My Memories of Imphal From 1941 : Chapter 11 :: Download

Dr Mohendra Irengbam *

Author in 1955 in Nainital

Part 11
Fashion Revolution for Meiteis

But nothing is like home, sweet home, where our loved ones are. Coming back home from Nainital to Imphal during the holidays, it was always ‘sweet dreams guaranteed.’ Imphal town is an old historical town that came into existence after beginning of the Common Era. It had its own magical charm

It has history of mystery that is surreal and sublime. It is simply stunning like the magic in the Wizard of Oz, which is thematic of self-sufficiency, companionship and friendliness. It is the culture, which is deeply rooted and often in unconscious norms, traditions, and the way of life, which gave me a sense of comfort and belonging. After a few days in Imphal I became part of Meitei history. Never mind the heavenly Nainital.

There was nothing like Meitei culture elsewhere, with our shared values, beliefs, opinions, and the like. I was wearing suit and tie all day while I was studying in Darjeeling, eating English-style cuisine, speaking English language, and singing English songs. I was living though much less, in the same style while studying at Nainital. But back home, wearing occasionally, a traditional khudei and a vest, was quite comfortable and relaxing, as norms of my culture.

The Loktak Lake at Moirang often rekindled my memory of Naini Lake except the premise that Loktak was a remnant of the vast lake that once filled the valley of Manipur or Imphal valley.

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