Letters to Manipur (Part2)

Dear Manipur, 

Recently I saw a news coverage of how north eastern students and people are treated. How indifferently people treat us and how very unfair. Yes much of it is true, but I felt that the coverage did not represent the complete story. Are we all treated like that? I don't think so! What about the successful people who leads many companies and work in very good positions in lots of the places. Yes, some people treat us badly, but there are also a bunch of people who has respected us and accepted us. If somebody has wronged us or made fun of our culture, aren't we responsible to educate them. I myself have done it many times. 

Are we not forgetting how we treat the non-manipuris in Manipur. I personally have come across many incidents where we make fun of them and told them, how they smell of oil. Its a pity that we are crying in front of the world that we are not being treated well. There is no need for fear. Especially women should not forget that we belong to a culture where we were not looked down. Manipur still remembers "Nupi Lal", and uprising of women against the economic and administrative oppressions of the British rule, Khasis in Meghalaya is a matriarchal society. I remember my grandmother working hard and sharing equal responsibilities in bringing their children up. Her world were not just the kitchen but much beyond.

Dear Manipur, don't you think that there is not a single reason for the people of northeastern students to be afraid. When I went to Delhi to pursue my higher education, my parents told me that I have to work harder than other people to sustain and I did that. And today, I feel no different. If somebody wrongs me or if there is a fact wrongly stated, I walk up to them and explain to them. I feel it is my duty to enrich them and tell them about our rich culture.

Yes, there has been many unfortunate incidence which have happened to our people, but its time to stand up strong and not wait for the world to sympathize towards us.

Well as I always say, lets not get bogged down by such issues. There are many more things we need to do and learn. No negative thoughts but a strong and positive image. We need to start believing in ourselves and STAND STRONG!!!

On this note, I'm signing off. Had a very hectic day at office.........the weather here has become rather bearable infact beautiful. Hope, all is safe at your end. Missing you Manipur.....

Love from Mumbai