Recreation - a Serious Business
- Imphal Times Editorial :: June 25 2017 -

The enigmatic cycle of our modern world has everyone in its grip- people devoting increasingly longer time and efforts in their work for higher financial returns which will be utilized for amassing more goods and services pushing up demands and subsequently the prices thus forcing people to work even harder to maintain their lifestyles and standards of living.

This endless cycle of consumerism and capitalism needs to be slowed down before the mentality of the working public become so attuned to the singular objective of earning more to spend more, relegating all other social and personal activities and responsibilities as secondary considerations.

Recreation- a word that conjures up images of whiling away one’s time in seemingly mundane matters and activities- is the remedy for all the tensions and pressures the busy modern world is imposing on the society.

It may take any form and is the surest way to recharge and refresh the mind, body and soul to meet new challenges.

It releases the pent –up frustrations one experienced in our daily grinds and struggles and takes our minds away from everything that confines and hinders our life.

This becomes more relevant in our society with the increasing number of educated and knowledgeable young energetic generation vying for the limited opportunities this troubled state has to offer.

The increasing delays and indifferences, not to mention the disorderliness and hindrances one has to bear to get anything done leaves a negative impact on our mindset which starts to manifest in the general attitude of the public- the dour expressions and wary exchanges tinged with suspicion and distrust, and even the occasional physical violence.

It will not be an exaggeration to point out that our society- especially the youths are being hemmed in from all sides thus making them feel emotionally suffocated, deprived of their liberties and their personal freedom infringed upon.

On the one hand- social vigilantism that often borders on the fanatic and on the other hand, the armed forces treating everybody in the state with suspicion and distaste thereby distancing themselves from the people with each passing day, with the government not doing visibly enough to make things better for the common public.

It is high time to take recreation seriously- not with a frown and gritted teeth, but with our heart and soul leaving all the worries and frustrations behind- to be able to live our childhood againeven if for a very brief moment and be truly free of all obligations and responsibilities and pursue that one thing that brings us real and undiluted happiness.

It is only when the mind, soul and the body are purified that we can focus on building a better life and a contented and happy society consequently.