner in which the History of India (Early, Medieval, Modern, Post Modern), has conspicuously kept silent on the North East region, including Manipur need not be elaborated.

At best it has been a footnote in the History that is prescribed in the schools and colleges of India.

That Manipur or Manipuri has been more exclusive than inclusive is a point that should be acknowledged.

Once this point is acknowledged and addressed to sincerely then larger issues about the oneness of the people, the integrity of the place and age old ties and bond among the indigenous people will become meaningful.

Disturbing questions, definitely but which should not be swept under the carpet. No one can afford to adopt the Ostrich With Its Head in the sand posture.

This is about Manipur. This is about her people.