TODAY -
The Gates of Birahari
Shuresh Maibam *
The blue sign at the entrance doesn't just bear a name.;
it felt like there was a boundary line between who I was and the vast, uncharted territory of who I wanted to become.
Passing through the gates of Naorem Birahari College,
the morning air felt different - sharper, heavy with expectation,
as the hills of Khundrakpam stood as silent witnesses.
I carried the weight of a BA honours in Human Rights in my step,
a title that felt far too grand for a freshman on day one.
Walking across the campus courtyard, past the shifting shadows of trees,
I looked for my classroom amidst the rustle of turning pages
and the nervous, energetic chatter of students finding their footing,
everyone trying to look like they belonged.
This campus isn't built of cold, sterile marble;
it lives in the warm, humid air, the grit of the red soil,
and the shared quiet of a classroom facing the open horizon.
Sitting by the window, listening to the first lecture take flight,
the heavy concepts of justice and dignity didn't felt like alive, rooted right here in the community that built these walls.
By the time the afternoon sun cast lone long shadows across the grounds,
the sprawling campus didn't feel quite intimidating.
Naorem Birahari College had opened its doors,
and a student from Manipur had finally stepped through,
ready to turn these open spaces into a home.
* Poem written by Shuresh Maibam for e-pao.net
The writer is a student and human rights advocate. He holds official titles from the India Book of Records (IBR)
and the National Book of Records (NBR) as a record holder in long-form achievements.
His writing and activism focus on social justice, community building,
and capturing the cultural milestones of modern youth.
He can be reached for feedback or inquiries at shureshmaibam(AT)gmail(DOT)com
This poem was webcasted on 22 July 2026 .
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