Emergent challenges
- Imphal Times Editorial :: August 04 2016 -

The alacrity of the political parties to address the ills of the society, both real and imagined, in an attempt to win the sympathy and the subsequent support of the public, when elections are drawing close, have become a prominent part of the contemporary political folklore of our times.

Even political parties hitherto unknown are coming up with the claim of being the best bet to ensure the change that is being increasingly felt needed by the majority of the people, and going by the poor and dismal showing of the major parties that have had their fair share of Governance, their claim might very well prove to be the factor enticing the public who have started to lose their interest and faith in the major parties.

The manifestoes brought out underlines the various prominent issues and roadblocks that is felt needed to be removed and addressed to bring the state on the path to progress, and the numerous political parties have indeed brought up their share of the issues, as wide ranging and varied as the burning issue of the border fencing row, to the delicate and protracted issue of AFSPA.

While these issues are important no doubt, the absence of healthcare and issues relating to basic public amenities in the manifesto of none of the political parties in the State points to a blatant lack of concern for the welfare of the people and a dismissive attitude that will most certainly result in negligence and indifference towards the wishes and aspirations of the people.

The long over-abused excuse of the centre not taking up adequate measures on various issues concerning a number of delicate and often critical matters despite the repeated insistence and requests of the State Government, as also the ambiguous argument that the issues are beyond the ambit of the State, needs to be done away with for good, while the rapidly declining public welfare and healthcare facilities needs to be addressed.

Talks of reclaiming our lost territories or expanding our reach and influence does sound ridiculous and far-fetched, especially when the people in the society are battling and increasingly indifferent and difficult situation when it comes to availing basic healthcare facilities and public amenities.

The needs of the differently able persons have been totally sidelined, while the senior citizens of the State, who have served the society for more than half their lifetime have been ignored.

The vast bank of knowledge, experience and intuitions acquired over a lifetime, if tapped and utilized, could very well prove to be the defining element that can turn the society from the current state of mayhem and confusion to one with creativity, cohesion and integrity.

The current disconnect between the growing youths and the seniors could be the most important factor in the gradually shifting moral ethos and mannerisms, and bridging the gap between the old and the new should enable the smooth transition and propagation of our rich tradition and culture through the younger generation.

Caring for those who constitute the society should be given priority over issues which do not have a clear solution.

The outlook and tenacity of a society is as good only as that of its people. Take genuine care of the people and the people will definitely reciprocate the gesture many times over.