Hello Editor,

I have been following the editorial columns in your website-www.e-pao.net for quite sometime now. Nothing has inspired me better than the recent reports of Manipuris excelling in almost every sphere of life. A small town chap, I never imagined even once that Manipur could produce Rina Nameirakpam and Yengkhom Devson. Please ignore my innocence here, I may have missed out several of those successful people who have managed to make it big in the International arena. But one common question will be, why do they make it big in life and why not the rest of the populace? It's simple logic, Ima Ipa Mitna Ooba Laini (Parents are next to God). Why do parents play a major role in the future of a child? Is this a question? No, this is not a question. We need to have the number of people, who understand the importance of child upbringing, increased manifold. This entails a better education system. And how is the education system in Manipur? Is it good, bad or ugly? I will never say the system is bad or ugly nor good since I spent my early days of schooling in Manipur.

Today the problem of unemployment has reached the point of no retreat. Until we take up the ownership and start working towards a better Manipur, miracles will not happen overnight. Is it because of the lack of job opportunities or is it the fear of taking chances in life? Here we need to understand not everyone can become a king. Let me narrate a short story about my next-door neighbour. There he was brought up elegantly like how a normal middle class family would bring up a child. He went to a convent school during his school days and was sent to Imphal for his higher secondary, what we call +2 School. After a mysterious turn of events, today he has joined the Indian Army as a Rifleman. Here is a person who has been there and done that kinda guy, who used to dream of becoming a class 1 officer, is serving the country with a rifle in his hand. But has he given up his hopes by joining the Indian Army. No definitely not. He may or may not become a class 1 officer. But the chances are high in his case. Instead of sitting back and counting eggs before the eggs are even hatched, he is striving to make his life better. It takes an extreme strength and will power to keep it going even after losing all hopes. "May God bless those who help themselves" holds true. The government may be corrupt or nothing may not work but have we ever thought why the system stinks. There are several organisations which are fighting to break the shackles tied around the legs of the people. Fighting in the politically correct or incorrect way, they only know. Let's not discuss this issue which will create an ugly ruckus. I believe in self help. I am not a fighter but all those fighters have done wonders in their lives and have made major impacts. Emulating a great fighter surely will help. Let's read on. Education is the key.

Jiten Sapamcha