BishnupriyaManipuri Online

Obituary: Centenarian Malini Devi

2012-01-27T23:30:00.000+05:30

Obituary

Centenarian Malini Devi, mother of Bhimsen Sinha passed away on 25 January 2012. With her we lost a living history of Bishnupriya Manipuri. She was the only woman speaker who spoke and sang in the founding session of Nikhil Bishnupriya Manipuri Mahasabha NBMM at Gokila Protapgarh in 1932.

Deficit of ethics in NBMM and BMDC

2012-01-27T23:09:00.002+05:30

Rebati Mohan Sinha

In reference to BN Sinha's article "Adding Fuel to Fire".

The first step of a fire fighting operation is a reconnaissance to search for the origin of the fire. A fire can be extinguished by taking away any of the three components—heat, fuel or air.

If life is a journey, and the human being is the vehicle, then the best fuel for a successful completion of this journey is love. When we substitute some other emotion and make it our central core, our fuel, the vehicle obviously cannot perform as it should be. The journey would no longer smooth, but jumpy, noisy, bouncy, uncomfortable, and prone to frequent breakdowns, and constantly needing other’s help to set it right. Every human being is a source of this fuel called love. We are capable of producing love 24 hrs a day, endlessly. Love is our natural state. Love works slowly as compared to its opposite emotion, namely fear and hate. If you want to get a group of people together for a common cause under a common banner, love for something might take years to unite them and at the same time hate and fear can work in a matter of minutes.

In our society, we never try to find the root cause of fire; had it been found and tried to extinguish, people would say, he/she speaks against the administration. BN Sinha has rightly pointed out that it is due to our gene. I do appreciate his thought.

There is a deficit of ethics in running of NBMM as well as BMDC. There has been erosion of people’s faith in these organizations. Their confidence in present committees, especially office bearers has declined. People’s trust in presidentship, including the chairmanship of BMDC has collapsed. The integrity among the officebearers is being questioned. The administrations are at its lowest ebb. The morale of the committee members is low. The situation is too deleterious for the society. There is too much at stake for too many in such a situation.

An organization registered under Society Act 1860 for educational, cultural, scientific and social welfare of the people, we would realize that when it at the brink of collapse, it is due to clash of personalities and failed relationship. Interestingly, 80% of our fulfillment comes from our key relationships that are satisfactory. Without such relationships we feel incomplete.

The clash of personalities and failed relationship occur, when the person, at the helm of affairs, feels himself, that (1) his image is bigger than the organization because without him it cannot run; (2) he never be wrong, and always correct; and (3) he or she is superior to his fellowmates. Many more examples can be quoted.

Republic Day with a Northeast Thought

2012-01-26T17:09:00.006+05:30

Asmita Sinha

Happy Republic Day

Today we are celebrating the spirit of Sovereign and Independent India. Every year we celebrate it on Republic Day but the present scenario in the Northeastern states gives a setback. The growing gap between the people of neighbouring states of the region is creating more alienation weakening the true fabric of India.

The creation of states was to fulfill the aspirations of different ethnic groups of the region but the first casualty has been the resultant gaping between the hearts. The political set-ups in the region, in the form of states, are seemed to institutionalize this gap and failed to create an understanding, a feeling of welfare and strengthen the affinity. However, there has always been a considerate gap on the line of ethnicity and geography, which had been accepted with a mark of respect and tolerance but there was no distance among hearts. This gap has now become a social and psychological distance and gradually taking a concrete shape.

Despite rich and connected history of the communities in the region, people have complete alienation of the other. They have a fragmented, fractured, fuzzy vision to their neighbour and to the whole region. Hiren Gohain has rightly asserted that we have to overcome the barriers that inhibit us to understand and appreciate the other who are our neighbours.

Ironically, where the region doesn’t give an opportunity and a platform to bring the people together, it is the capital of India that brings together people from this region by shedding barriers. One will find a Naga sharing room with an Assamese! It is not the sharing of space; it is sharing of common beliefs and strengthening of the neighbourhood affinity.

If the gap is not diminished, the very foundation of our Constitution that gives a framework with Rights and Privileges to the People of India would be weakened and the Nation India would not be able to live up to its true essence and ideals. If the common people of the states would not come forward with the spirit of sisterhood with respect and tolerance overcoming the myopic vision, one cannot think of a better tomorrow.

We have to bring a northeast thought aiming at a prosperous and strong region, hence consolidating the strength of India and the spirit of Indianness.

Breaking inter-state barriers

2012-01-24T18:57:00.002+05:30

At a time of rampant political conflicts, the need is for sensitive writing that brings the seven sisters closer together. Ramlal Sinha reads the writing on the wall.

THE landlocked seven sisters – Assam, Arunachal Pradesh, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland and Tripura – have a shared history, but it is a history that has seen more of conflicts, less of sisterhood. The ethnic, linguistic and cultural diversity of the region is not as much of a problem as its territorial disputes are. Creation of the northeastern states without their boundaries properly demarcated – a politically expeditious action by the powers that be – is a major reason behind the growing emotional divide and strained relations between them. This issue has been keenly pursued by some writers transcending geographical, or rather,

man-made barriers.

Litterateur Hiren Gohain

At a recent workshop on translation held in Guwahati, renowned litterateur Hiren Gohain had said: “We (the northeastern states) are neighbours, yet strangers. We must overcome the barriers.” He blamed colonialism for the gap between the ethnic groups in the Northeast. Gohain said that bringing out books for children in all the languages of the region would enrich their minds.

The workshop on translation of children’s literature into various languages of the region was organised by Anwesha, a book promotion group. The participants were tasked with translating children’s books into Assamese, Bodo, Garo, Manipuri, Mizo and Khasi at the workshop.

Author and former North East Writers’ Forum (NEWF) president Arup Kumar Dutta, who hails from Assam, has written three novels set in the Northeast. His novel The Counterfeit Treasure is about the numerous caves in Meghalaya. Apart from the literary points it has scored, the novel says a lot about tourism in the hill state. Revenge, another novel by Dutta, is based on the Khamti tribe of Arunachal Pradesh. It highlights the culture and traditions of the Khamtis, thereby helping promote tourism in the state. Besides his many short stories set in the states of the region, NEWF founder secretary Dhruba Hazarika has authored a novel, A Bowstring Winter, probably the first work of fiction about Shillong after Rabindranath Tagore’s Shesher Kabita. With archery, a kind of betting locally called ‘teer’, as the subject matter, the novel depicts betrayal, loyalty and revenge through six characters. It also gives a vivid picture of the food habits of the people of the region.

Karunamay Sinha

A writer from Tripura, Karunamay Sinha, has written a long column on what he describes as the ‘unpredictable northeasterner’. It was published in the Sunday magazine of a Guwahati-based English daily. He starts his column with a general discussion on the subtle things northeasterners have in common, like food habits and festivities. He also highlights the similarities in their nature, which according to him is uni-dimentional. Northeasterners, he says, are prone to flaring up at the slightest provocation and their outbursts of passion are unpredictable. He tries to substantiate his claim through an assortment of historical narratives that are essentially accounts of insurrectionary outbursts against oppressors and foreign invaders. Sinha argues that the northeasterners are the most freedom-loving of all Indians, which is why they have produced the first martyrs and the first insurrectionary uprisings against the British. The display of valour and love for freedom by the Assamese, Khasis, Garos, Jaintias, Lushais, Manipuris, Nagas and Kukis dominate his column. These accounts deal with the brave histories of various ethnic tribes of the region that have been lost or are on the verge of being lost in the vagaries of Indian history.

A young writer from Assam, Aiyushman Dutta, tried to bridge the gap between the seven sisters by holding a seminar on Northeast cuisine in Guwahati in 2009. Many writers and food specialists of the region participated in the seminar, the purpose of which was to analyse how food defines culture in the region and helps to bring people of the northeastern states together.

Dils Lakshmindra Sinha

Assam was represented at the seminar by Jyoti Das, who gave an overview of Assamse cuisine, Rajib Bora and Dils Lakshmindra Sinha (from Assam but who gave an account of Bishnupriya Manipuri cuisine), Manipur by Karunamay Sinha (he hails from Tripura), Tripura by Parinita Livingstone, Nagaland by Insopangla Ao and Villolo Achumi, and Meghalaya by Alynti Nongbri. The seminar endorsed the view that amidst differences, there are many similarities in the food habits of the seven sisters, and these similarities should be celebrated.

Hiren Gohain’s appeal for overcoming of the ‘barriers’ therefore, is just another instance of the thinking people of the Northeast getting together to overcome political disputes and conflicts. The writers of the region have been very much on the job. What we need now is the involvement of more writers in this ‘undeclared mission’.

Courtesy: Seven Sisters Post (www.sevensisterspost.com)

Samskara in waiting

2012-01-17T02:37:00.001+05:30

Personal Jottings

RK Rishikesh Sinha

Never in his wildest dream, Bijay Sinha anticipated that one day the genie from one of his literary work would haunt him bitterly.

Ever since Bijay Sinha’s literary work has been criticised by a section of people in Guwahati, my inquisitiveness to read the piece has increased manifold, thanks to the controversy.

However, something is failing me to digest the whole controversy and boycott.

First, is the time period. It took 6 years to generate the reaction, and that is from a public literary work! Definitely, the work was not scientific; it was a literary fictional piece as quoted by the author. Adding to it, the repercussion was not based on ‘interpretation’ that is the author has written ‘something’, and the section of people found out ‘something else’. It was a purely a fictional piece, yet it took 6 years of interpretation!

Second, is the short-sightedness of the ‘concerned people’. They have failed to gauge the effect on the Bishnupriya Manipuri literary activity. An attack on the writers and on their writings would definitely negate people to contribute to the Bishnupriya Manipuri literature and the media. If this incident is given precedent, days are not far, those who wish to contribute might come up with statement like “Don’t BUY, if the buyer doesn’t agree with the content of the book.”

Henceforth, we will be losing the charm of innocence that exists in all our activity.

Third, the reaction was totally unexpected from the ‘Brahmins’ as they have been the most intelligent, mobile and powerful population since Vedic period. Knowledge and learning have been their hallmark. If some other section would have done it, it was understandable, but from them, it doesn’t go. We all have respect and reverence for them, and they have much resilience and spirit while dealing with social and political activities. But here, it seems something else.

Hope the incident gives another story plot for Bijay Sinha to dwell upon and create another award winning Samskara.

Wish you a happy Makar Sankranti

2012-01-14T20:56:00.000+05:30

Rebati Mohan Sinha

Makar Sankranti is one of the most auspicious occasion, the Hindus celebrate in almost all over the country with great zeal and enthusiasm. It is known as a harvest festival. Generally, Makar Sankranati always falls on January 14 every year. In Punjab, it is known as Lohri, the festival of bonfire; in Tamil Nadu it is time for three day Pongal celebration; in Gujarat it is known as Uttarayan and it is synonymous with kite flying while in Maharashtra and a part of Karnataka it is known as Sankranti where there is a custom of exchanging tilgul ladoos, and greeting with the words “tilgul gaya ani god god bola”, the meaning “speak sweetly just as this sweet”. In Assam, it is known as Bhogali Bihu. Assamese celebrate the festival with great devotion, fervour and gaiety. We, the Bishnupriya Manipuri celebrate as Tila-Sankranti with Tilua (sugar candy) and home-made Utong chak, made with bironor choul, prepared in a bamboo piece of thin wall thickness.

The festival marks the northward journey (uttarayan) of Sun, in other words the Sun enters the sign of Makar or Capricorn from tropic of Cancer i.e., Makar Sankranti is the day when the glorious Sun God begins its ascending and entry in to the northern hemisphere and thus it signifies an event where in, the Sun God seems to remind his children, may you go higher and higher, have more and more light, never to darkness.

To Hindus, the Sun stands for knowledge, spiritual light and wisdom. Makar Sankranti signifies, we should turn away from darkness of delusion in which we live and begin to enjoy a new life with bright light within us to shine brighter and brighter. We should gradually begin to grow in purity, wisdom and knowledge, even as the Sun God does from the day of Makar Sankranti.

In the epic of Mahabharata, Bhishma Pitamaha even after being wounded, lingered on till Uttarayan to set in, so that he attain Moksha.

Adding Fuel to Fire

2012-01-14T15:23:00.002+05:30

BN Sinha

I wish to extend many thanks to Mr B P sinha for such an unbiased piece of depiction of the history (Read History Repeats Itself). Few points to applaud which are more than truth, that division is in our DNA and jealousy is an integral inherited character for the people of this community.

Sometime I wonder , in a poorest of poor community like ours where we are still struggling for our identity and existence when rest of the world is fearing an extinction of human civilisation.. why are we still love to be engrossed with cheap and malicious activities?.. why can’t we digest neighbours success? If we introspect, I am sure we will find hell lot of malign particles in the DNA of every individual of this community.

I wonder, is it because of the rotten black shit like material we are dying to consume every day meal .. I know, I am sounding something very erratic but I assume traditionally our human character are like those we are practiced to eat as favorites like Longchak...

Why do we always like which stinks and give a rotten odor ???

Coming to the point of NBMM, it was bound to a split and it was a long time due.. because the people who took control after the big division of seventies had misused their positions and were very active and instrumental to bring many unethical and malignancy into the community.

Any organisation needs a periodical change in order to maintain its decorum and sanctity and also for proper and transparently productive implementation of work. And there must be some time bound objectives to be performed and implemented. But in case of NBMM people are holding portfolios for decades like theirs characters.. as if both are made for each other.. Ridiculous!!

And ancient leaders who are now counting their last days.. are still not able to relinquish their beloved character of separatism and dirty politics instead of doing some divine chants.

A fresh assemblage of educated people with urban mindset is the need of the hour who should be given control of NBMM or BMDC to get rid of the spiteful and sick attitude of the sitting dicks.

Moreover it is certainly a matter of surprise why do NBMM necessarily need to be involved in every matter or activity by any other individual or an organization in the community?

When NBMM could not be able to applaud and honor legends like Dr Kali Prasad Sinha just for the reason that he did not support few people’s idiosyncratic values and opted for an open minded coterie, its leadership undoubtedly shown their chauvinistic attitude also by propagating defamatory remarks for Dr K P Sinha.

Nonetheless, there are definitely a few can be found with the organizations even NBMM or BMDC who may be legitimately having a fair and ethical approach but their ideas are suppressed or disapproved.

Irrespective of all criticism we must tender our gratitude to Mahasabha and Sahitya Sabha for whatsoever contribution they have rendered to the community over decades.

In the present context, it is a matter of time to see what this new formation comes out to be as they claim to be departed NBMM since the group itself consists of some peoples who are alleged with various notorious activities.

I only believe it will add nothing less than fuel to the fiasco.

Change of wind

2012-01-13T23:44:00.000+05:30

Rebati Mohan Sinha

Dalai Lama

Dalai Lama once said, “Take care of your thoughts because they become words, take care of your words because they will become actions, take care of actions because they will become habits. Take care of habits because they will form your destiny and your destiny will be your life and there is no religion higher than the truth.” We can learn lot of things from it.

Let us take a quick review of sequence of events that had taken place, culminating to disintegration of the society. No matter what all these moves will take us to; but it will not be too far. Close on the heels of the reports appeared so far in newspapers and, if talks in the various meetings suggest, I see a day not far from now when people will have no faith in any leadership.

At the moment, society needs a leader who works most effectively. At the moment the challenge of a leadership is to be a strong, but not rude, be kind, but not weak, be bold but not bully, be thoughtful, but not lazy, be humble, but not timid, be proud, but not arrogant, have humor but without folly. The very essence of the leadership is to accomplish a task that is what leadership does and what it does is more important than what it is or how it works. As I have learnt, each person on a team is an extension of your leadership, if they feel empowered by you; they will definitely magnify your power to lead.

One should not rest on one`s past laurels, on the contrary, ask himself “ What have I done so far, say during last three years?” one should always look forward not backward. And why should we, people rely on a simple booklet, carrying some body’s past laurels printed on it, supported by some, so-called, social workers? Our big task ahead would be to restore people’s faith in administration, we have to reaffirm our enduring spirit to carry forward that noble idea, “The God given promise that all are free.”

A difference between an ordinary politician and a great leader is that, the former has an extremely short-term vision and plays up to base emotion like hate, envy or greed. Great leader like Gandhiji acted differently. He has a long-term vision and appeals to noble emotions like love, kindness and self respect.

One could reminisce the first experience of Mahasabha election held in the year 2009 at Kailasahar, where 92 delegates voted against the present incumbent. Look at the election result. The causality was for the seating President who was all set to win unopposed. Present incumbent has been administering for last 13 years but presently his track record of having bitter relation with the comrades who opposed his way of functioning. He and his cronies have a lot to answer for. Time alone will tell us whether our delegates have grown out of their starry eyed, adolescent admiration for leader who they thought could lead the Bishnupriya Manipuri community into its future. In present incumbent, the community believed, it had found such a leader, but now it is evident from the fact that he could no longer devote much of his time, because of profession, and ill health. The oath taking ceremony, which was taken place at Silchar after a lapse of more than three months, is the testimony to this affect.

Why this sudden change? It is because today’s educated youngsters want development, economic growth in the society. They no longer believe that they are neglected. They are rather not impressed by mere implementation of Bishnupriya Manipuri language in our LP schools. What they want is a new pathway for the future that can accommodate their dreams and aspirations. So, they find other organizations like Sangram Parishad, NBMSU (Anil group) which is no longer relevant. They are more interested in people who work selflessly for the Bishnupriya Manipuri community, not for their own fame. They believe that tomorrow BM community will be enriched by people who can bring unity among people, not divide them. They are tired of Doladoli. They want hatred shunned, and consensus be back.

History Repeats Itself

2012-01-13T00:12:00.001+05:30

BP Sinha

We are following the footprints of our beloved forefathers. If we go through the history of the community we will be able to find out the reasons for the present scenario of the community. Briefly, I would like to remind certain real incidents of our community, the reasons for which we failed to be united till today.

Since late 1970, the community was leaded by two giant leaders of the community: Late Jagat Mohon Sinha and Late Nanda Kishore Sinha. After the 31st Session of Nikhil Bishnupriya Manipuri Mahasabha (NBMM), 1977, these groups were formally divided, while one group was conducting the 32nd Session of NBMM, while the other was holding 33rd Session of the NBMM. After a lot of struggle between the two groups, Court Case, Police Case, Samjhata Meet etc., from the year 1978 to 1984 these groups formally separated their platform for rendering services to the Bishnupriya Manipuri community. The group under the leadership of Late Jagat Mohon Sinha got the ownership of NBMM. The group headed by Late Nanda Kishore Sinha formed a new organsation named as Sahitya Sabha. There were lot of controversies, I do not like to pass any comment as both the leaders are my beloved person and was personally attached to them, since I was a STUDENT at that period of time; my duty was to listen to their orders only.

I feel, since those blood of our forefathers is running in our body, we are unable to give up this groupism, as such now the community has been converted into two groups — NBMM and BMDC. It is needless to mention, prior to the formation of BMDC, both the leaders were sharing their food in single dish, even during the Biswa Sammelon conducted by NBMM. The present BMDC leader was introduced to the community by NBMM. In the month of June 2011, I had gone through various comments given by different people such as “an ordinary person can not place any demand before the Govt authority”, “leaders of NBMM has not been included in BMDC”. In fact, our country is a democratic country, so every citizen has got equal right to place any demand before the Govt. for his personal as well as for the benefit of the people. So far, I know earlier President of NBMM who contributed long 25 years in the organisation has been included in the BMDC as well as the existing Working President of Sahitya Parishad is the Vice Chairman of BMDC.

In fact both the present leaders are financially very sound as such they are keeping lot of blind followers who are actually diluting the images of both the leaders. The easiest thing in the world is to find fault on others and the toughest thing is to find out one’s own fault and rectify it. So instead of doing the easiest thing, let us try to do the toughest thing.

In earlier days, followers of both the groups were very dedicated and put their whole-hearted support to their leaders, unity in their respective group was very high, as they were very loyal to their group as a whole, while in the present scenario people are not loyal, and they are easily passing comments against their own leader without any hesitation and both the groups are neither very strong nor united, as nowadays people are of selfish nature which is the most negative quality of an individual in the social platform. A selfish person can never become loyal to his fellow members. So I feel both the present NBMM and BMDC group is not strong and united like previous groups of the community.

The only way to get rid of this groupism is to learn the way of recognizing one another. Dr. Devendra Kumar Sinha is renowned Gynecologist honored by two different foreign countries, lakhs of our community people have been assisted by him for medical treatment. Being the President of NBMM, he represented the community at National Level, by adopting the modern technology, he has included many members from all the countries in the world, wherever our community people is living and thus NBMM has got an International Forum. In earlier days, people staying outside India never knew about the functioning of NBMM. Thus he deserves appreciation.

Kartik Sena Sinha

Similarly, Kartik Sena Singha, the first Bishnupriya Manipuri MLA from Patharkandi in his early age, without any political background got elected. With his vigorous persuasion BMDC was formed and doing a lot for the economical development of the community. Thus, he also deserves appreciation.

In fact all the organization of the community has got contribution for achievement in different ways. What is the harm in recognizing the fact and their contribution to community?

For example

# Recognition of the Bishnupriya Manipuri Language was made during in the year 1983 after all out efforts made by NBMM. The NBMM deserves appreciation.

# NBMSU headed by Shri Anil Rajkumar made vital role in implementation of the language at Primary School, which was kept pending since recognition. NBMSU and Late Sudeshna Sinha who lost her life deserve recognition.

# Sahitya Sabha along with Samaj Sanngstha of Guwahati took vital role in the case decreed in our favour in the OBC Commission, Assam. Both the organization deserves recognition.

Late Dr. K.P Sinha

# While all the organization of the community put their hands together in the Supreme Court case and the same decreed in our favour. Sahitya Sabha took the main role in the play, thus credit goes to Sahitya Sabha and Late Dr. K. P. Sinha, since the decree was given in reference to his book Note of the term Bishnupriya Manipuri.

Etymological Dictionary published by him was 2nd of its kind in India. The first was by Dr. Sukumar Sen of Calcutta. We should feel proud of it; unfortunately, Dr. K.P Sinha was never honored by NBMM as he was belonging to the other group of the community i.e Sahitya Sabha.

I do have my whole hearted respect for all the past and present leaders of the community, I could not made any appeal to our earlier leaders because of my age. Now out of the two leaders one is like my elder brother and the other is my younger brother, as such through this web site, I put my humble request to both the leaders to get united for the benefit of the community before the community go back to their early 1978 position.

In this regard I would like to quote some important points: there were lot of artists in our community who were deserving National Award for their achievement in their life in Arts and Culture, but were deprived only because of our disunity.

Unity is Strength

Incidentally, my above observation became true and on 8th of January at 4-30 PM another NBMM took birth and now they have started fighting to establish their validity and started accusing one another as invalid and this will continue for another 3-4 years as with one registration number two different committee can not exist. They will take shelter of law and the court will decide which is valid and which is invalid, since there are thousands of cases are pending in the court it will take time get the decree.

When Ex President of NBMM was reminded about the history, he simply replied that let it be happened it will not hamper the development of the society. It is very unfortunate even after experiencing long 35 years they are still unaware that developmental work will certainly take a slow motion. It is observed that they are very eager to get the platform of NBMM which has got the curse of almighty “God” for dis-unity in the society. As such, NBMM can never bring unity in the society.

Because of the blood contents in the body which is having a large volume of groupism, existing NBMM trying their level best to dissolve the BMDC and constitute BMDC of their own and have already focused on it by naming their Chairman Col. Bijay Singh and they are in the race with all sorts of weapon and money power by door-to-door campaign to all Ministers and MLAs of Barak Valley to grasp the platform of BMDC as they are holding the highest platform of the Society, i.e. NBMM. There are many prominent platform where we are not representing and these leaders, they never think of sending representative in those platform viz. Assam Assembly, Parliament of India etc. etc. It is not at all, tough to represent in those platform if we concentrate on it instead of occupying the NBMM. We do not know, when the almighty GOD will shower His blessing to our so-called veteran leader of the society to go in a right direction in bringing unity in the community.

Jai Hind Jai Bishnupriya Manipuri

Bishnupriya Manipuri Development Council: A boon or a bane

2012-01-10T23:20:00.000+05:30

Rebati Mohan Sinha

When the Bishnupriya Manipuri Development Council (BMDC) came into existence, little did our community people realize, who were holding a motor bike procession from Kumbirgram Airport to Sadhu Thakur Sevashram, Tarapur, Silchar and followed by a felicitation, that it would turned into a turmoil in the community later? Now it is clearly visible that a division is imminent in the society due to newly formed committee of Mahasabha by the rival group with the help of BMDC.

The basic ethos of Bishnupriya Manipuri community is harmony; but I would not question the right to speak or raise pertinent issue. We are cowards and prefer to just debate within the confines of our meeting only, but we never evaluate. Why do we talk about only language, radio, TV and language teacher’s enrolment issues? What about other issues like roti, kapda and makan? At the moment, Bishnupriya Manipuri Development Council (BMDC) is not thinking of any development in the society except eying for the grant-in-aid from the State/Central Government. In my earlier articles on Bishnupriya Manipuri Development Council (BMDC), it was clearly mentioned that a society can not be developed merely on Government grant.

About 80% of our population live in villages. We can not make any progress until our villages are developed. The life of the villages is very hard because of bad communication. Our Govt. realized that the progress of the community was not possible without the development of our villages; therefore, plans were made to develop the villages and to improve the living condition of the poor; but BMDC is doing just the other way. It must think about Bishnupriya Manipuri people below poverty line, and not the people living in Guwahati, Silchar and other district towns.

Did BMDC ever try to find out what percentage of people living below poverty line? Where is the bylaw or Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to run the council? There were plenty of questions raised in my earlier articles on BMDC; but it failed to get any response. Where is the notification of Govt. on BMDC formation with satellite areas of village councils with population? Mahasabha never wanted BMDC would be a mere fund collector and disburse as per desire of the Babus of Govt.and Chairman. People might still remember that once late Rajiv Gandhi, then Prime Minister of India declared in Lal Quila on the Independence Day that villagers receiving sixteen paise as development fund out of a rupee sent from Centre, he would try to increase up to 32 paise. I do not know how much is reaching to us through BMDC. The Chairman only could tell us. Now, the Bishnupriya Manipuri Development Council (BMDC) has become a bone of contention in the Bishnupriya Manipuri society.

Bishnupriya Manipuri Society bursting at its seam

2012-01-08T16:29:00.001+05:30

Rebati Mohan Sinha

Playing politics while doing social work is not a vehicle to be used for fulfilling one’s personal ambition. Nowadays, the inflated egos, baseless notions and over-rated views dominate the action of certain persons, especially so-called two maharathies of our Bishnupriya Manipuri society, accusing, rather pointing finger at each other, saying, “He has caused me untold and unbearable pain, agony and misery by continuous and unabated rudeness, disrespectful and insulting behavior towards me.” It is also important that we understand the politics of social responsibility can not be left to the whims and fancy of certain individuals. Experience has shown that people will do a lot for money; in contrast a good leader would do most for a belief. We see this, happening every day all over the world. Roosevelt once said, “No one can make you feel inferior without your permission.”

Here, there is a story goes about an ancient Indian sage who was called ugly names by a passerby. The sage listened unperturbed till the man ran out of words. Then he asked the man, “If an offering is not accepted, whom it belongs to? The man replied “It belongs to the person who offered it.” The sage said “I refuse to accept your offering (that dirty remark).” and walked away, leaving the man dazed. The sage was internally driven.

We must take criticism graciously then evaluate and if it makes sense accept and implement it; but the people running our Sansthas, like Mahasabha, Sahitya Sabha and Samaj Sanstha refuse to accept it and as a result Bishnupriya Manipuri society is bursting at seam now. They never develop immunity to negative criticism. They forgot to be good listeners, whereas listening shows caring. When you show a caring attitude towards the person, seated in front of you, he feels important. When he feels important, he is more motivated, and more receptive to your ideas. In a democracy, criticism is welcome against institutions by individuals and representatives of institutions as that gives a fillip to the self-corrective process.

On 7th January 2012, a 2-day convention of Bishnupriya Manipuri, called by Suraksha Samiti, took place at Meherpur (Singari), near Silchar. These two Maharathies were supposed to be attending the convention as per their agreement. Here, I would like to remind Bishnupriya Manipuri people that what once shunned is now admired. What we once disapproved are now the ideals of a new society being built up on the premise that whatever makes money is good. Wealth is the new measure of a person’s place in society. Success is measured by earnings now.

Our only MLA did leave BJP and joined Congress, again left Congress then joined the other party to fight the election of his own without taking the Bishnupriya Manipuri society into confidence. Despite his in cohesion, he has made the people believe that there can be life beyond politics. Can we call it an achievement irrespective of the outcome of his last election? However given the polemical nature of his politics and his rapid fire styles it will be difficult for him to sustain his brand for a long time. At the other hand, a real leader emerges when there is perfect harmony between his ideas and the people’s mood; but at some point, he has to fade away. The leaders, who made desperate attempts to cling to their receding turf, often face humiliation. You are relevant as long as you can keep space with the change. Otherwise, the situation like conventions will take place to thwart further deterioration of society.

Now history is going to repeat itself after 1984 that a new Central Committee of Mahasabha is scheduled to form on 8th January 2012 at the same venue. And that will be the beginning of the end of society’s further growth.

Bishnupriya Manipuri Newsmaker (Bangladesh)

2012-01-08T00:36:00.002+05:30

It is with great pleasure we bring to you some ...of the brightest potentials in our (Bangladesh) cultural world. It is our (The Daily Star) way of introducing a “new” generation of news makers in the new year. In their own words they express their highlights of the year gone by and share their expectations from the fans.

Jyoti Sinha, actor, Manipuri Theatre

I had spent last year mostly performing in my troupe's monodrama, “Kohe Birangana”. The show has been staged 27 times since its debut in December, 2010. The play has been staged in different districts including Dhaka, Chittagong, Sylhet and Habiganj.

With the government grant, my troupe has produced a Tagore play, “Debotar Grash”. The play premiered on December 29 last year in Dhaka. I had to spend a significant period of time for the rehearsal of the play, where I have been enacting an important role. The play is in Bishnupriya Manipuri language.

Our troupe celebrated its 15th anniversary last year. We produced a collage featuring old plays. I had to play different roles in the collage. The celebration programme was held in Kamolganj and in Dhaka. To celebrate our traditional festival Bishu as well as the Bangla New Year, Manipuri Theatre arranged a colourful programme. I had to play an important role as an organiser.

I wish to share my plans with theatre enthusiasts this year which is mainly to continue on stage performances in our ongoing productions. Moreover, I want to continue my research work on Manipur Rasa Leela that I started last year. In my “Open Letter” I want to add that we will run a camp to collect new members for the troupe. So keep in touch!!

Courtesy: The Daily Star (January 2, 2012)

Manipuri Theatre premieres Debotar Grash

2012-01-05T13:48:00.000+05:30

Manipuri Theatre staged its newest production, Rabindranath Tagore's “Debotar Grash”, on December 29 at the Studio Theatre Hall, Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy. After seven shows at the troupe's local area in Kamolganj, Maulvibazar, this was the Dhaka premiere of the play. The play premiered in Kamolganj on June 13 last year. The play received a grant from the government along with other selected troupes to produce Tagore play on his 150th birth anniversary.

The experimental work, based-on Tagore poem with the same title, has been both adapted and directed by Shuvashis Sinha.

The performance was mainly choral. Individual dialogues were often overtaken by the choral renditions.

The story depicts the epic voyage of a group of people who face a tempest during their return home after attending a ritualistic festival. Among the travellers is a priest who is caught in a dilemma between religion and humanity even as he tries to determine the cause of the tempest.

Sinha adapted the play into his mother tongue of Bishnupriya Manipur language. It was hard for the Dhaka audience to keep pace with the dialogues; nevertheless, it seemed that the performance was largely based on musical elements. Using their traditional cultural elements such as dance forms and singing style, the Manipuri actors narrated the Tagore work in an indigenous theatre form.

The cast of the play included Jyoti Sinha, Lakkhan Sinha, Bhagyalakkhi Sinha, Smriti Sinha, Sushanto Singha, Sunil Singha and Shukla Sinha. Sudip Chakroborthy did the light designing, while Sharmila Sinha did the music. The music featured compositions of Tagore tunes with his lyrics transformed into Bhishnupriya Manipuri language.

Ramendu Majumdar, ITI Worldwide president and chief of the committee that allotted troupes to produce Tagore plays, inaugurated the Dhaka show at the Studio Theatre Hall. After the premiere, two more shows of the play were staged the following day.

Courtesy: The Daily Star

Entrepreneurship

2012-01-05T02:08:00.003+05:30

In memory of Late Sukhojyoti Sinha
RK Rishikesh Sinha

This article is in the memory of Late Sukhojyoti Sinha whom I met last year at her residence. Little conversation that I had with her ended with one question from her : how a business could be started without capital. I am failing to remember how in a short meeting this question came into our conversation.

---------

It is aptly said:

“Entrepreneurship to a man is quite close to what pregnancy and child birth is to a woman”.

When to be independent?

There is no age to be independent. Some starts early without any work experience. While some begins after working few years; however to pin-point the perfect age when to be independent is a tough question to answer. I believe, age doesn’t become a factor, more than that it is the confidence of the entrepreneur that counts. The day an entrepreneur gets an inner call and a mountain-like confidence, the journey of entrepreneurship begins.

Why entrepreneurship?

# Independence: To be independent drives many to start business. This is one important reason that pushes youngsters to take the roller-coaster ride of starting a business.

# Challenges: Some people tread into entrepreneurship due to their innate urge to take challenges which are unplanned and unpredictable unlike 9-to-5 job.

# Money: The lure of money is another reason that attracts people to plunge into entrepreneurship.

# Ownership Feeling: There is nothing satisfying in this world than the feeling of Ownership. For an entrepreneur, it’s a great feeling of pride to see the business establishment growing from the scratch.

Capital or Skill (or both)

What is more important to start a business – capital or skill or both capital and skill? The primary reason behind well-started off business failure is due to undercapital or lack of skill of an entrepreneur. However, this is not the absolute truth. There are stories of entrepreneurs who started with nought but they have made a place in the market that you and I can see around us.

The common pitfall that has been evident for those who come into business after working for few years is: the lack of ‘business’ skill. A designer, programmer, or a writer might be adored or praised while in his or her job, but those designing and programming skill is not enough to get sure-shot success while if he or she wishes to start a business of his or her own.

They might get stuck with hardware problems, marketing, negotiation and in many co-ordinated business sphere where he or she would find herself as a cat in a hot tin roof. These simple looking problems that were looked after by departments and designated people has to be faced and tackled if the business is started in a thin wafer-like capital.

Conclusion

Problems, call it challenges, are bountiful and oceanic for any new starters; however these doesn’t stop a true entrepreneur in his or her journey.

------
It was a short meeting with her, I couldn't discuss anything in detail. She presented me her book Mor Bilat Bhraman. I didn't know that it would be our last meeting. May God rest her soul in peace.

NBMSU hammers Education Minister on academic issues

2012-01-03T01:58:00.001+05:30

From our Special Correspondent

Silchar, January 2: Nikhil Bishnupriya Manipuri Students’ Union (NBMSU), Bishnupriya Manipuri Ganasangram Parishad (BMGP) and Nikhil Bishnupriya Manipuri Women’s Organization (NBMWO), in a joint memorandum to the education minister of Assam, Himanta Biswa Sarma, submitted through the deputy commissioner of Cachar, today have raised certain specific demands related to the academic needs of students of the community and pressed for their immediate redressal, considering their scholastic interests. Bishnupriya Manipuri language was introduced at the primary stage of education in 1999, but till now, books for upper primary, M E sections, have not been prepared. Since the introduction of the language, it should have been introduced at the M E school level also. Unfortunately, no steps have been taken by the government in this regard. Further, all languages are included as Modern Indian Language (MIL) in the SEBA syllabus, but Bishnupriya Manipuri language has been left out. This has deprived the students of this linguistic minority community of their legitimate and fundamental right of receiving education in their own language. This is in violation of the constitutional provisions also, besides against the democratic spirit of the country.

In respect of the teachers for the subject, the memorandum signed by Subal Sinha, chairman, Samir Sinha, principal secretary, BMGSP, Jyosthna Rajkumari, general secretary, Rita Sinha, chairperson, NBMWO, Govinda Rajkumar, working president, and Dipu Sinha, NBMSU, points out that the services of 149 language lower primary teachers were regularized, but their salaries have not been paid till date. Since class V has been included in the primary level, additional posts of teachers for lower primary schools are required for teaching the language. And as the Bishnupriya Manipuri language has to be taught in upper primary or M E schools, additional 100 posts for the same have to be created. The memorandum therefore presses for preparation of text books for M E school level, inclusion of Bishnupriya Manipuri language as MIL in SEBA syllabus, release of salaries of 149 language teachers as specified earlier, creation of 200 posts of LP and 100 posts of M E teachers for Bishnupriya Manipuri language teaching diploma holders in Cachar, Karimganj, Hailakandi and Kamrup districts.

The demand has also been placed for holding a discussion on the academic issues raised and a date has to be fixed within 15 days, failing which the Bishnupriya Manipuri bodies will be left with no option than to go for agitation course of action.

Courtesy: Sentinel

Bangla-Manipuri ties to start anew

2012-01-02T18:11:00.001+05:30

Ramlal Sinha

Guwahati, Jan 1

Bangladesh, has vowed to boost the cultural and literary ties between the Bishnupriya Manipuris of India and Bangladesh.

Samarjit Singha, vice-president of the Manipuri Samaj Kalyan Samiti, the social activist from the neighbouring country said this while addressing a meeting of the Bishnupriya Manipuri Writers’ Forum (BMWF), Guwahati. The forum felicitated him at a meeting held with Forum President Dils Lakshmindra Sinha in the chair at Rehabari on Sunday.

Addressing the gathering, Singha said: “The Bishnupriya Manipuris of India and Bangladesh should boost the literature and culture of the community from their respective countries. I appeal to the Bishnupriya Manipuris in India, especially of Assam and Tripura, to play the role of big brother for the development of the community.” “In this respect, the people of Bangladesh, particularly those belonging to the Bishnupriya Manipuris, will extend full cooperation. I also appeal to the Bishnupriya Manipuri intellectuals of India and Bangladesh to work unitedly for the uplift of the community,” he added.

Meanwhile, the BMWF raised eyebrows over the move taken by a section of legislators of Barak Valley whom they accused of blocking funds to the Bishnupriya Manipuri Development Council (BMDC). The writers’ forum has appealed to the Assam government not to deprive the backward community of the funds allocated in the budget.

Courtesy: Seven Sisters Post (www.sevensisterspost.com)

Happy New Year 2012 with new innovation

2012-01-01T16:10:00.000+05:30

RK Rishikesh Sinha

Happy New Year 2012 Greetings

Happy New Year to all dear members and readers from Bishnupriya Manipui Online.

I hope 2012 brings happiness and prosperity in your life.

In its sixth year in the web world, I would like to begin an innovation which has always been a strong wish since the day the blog came into existence that one day the blog would pay an Honorarium to guest writers and contributors for their effort and time.

Fulfilling this wish, in a mark of respect to their creative effort, Bishnupriya Manipuri Online has decided to pay an honorarium of Rs 2000, Rs 1000 and Rs 500 per year to three top upcoming guest writers/contributors.

Here is a cursory glance to the eligibility:

A guest writer/contributor has to contribute 15 articles in a year; it could be in any niche.
The articles should be in English.

This is a just a beginning to appreciate and encourage the creativity.

Best regards

A heartfelt tribute to Sukhajyoti Sinha

2012-01-01T00:23:00.001+05:30

Rebati Mohan Sinha

Late Sukhajyoti was such a kind person, who will be greatly missed by our Bishnupriya Manipuri community. I will personally miss her helpful advice on social work. Death is a tragic time for the surviving family members and friends and offering the right words of comfort can go a long way to helping them heal. I know, how much grief a mother’s death causes. They have lost their mother and that void can never be filled.

An era will end along with the year this auspicious December 25 (Christmas)when the much loved and revered family bids farewell to Sukhajyoti, on her last rite(Shradda), marked by exceptional leadership and social work. That is the legacy of the 86-year- old social worker, whom many might remember as the familiar figure walking through the crowd in her usual habit. In this year, age had forced her to be away from public life but her aura had not dimmed.

She retired as State Social Education Officer and ever after she had been a source of inspiration for every one whose life she has touched in some way or other. She had always been a leader. She had always worked for the upliftment of the Bishnupriya Manipuris in general and women in particular.

My first meeting with the Sukhajyoti masee was in the year 2003 in World Conference of Nikhil Bishnupriya Manipuri Mahasabha held at Sadhu Thakur Ashram at Tarapur, Silchar. Both masee and myself were invited as presidents and happened to be seated together on the dais and could exchange our views. Later years quite often we shared the dais where ever we were invited. Once it so happened when I was invited in Sri Sri Radhamadhavjiu Mandir Parichalan Samiti’s Kendriya Adhiveshan at Maligaon Malthep, Guwahati to attend the 3 days’ session and no one from reception committee had shown any courtesy to welcome me at the venue, hearing that she became furious and had a good word with authority and when she came to know that Anchalik Committee was adamant in their decision, she immediately asked Guwahati Woman Organisation to make arrangement for my felicitation on the same venue.

My last meeting with her was in March in Kolkata this year at her younger brother, Capt. Radha Kishore Sinha’s last rite (shradda). He was a Captain in Merchant Navy. Then I had talked to her from her youngest sister’s house at New Delhi in the month of September. Although I was in Guwahati in November; but I could not meet her at hospital due to my sudden departure for Kolkata.

Camouflaged and pre-planned episode

2012-01-01T00:13:00.006+05:30

In reference to the article “A writer’s dilemma”

Rebati Mohan Sinha

Can a handful of disgruntled group of misguided youths take the entire people seated in Sri Sri Radha Madhav Mandir, Maligaon, Guwahati, to ransom? Who were they to take the law in their own hands vis-à-vis leaving the venue (Malthep) of their own, forgetting their social responsibilities, disrupting the entire ritual on the baseless pretext? At the same time, what were invitees doing there at the venue? Have they ever tried to defuse the situation by stopping those henchmen distributing the leaflets and forcing people to leave the venue? Nay! Never. The entire drama was a camouflaged and pre-planned episode orchestrated by a wicked mind to humiliate the author of the book, in general public, who is, in fact, thought to be his rival, a retired colonel from Army, equivalent to a first class District Magistrate (DMO).

Although the explosion took place at the foothill of Kamakhya, namely the Maligaon malthep, the epicentre was elsewhere; but no one could come forward to indicate it. The name of the book in question is “Shahidor shraddha baro katohan yari” written about six years ago. A copy of the book was gifted to me by the author himself at his resident years back. I had never thought that the book would one day hurt a few Brahmins of Guwahati, who are not at all a priest of any leifam (mandir) and their professions are different than their ancestors.(some are servicemen/businessmen). In what capacity they were invited in the shraddha? Did they attend the ritual in Brahmin attire i.e., dhoti and panjabi? If they did not follow the simple dress code, how do they claim as......?

Earlier, people were known by the job they did, say, a vaishya, who does business and a kshatrya, who defends the country. Now a question may arise, a Brahmin who doesn’t perform puja as priest, instead he does business — how should we address him — a Brahmin because he is a son of a Brahmin or a vaishya because he is a businessman? In other way, when a Brahmin is asked about his profession, he replies, “I am a businessman, (a vaishya),” in this case, he is known in the society as businessman, a vaishya not as a Brahmin.

The discontentment of those aggrieved persons arises few questions:

1. First and foremost. Did they ever try to apprise the author, about their sentiments?

3. Did the aggrieved party try to bring to the notice of the society in Guwahati?

4. Was there any agreement between the thoupu (host) and the aggrieved party as far as the shraddha was concerned?

5. Was there any role to play by the BMDC members of district unit in a shraddha in general?

6. How could they summarily punish (social boycott) someone without hearing him his views?

7. Why should society honor their (Brahmins) verdict (social boycott)?

8. Why do they so adamant in spite of nothing derogatory found about Brahmins in the book by themselves? (refer Bisweshwar Sharma’s declaration).

9. Who all are they to compel author to bow his head when he is not guilty?

When these people have no portfolios (priesthood) in a society, how come they demand respect in this way?

A Writer's Dilemma

2011-12-29T21:47:00.001+05:30

Col. (Retd.) Bijay Sinha

Of late, there has been some criticism on my writings (Shahidor Sharaddha baro Kotohan Yaari- a compilation of short stories) by a few readers, which has set a disturbing trend in the society. These readers seem to interpret my work as defamatory to a certain section of the society (particularly the brahmins of Guwahati). This accusation I find interesting and amusing although baseless. Here I want to clarify one thing, that is, what I have written is nothing but a work of fiction and imagination that serve as a representation of the society and the environment. The views expressed in my works are not necessarily my own but have been put in to support the stories keeping in mind the need of the plots of the stories. Writing, I believe, is an art which may directly or indirectly impress upon the society.

Henry James said, " Art lives upon discussion, upon experiment, upon curiosity, upon variety of attempt, upon the exchange of views and the comparison of standpoints; and there is a presumption that those times when no one has anything particular to say about it, and has no reason to give for practice or preference, though they maybe times of genius, are not times of development, are times possibly even, a little, of dullness."

It flatters me that people take my works seriously to the point of getting offended by them. My earnest request to the people is that they continue the discussion and criticism, but in a healthy, mature and constructive manner.

Sukhajyoti Sinha: A tribute

2011-12-28T23:13:00.001+05:30

Ramlal Sinha

Guwahati, Dec 23

Educationist and writer Sukhajyoti Sinha breathed her last on December 13, 2011 in her Guwahati residence. Born on October 21, 1925 in Sylhet district in undivided India (now Bangladesh), she had joined the Assam education department after completion of master’s degree in English and political science, L.L.B and BT. She was the daughter of Late Rai Saheb Choudhury Singha and late Rani Basanta Kumari Devi. In 1979, she got British fellowship that enabled her to study in Edinburg University and Manchester University. After returning from England, she had authored a travelogue, Mor Bilat Bhraman.

The outspoken and extrovert writer and educationist had been involved in some social organizations, including the Bishnupriya Manipuri Mahila Samiti, Guwahati.

Her largesse, when it comes for the cause of the society, is exemplary. The Bishnupriya Manipuri Writers’ Forum (BMWF) was on the lookout for an office accommodation a few years back. It was late Sukhojyoti Sinha who offered on her own a room in her house at Silpukhuri for use as BMWR office (purely as a temporary arrangement), and that enabled the forum to get its registration done without much trouble. This is not all. As and when the Forum was in the need of a venue for holding its various literary and cultural programmes, she used to offer the rooms of an English medium school located on the premises of her residence at Tarun Nagar in Guwahati and its microphone set free of cost. This was writer Sukhajyoti Sinha, generosity personified.

In her death, the BMWF and many other social organizations in the community have lost an adviser, a well-wisher, a writer and a patron. The women in the community have lost a leader who had led them from the front on many occasions. In her personal life, she did what she thought just and must without bothering about what others in the community would say. On personal front, she could prove her determination by facing many an odd with a brave front. On my part, I have to bear the pain for not being able to publish a cover story in the Sunday magazine of a publication house where I was working over the years. This is despite an assurance from my part.

Courtesy: Seven Sisters Post (WWW.sevensisterspost.com)

Wintry Nostalgia

2011-12-18T23:23:00.004+05:30

Personal Jottings!

RK Rishikesh Sinha

Like many people, I also like winter season. With temperature 5 degree Celsius and cloudy weather here in Delhi, I felt like writing a ‘winter’ write-up. As my keyboard started writing words, I delve deep into the unforgettable memories of the past.

Good Morning Delhi

My neighbours are saying it is “too cold”. Toeing their conversation, I also say, “Yeah! It is too cold.” I see in the tea stalls, people sipping hot tea seem to be merrier than they were in the Dilli ki garmi. People collecting dry wood, leaves, papers to make fire and sitting around it to make themselves warm is one of the common scene in every nook and corner. I also noticed that the always open doors of my neighbours are tightly closed this season.

Wrapping myself in a woolen blanket, I am wishing to have hot-hot tea with some spicy hot pokoras.

This Delhi cold has reminded me the days of bone-chilling, snow-capped winter season in Kashmir. Though here, I don't do any preparation for fighting the cold; in Kashmir it needs a year-long preparation.Without it, it is impossible to survive.

Snow-capped winter Kashmir

What were the preparations?

# Air-Proof Room: Come winter, the whole house was being made winter proof. A room was chosen and being made air-proof so that all the household activities could be done in that particular room. Windows would be closed with polythene sheets, letting no gap to remain open. Even doors would not be spared. The gap between the bottom of the door and the floor was also taken care of! The sack was used to fill even the tiniest gap to block the nerve-shivering wind.

# Quilt: The weight of the quilt would go up to 10 kg of cotton!

# Cloths: I used to put on minimum 5 pieces of clothes to keep myself warm which would ultimately make me immovable! Kashmiri pheran (finely woven, baggy wool-coat) was the best protection though I never worn it.

Men wearing pheran

# Bukhari: Without it, one cannot survive the frigid cold of Kashmir. Bukhari is a cylindrical drum with a chimney where coal/oil is burned. One will find it in every home, school and office. Bukhari make the room warm and we also used it to cook food. I used to fire the Bukhari early morning and would heat up the water pipe that used to clog due to freezing of water.

# Stored Garbage: One interesting thing we used to do whole year was storing the household garbage and all sort of junk so that it could be burned in the winter season. It included cardboard, packets, papers and anything rubbish. This might be the reason that Kashmir is clean!

# Kangri: This is a firepot to fight cold. Kashmiris keep it burn months-after-months, that I failed to learn the trick. It is something like personal heater (with wood charcoal) which will keep you warm and safe from the biting cold. Very important while traveling and where there is no source of heat.

Kangri

Memoir:
I still remember the morning school task in winter season that we boys used to do daily immediately after reaching the school. We would burn the class-Bukhari with kerosene and wood. After it was ignited, the task of girls was to make tea for all the students and teachers!

Gitiswami Remembered At Shillong

2011-12-13T23:41:00.005+05:30

In a simple and solemn ceremony, the Bishnupriya Manipuris of Shillong celebrated the 115th Birth Anniversary of the National Icon of the Bishnupriya Manipuris, Gokulananda Gitiswami (26th November, 1896 – 10th July, 1962) on 27 November 2011 at Bivar Road, Shillong. The ceremony was organised by the Gitiswami Jayanti Udjapan Samitty (GIJUS), Shillong.

President Sri L.K. Sinha offering tributes, Adviser, Guru Haricharan Sinha,
General Secretary Sri Rajesh Sinha speaking on the occasion

The function started at about 11.30 a.m. and concluded at about 3 p.m. The inaugural and welcome speech was delivered by Rajesh Sinha, General Secretary of the Samity. Guru Haricharan Sinha, President, North-Eastern Dance Academy, Shillong, Adviser, spoke on the occasion and highlighted the life and works of Gitiswami. Lakshmikanta Sinha (Bashi), ICAS, (Retd.), President, discussed the sacrifice and contribution of Gitiswami in detail for the development of the community. Birojit Sinha, Vice-President and Harendra Sinha (NEEPCO) also spoke on the role of Gitiswami in protecting the mother-tongue Bishnupriya Manipuri to near extinction.

President L.K. Sinha, Harendra Sinha, Guru Haricharan Sinha,
Birajit Sinha, Rajesh Sinha & Others

In the concluding speech, Rajesh Sinha praised all the Bishnupriya Manipuri people of Shillong for their co-operation in making the programme a success. He specifically mentioned the names of Subrata Sinha, B.K. Sinha, Shaiva Sinha, Sankar Sinha, Moni Sinha, Rinku Sinha and Agami Sinha. He also expressed his gratitude to Col.(Retd.) Bijoy Sinha and DILS Debojyoti Sinha for their relentless moral support. Rajesh Sinha, General Secretary also cited the cooperation made by Mihir Sinha and Birendra Rajkumar who could not attend the programme as they attended the celebration of birth anniversary of Gitiswami on the same date at Guwahati on behalf of the Shillong committee.

The President, L.K. Sinha, formally concluded the function with a pledge that they will celebrate the ceremony in a grand way next year provided the co-operation of the people of Shillong continues.

Attendees at the function

A befitting tribute continues to elude Gokulananda

2011-12-06T00:58:00.001+05:30

Ramlal Sinha

Do the messages of alternative media mogul Gokulananda, fondly called as Gitiswami, have their right impact on the present Bishnupriya Manipuri community that is witnessing a rat race almost on all fronts? The commoners in the community are a baffled lot, a large number of which are mere puppets at the hands of the few influential ones. Not to speak of the commoners, even the so-called conscious lot in the community is treading a path that will lead the community nowhere. Had the bard been alive today, the Bishnupriya Manipuri community would have seen him in different avatar – a mediator. Since nothing was more precious to him than the well-being of the community that he was born, the minstrel would have been ready to play any role in order to keep unity and integrity in the community intact. The need of the hour in the community is another Gokulanda who ensure a grand rapprochement in the community.

Is it the cutthroat competition that is being witnessed on all fronts in the community behind the current rat race? Competition is a ‘respected’ word in all aspects as it allows us to select the best from among a whole lot of probable candidates. This statement stands valid so long the contesting candidates are honest enough to keep their competition a fair affair. However, in the present day competition, the word ‘fair’ finds no berth, and this trend is not an exception to the Bishnupriya Manipuri community that has just entered ‘active politics’ with the formation of the Bishnupriya Manipuri Development Council (BMDC) at the fag end of Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi’s second term at Dispur.

That the BMDC is a boon for the community is an undisputed statement, but one should not be complacent with that. If we need to derive the best out of the BMDC, we should ensure that those at the helm of its affairs in the community are fair enough. However, all that is happening in the Bishnupriya Manipuri community concerning the BMDC nowadays is far from being fair. As it has always been, those who rule the roost in the community are a divided lot.

So strong are their respective footings that they have already polarized the community. It’s the commoners who have suffered the worst casualty in the war of nerves currently underway among the heavyweights in the community. The common masses have no way out but to hanker after mere ‘benefits’ that never come to them without any rider.

When those at loggerheads aren’t ready to step back, for the well-being of the community, one can only pin hope on a section of leaders, writers and intellectuals, who, for reasons best known to them only, have opted to zip their lips. They can detect the ailment and its remedy right. However, they continue to refrain from opting for a rapprochement from their own that can put an end to the unfair and fierce competition for the share of power-pie.

Walkover is valid in any fields, be it sports or politics, so long there is no contender worth the name. However, when someone throws his or her cap into the ring, any attempt to pave the way for a walkover, someway or the other, is considered as cunningness, and a leader resorting to such practices can never be the darling of the mass, his fellow beings. An impeccable track record is something what a politician needs to guard jealously, if he or she is to get his people beside him, all the time. One may win the race by resorting to an unfair way, but he or she loses the spirit of the game. He or she will remain a loser, at least to the posterity.

The roadblock that the community has hit, of late, is essentially an obstacle we ourselves have put up. Over the years, we had the key to the solution of all problems of ours at Dispur, but now we have the key to the solution with some of our own people, who, for reasons best known to them only, want to keep the problems alive. The fate of the BMDC is hanging in balance, and the reason behind this is not far to seek. The crux of all problems in the Bishnupriya Manipuri community is the “ego” that is not ready to adopt itself with the everchanging social environment.

If the increasing legal wrangling in the community for no personal enmity is any indication, the day is not far when such cases will only spell doom for the community. Can a community that is limping to stand upright afford to waste its precious time on such a rubbish job that leads one nowhere? In this regard, I would like to appeal to the gentlemen concerned in the community to keep it in mind –– legal option should come as a last resort, not as the first, in solving any problem that seeks a just and lasting solution.

The irony is that we still feel proud of giving one another a good run for our hard-earned money so as to fail our fellow beings on the pretext of celebrating the birth anniversary of great men like Sri Sri Bhubaneswar Sadhuthakur and Gokulananda Gitiswami. For the well-being of the community, one needs to come to terms with even an unpleasant development in the community if he or she doesn’t have any viable or better alternative at hand. Taking anything to terms becomes much easier when one does have a well-set target –– and in the present context the target can’t be anything other than the well-being of the community. This is one of the teachings of all great men in the world, and Gitiswami and Sri Sri Bhubaneswar Sadhuthakur are no exception.

I do remember the last few words uttered by my mother moments before breathing her last. When my eldest brother had asked her to spell out the very kind of shraddha she would like, she only replied: “What I want is unity among all my sons and daughters.”

If we feel like paying a befitting tribute to Gokulananda Gitiswami, we should do our best to keep the community that he had been born in order with its unity and integrity intact. Can’t we? Such a tribute to the great poet continues to elude us. In a community in which people with vested interests, including some front-runners, are out to drive a wedge between probable power centres so as to mint money or to get their footholds, we can only strive for a bright future that, more often than not, turns out to be chasing mirage. Will the good sense ever prevail in the probable power centres in the Bishnupriya Manipuri community and its think tank?

We can only hope against hopes.

Courtesy: Smaranika, Janmajayanti, Gitiswami Gokulananda, 2011.

Celebration Of Birth Anniversary Of Geetiswami At Guwahati

2011-12-04T00:10:00.009+05:30

By Pratibha Sinha, Guwahati

It was for the first time in Guwahati, the birth anniversary of Geetiswami Gokulananda was celebrated in a historic manner by the Bishnupriya Manipuris on 26th and 27th November, 2011 to reminisce the contributions of the revolutionary and cultural doyen. The occasion was organised at different parts of the city. On 26th November, a programme was organised at Dakhingaon(Kahilipara), Sudarshanpur(Maligaon), Chalihanagar, Saalbari and Bijulinagar(Noonmati) and on 27th November, another programme was held at Silpagram(Panjabari), Khanapara, Satgaon, Christian Basti, TV Tower and Jorabat. The Bishnupriya Manipuri people have showered their love and respect on these two days by organizing different programs at different localities with a call to build cultural bridges, break barriers of language and strengthen the humanity bond. Intellectuals from different places of Assam and Tripura arrived at Guwahati to recall the versatile genius Geetiswami Gokulananda.

Gokulananda, a philosopher, social reformer, music composer, dramatist and an artist, was very much conscious about the social upliftment and eradication of social drawbacks from the Bishnupriya Manipuri society. He was born on 26th November, 1896 in a village called Madhavpur of Bhanugachh in Bhanubil, Bangladesh. His messages on social reformation and movements reached in all those places where Bishnupriya Manipuri people were densely populated in Bangladesh, Tripura and Assam. He was conferred with the title “Geetiswami” because of his multitalented and multifaceted qualities. He died on 10 July, 1962.

It was really a marvelous opportunity for anyone to attend such a historic day of such an inspiring legend. It also becomes an obligation to attend such an occasion when anyone receives numbers of invitations to attend numbers of programs on the same day and in the same city. Same thing happened with me. I started receiving invitations one month in advance till the last one day before the celebration day from different locations. I was both excited and confused about which program to attend or not to attend. At last, commitment and priority helped me to decide and select the programs to attend. It was really a nostalgia experience for me and enriched with lots of information & knowledge about the visionary legend. I got the opportunity to be a part of the celebration at two places on the two days – one at Dakhingaon(Kahilipara) and another at Silpagram(Panjabari) and glad to share the highlights of the celebration.

At Dakhingaon(Kahilipara) on 26 November, 2011

Bishnupriya Manipuri Writers’ Forum(BMWF), a Guwahati based literary forum under the presidentship of Dils Lakhsmindra Sinha and the Bishnunagar Mandir Committee under the presidentship of Akhil Chandra Sinha celebrated the 116th birthday(janma tithi) of Gokulananda at the mandap(malthep) of Sri Sri Bishnumandir, Bishnunagar, Dakhingaon of Guwahati on 26 November, 2011. All invited guests and people present on the occasion paid tribute to the iconic figure. In his memory, recitation of poems and songs composed by Gokulananda were performed by different local litterateurs and artists. Sushil Kr. Sinha, Professor of Guwahati University, Dr. Smriti Kumar Sinha, Tezpur University, Pratap Sinha, SP/Hemren, Bimalesh Sinha, Ramlal Sinha, Bhimsen Sinha, Advocate, Smt. Sushila Sinha, BM Mahila Samit etc were present in the occasion as invited guests who addressed the people highlighting the life sketch of Gokulananda. A very common message delivered by all the speakers was to shed all socio-ill feelings and instill a positive thought process to make a better society unitedly. Gokulananda was the perfect symbol of networking amongst the BM people and a source of inspiration for the people.

Birth anniversary of Geetiswami Gokulananda, Guwahati

A special issue of Longlei on Geetiswami, a literary magazine published by BMWF was also released by Bhimsen Sinha, Advocate. Some selected senior citizens were felicitated on the occasion. Narendra Thakur, Sanjib Sinha, & other members of BMWF were also present on the occasion to make the function successful.

Kartik Sena Sinha, ex-MLA also joined the program after attending another program on Geetiswami held at Sudarshanpur(Maligaon) on the same day. The function was concluded with a musical evening.

Birth anniversary of Geetiswami Gokulananda, Guwahati

At Shilpagram(Panjabari) on 27 November, 2011

115th Janma Jayanti of Gokulananda was celebrated with full dignity and enthusiasm at Silpagram, Panjabari by the Geetiswami Jayanti Udjapan Committee, Guwahati. Broja Mohan Sinha, IAS/Tripura was the chief guest of the function and other guests - Hemkanti Sinha, educationist, Ajit Kr. Sinha/Professor of Agricultural College/Jorhat, Dr. Prabhat Kr. Sinha/ Professor of Radha Madhav College/Silchar, Uday Sinha/Secretary General of Mahasabha, Dr. Ramananda Sinha/Principal of Kokrajhar Science College, Broja Gopal Sinha,SBI/Branch Manager, Arunachal Pradesh, Rebati Mohan Sinha and others paid tribute to Geetiswami and spoke on the life sketch and contribution of Gokulananda. They raised many emerging social issues and suggestions to eradicate and improve the deplorable conditions of the BM society. They spoke on the need of awakening and creating awareness among the masses about the present need of individuals for self development and social upliftment. SMARANIKA 2011, a souvenir was also released on the occasion.

Birth anniversary of Geetiswami Gokulananda, Guwahati

Hemkanti Sinha was honoured with the “GEETISWAMI AWARD” for his life time achievement in the field of education, social service and literary work. He was born on 18 January, 1941. He was an educationist by profession and worked in many educational institutions at various places holding responsible position. His contributions in various fields are exemplary. He was honored with “Bharat Jyoti” award by the India International Friendship Society, New Delhi, “Best Citizen of India” award by International Publishing House, New Delhi, “Glory of India Gold Medal” by International Institute of Success Awareness, New Delhi etc. Due to his meritorious performance, in 2006 Jawahar Navoday Vidyalaya of Manipur started an annual award titled as “HK Sinha Meritorious(Annual) Award”. He also worked as Working President of Mahasabha. His contributions towards Bisnupriya Manipuri society and literary is highly remarkable. Detail profile of Hemkanti Sinha is appended at the end.

On the occasion, meritorious students were also awarded with a certificate of appreciation and cash prizes for their outstanding performance in the academic session of 2010-11. ‘Late Nitai Bhallav & Sumoti Sinha Smriti Puraskar’ was awarded to Ms. Anisha Sinha, Medical student of Jorhat Medical College, ‘Late Namdev Sinha Smriti Puraskhar’ was awarded to Rajat Sinha , IIT student of IIT/Guwahati and ‘Late Rupamanjuri Rajkumar Smriti Purashkar’ was awarded to Amal Sinha, computer student on 3D Edge(AD3D Edge).

Awardees of Meingal Scholarship

Three other personnels Uttam Singha, from New York, America(originally from Bangladesh), R.K Rishikesh Sinha, Delhi and Pratibha Sinha(myself) were announced on the occasion to felicitate with the “NINGOR KHUTTOL” (Gift of Honour) with a certificate and a cash award of Rs.2000/- by DILs Debojyoti Sinha on behalf of DILS Association for their exceptional contribution to the Bishnupriya Manipuri language, literature and culture in the Internet medium. Uttam Singha and RK Rishikesh Sinha could not attend the function due to their personal inconvenience. It was not only a moment of happiness for me to receive the Gift of Honour but above all it was a moment of success of achieving an aim and fulfillment of the purpose aimed for and the extant possible efforts involved in website/blog designing and uploading information on the websites with a mission to popularize the Bishnupriya Manipuri current affairs, culture, tradition, literary works etc. world wide through the web media. I too congratulate Uttam Singha and RK Rishikesh Sinha for the honour received and their remarkable achievement in the Bishnupriya Manipuri centric contributions made through the internet medium.

On the occasion, “MEINGAL”, a registered socio welfare non-government society announced the names of the scholarship awardees i.e. – Banashree Singha from Hailakandi district, Sachin Sinha from Kamrup district and Rahul Sinha from Karimganj district and for monthly educational allowance scheme – Samir Sinha of Guwahati. Bisweswar Sarma, Adviser and Mihir Sinha, Vice Chairman of the society awarded the scholarship and certificates to the students. The one-time scholarship amount is Rs.5000/- and the monthly educational allowance is @ Rs.500/- for 12 months (i.e. total Rs.6000/-). Sanjib Sinha, Secretary General announced the two new activities introduced by the NGO – one is the Essay Writing Competition and the other is Meingal Exemplary Talent Award - 2012 (Women category), details can be obtained from the website www.meingal.org or www.meingalngo.blogspot.com .

The function began with the felicitation of all the speakers and distinguished guests. Sushil Kr. Sinha, President of the Udjapan Committee in his inaugural speech gave a warm welcome to all the distinguish guests, participants and audience. He urged everyone to follow this day with high esteem in all places by the Bishnupriya Manipuris and recall the contributions of Gokulananda to create awareness among the masses about the responsibilities towards the social well being. Col.(Retd) Bijoy Sinha, Working President of the committee in his inaugural speech highlighted on the present emerging needs of the BM society related to education, eradication of socio drawbacks, preservation of culture, literature & humanity, involvement in politics, skill development etc…. He also expressed his gratitude on behalf of the committee for everyone’s participation and cooperation to make the function successful.

Birth anniversary of Geetiswami Gokulananda, Guwahati

Other attractions on the occasion were cultural programme performed by different artists from the city and outside. Numbers of people from Guwahati participated in the programme to celebrate the birth anniversary of Gokulananda with full enthusiasm.

Profile of Hemkanti Sinha, honored with Geetiswami award

Profile of Hemkanti Sinha