I still remember the day when I returned to Manipur with much expectations and hopes and with the zeal of sacrificing myself for a cause i.e. development of Manipur in the context of public health. Who will have thought that a small town boy from unknown locality who have spend much of his academic life outside the state will come back to re-live to discover his roots. The thoughts of working and fear sensed when I learnt that I was going to be posted at Chandel district would forever remain planted on my mind. My conscience, from to time, whispered into my ears to quit and never to take up the challenge of working in Chandel district as it (Chandel) was thought to be a difficult place to work in. It was a difficult period in my life as I underwent deep introspection and thrased out issues within self, questioned my value system and beliefs and wondered whether to take up the challenge or shy away. I chose the former. And today when I look back 'I do not regret for having made that choice'. I believe we have to do away with our preconceived notions and biases before having undergone a particular experience by ourselves and never judge a situation by what we hear from others until 'seen by your own very eyes'. Too much of false perceptions will sometimes lead to false reality.
Working in Chandel district have taught me some very important lessons in life to live together in peace and harmony, be content and make best use of what you have today, how unique each of us are and most importantly-how separated the place and its people from inclusiveness of development. With the motto of 'partnership and ownership' under the umbrella concept of 'decentralization' being propagated by various government developmental schemes in the state, we will have to critially see how far the concept will be translated into reality, given the manifold problems of insurgency, threats, percentage deduction, unhealthy nexus among parties, insincere goverment officials (some) and last but not the least-low clarity of scheme guidelines by policy implementers. It is time for these people to realize that they can no longer play with lives of thousands/lakhs/millions in the name of development and ensure that they provide basic amenities needed by virtue of being a human being, moreso for people living in remotest areas. It's time that these people (with due respect to all babus) to mend their ways before they be at the receiving end of collective outburst or have they crossed that stage wherein everything is left to destiny??
At this important juncture, we cannot sit back but to contribute to the change processes. Can you?
For better tomorrow and for generations to come, we pledge you to take start taking responsibility at your own level (Start cleaning your house before you say other's house is dirty).
