Glad my time with RRC- finally over!!!

It has almost been a year since I moved to Guwahati for work. I recollect the initial apprehensions and the perplexing thoughts that ran on my head. God only knew that I would managed to survive in an environment- an environment so external to you. Here I do not want to compare what it is to be at home and be in a place not called 'your home'. I guess 'adaptability' is key for one's sustenance and I have perfectly done that, albeit limitations of my own.In one year of my association with Regional Resource Centre for NE States, Guwahati I have made some really good colleagues and some indeed would remained more than colleagues, forever. It's a fabulous opportunity for a young professional as me to be able to get an opportunity to work at the Regional level as it changes one's outlook towards looking at issues. At regional level, you are able to see the issues with broader horizon and more holistically. It also enhances one's knowledge on the North east region as a whole and the 'differential existentialism' that are prevalent in each states are worth taking note of. Each places and States are so unique in terms of the culture, traditions, food habits, languages, etc. Sometimes I wonder how we directly or indirectly have been saying and portraying oursleves as one 'Unified North easters'. Sometimes I wonder if that is fair. I have realized that this NE region is very unique from the rest of the country and it is imperative for all stakeholders to do much more for people (from this region) so that the region is bonded more strongly with the mainstream.


Coming back again!. I had always hold RRC in high esteem and liked the little associations I had with the fellow professional (from RRC) while I was working in Manipur. I respected some of them due to the sheer knowledge they possessed and their willingness to share knowledge with fellow professionals. I was always clear that given an opportunity I would join the organization. Now that I worked with RRC for almost about a year, did I changed my opinions about it?? Did it failed my expectations? I would confidently say 'Yes' to a great extent. It failed me big time. The fellow colleagues never failed me but the Head and his handling of the organizational's affairs failed me miserably. However, these are only my opinions and many will agree to disagree. I would also like to take share of the blame to myself too for having failed to adjust with the working styles of the boss or for failing to dance to his tunes.

What do we look for when we are young professionals?? Challenges, newer ideas, appreciations, innovations, recognition, etc etc but it has not been the case with RRC as the boss failed in delegation, supervision, appreciation, grievance redressal except for extracting 'the only work' that fulfills his need and showing biases at times among the fellow peers. I have always questioned how one earth can a Regional Office be run like the way it is being run currently??. The relationships with many NE States are at stake not beacuse RRC is bad or not providing adequate support to the States but the boss is failing to maintain friendly and working relationships. As a regional head one cannot be expected to treat States differentially. Being a head does not mean being good only in technical knowledge but more so being good in managing work force, relationships, visualizing, IPC and so on. I am so sorry to say but Dr. A.C. Baishya, you have been miserable in this regard. What really bothers me is when the other person especially a superior does not look into your eyes and talk. I feel that's a highest level of insult especially when you are standing there to make decent propositions or share newer ideas. I guess a head should be open to new learnings, not only related to the areas of work but also inter personal skills. Boss, you need lots of unlearning to do otherwise give up the post  for benefits of RRC. We need RRC but not people like you who is short sighted, dominant, egoistic, visionless, etc. I worked coz I was paid to work and not because I liked working under you. I just waited for the right time to move out from the place but I feel sad that I would part ways with people who runs RRC on day to day basis such as the Admins. and grade IV staff. With out them again, RRC is pillarlessbut again you just can't get enough of them. I am sure they are also working not coz they liked working under you but have no other options. Why on earth have not you realized these facts? You have benn successfull in instilling a sense of fear in all of them and I congratulate you on their behalf. But I wonder you need to put yourself in their place and analyze what it is like to be in their place?....

But I have learned that you are a man of fewer words and a man with immense technical knowledge. It has been a good learning phase to have been associated with a head as you as you have taught me to be better prepared when dealing with a head as you. But I am glad that i am finally leaving RRC as I would have suffocated to death if I worked under you for a longer time but hope I would be able to work with you again in future, albeit different capacity.

Till then, solidarity with fellow RRC brethren.

Love and peace

romen

Responsible actions (contd.)

Lots have been said and lots have been heard, but what we doing about it? Well, the past few days have been interesting as my ears got filled with more varied news from the Manipur. In one corner there is cry of Sharmila (who has been on fast for removal of the draconian act, AFSPA), shooting in another corner, commissioning of Hovercrafts in another part, recruitment on one section and so and so forth. Manipur, today, as place and as a State is in contradiction of its own. Despite these people have moved on and are trying to move forward with each passing day. Somewhere down the line we all have become so accustomed to the happenings around that one has chosen to 'live just to survive' and not 'live for holistic development'. We have lived to an extent that we lost some of our senses on the way. Everybody has compromised to a large extent and have given up hope. However, I cannot deny the fact that there are bunch of people who are still hopeful of the positive things to come, but this bunch needs the support of the majority 'people (who just live)' to make a new beginning and restore upon us newer rays of hope. I think I would like to quote a saying which I vaguely remember but may find a place in this context.

'Coming together is a beginning'
Walking together is a process'
Working together is a progress'.

For progress to be made in any sphere, we need to work together. But but working together is not as easy as it sounds. When we come, walk and work together we need to keep aside our personal interests and get swayed in interests of the larger group. Is that really happening in State of Manipur?? I may sound a pessimist to many but I am convinced when I say that the 'most people in Manipur come together to achieve their selfish motives and gains. Or is is that we do not have good leaders?? I thought everybody in Manipur considered themselves to be a leader. At least I can speak for myself and say it broadened chest that I see no leaders in the State and not able to think of one as my' idol'. I do not have much ideas of yesteryear people and that I blame my faulty 'outside upbringing in schools'. . Be in politics, IAS and other bureaucrats, sports, literature, social workers, etc etc. Sorry, I just cannot think of one. May be I am just not exploring enough to recognize those unsung leaders. It's time these unsung leaders speak up for the good of the people and lay some concrete foundation for rebuilding the lost society. I tell you I will follow you then, but convince me that you are a good leader, not by words but by deeds. The ones who shout too much in today's scenario are no leaders for me nor will be one eternally. A true leader does not proclaimed themselves to be one.

In today's context, whenever a group/NGO/trust/etc/ is formed the intention is good and everyone seems to subside their personal interests then. They project to be having a vision and a purpose. The show goes on well till the day when their personal gains starts reflecting. Everybody wants to reap the benefits for themselves and not for the ones they came together in the first place. One person wants to replace another and vice-versa, with the soul motive to achieve and exercise power. They do not realize then that the process/efforts of coming, walking and working together which have been sacrificed are all broken. That's when the factionalism arises under a different banner but claims to be working for the same cause. These are the current trend in the state of Manipur. One basic question I have for these proclaimed welfare oriented groups---Did you take our consent before u spoke or work on behalf of those who really mattered in the process'? 


In your endeavours to address the needs of the needy (development context), in your fight to free us from the so called 'annexation' (struggle context), in your efforts to represent my voice (political context) and in your greed to earn money (economic context), we have seen enough of hardships and have led to more victimization of our own situations. In midst of all these one is really unsure when s/he will be consumed and get forbidden from living, from the already 'Just living to survive'.

I guess it's time we be responsible of our actions.

These are personal thoughts and you do not have to agree with me.

to be continued----

 romen

Responsible actions in context of 'Individual'--- (Part I)

They say ‘United we stand and divided we fall’. Let’s put this in the context of Manipur and see where we as a State and citizens stand today. I am sure, almost all, who read this piece, will agree when I say ‘Manipur is divided in unity and will no more stand and hence fall’. We may still agree to disagree, otherwise no worries I am only expressing my views and not intending to preach any self-claimed 'Responsible individuals' out there .

Manipur, today, is at crucial juncture. We have taken decades to build these traditions of corruption, militancy, nepotism, kidnapping, ‘third class education system’, gang culture, pathetic health care system and so forth and I am confident when I say it will take the same number of decades or more, if you and I do not act collectively through responsible individual actions. My intention is not to complicate you and myself here but, rather discover the essence of individual's responsibility in making a place like Manipur, a better place to live in. These essence have been unlearned by all of us and it's time we remind ourselves about its importance. These individual actions are really unmeasurable when compared to large visible collective actions in terms of magnitude but the lasting effect they (responsible individual actions) have on building a sensitive and cohesive community goes uncontested. 

When I say ‘Responsible individual actions’ Lets look into ourselves ‘first’ as a separate entity but also as a contributing factor to the society at large. I am asking you and asking myself here 'what at individual level can  we do' to make Manipur a better place to live in??? Start asking that in all spheres of your presence in context of Manipur. I can assure you that there is positive scope in some unforeseen days ahead for making Manipur a better place for you and me, only if we start acting at individual level now. I am not trying to be individualistic here but am trying to emphasize the 'principle of individuality' in evoking responsible actions within ourselves and transcend the principle into society at large, thereafter. 

Lets see what we can do:

• Love thy neighbor through learning to love yourself first. 
• Learn and share good manners to your near and dear ones.
• Promote equality among your brother boy and sister girl through changing your perceptions about a particular gender.
• Always extend your helping hand without any expectations. Your absence will be recognized then.
• Do not smoke in public as it not only harms you but also causes caner to others around.
• Do not spit in public as that makes you look like a 'bloody fool' in front of others.
• Follow the traffic signals to make others stop tagging you as 'Dumb' and "Rule breaker'.
• Wear helmets to protect your head and IQ as they goes waste once it gets crushed.
• Follow the queue and wait for your turn as you are not only the one 'Busy' and others have work too.
• Avoid using mobiles on driving/riding as you just does not look cool on that style. If the other person on the other side insist you on taking the calls then trust me he/she is not the one who cares for you. 
• Be the first to offer your seat to vulnerable people while travelling on public transport, etc.
• Have the guts and the humility to accept your faults as it increases your standing.
• Drink to your limit and not to make joke of yourself in front of others.
• Avoid drugs and teach to say 'No to Drugs' to others too.
• Play games and sports for your well-being.
• Promote merit and pay no money for jobs, etc. If you deserve you get through and if not you give chance for others.
• Use your consciousness and accept no money your franchise as it's not worth for the 'useless governance' that the politicians are to give you back.
• Hear and think 'No bad' and remain positive.
• Be firm and face challenges through hard work and take no short cuts. There are many out there in Manipur ready to make your journey short through unfair means.
• Let Guns be with legalized agents and not play them like many gangs/groups/militants do in Manipur.

I can go on and on endlessly but I guess we all are aware of it. Therefore, without saying much I plead 'Lets act at our level first' and the rest will follow. Please remember you and I are no supreme being and not immortal as GOD and staying grounded on our roots will do good to ourselves as well to State of Manipur. If we are sensitive in every step we take trust me 'We will see the fruits sooner than later'......

Overwhelmed with thoughts??? I am too...so will share more in days to come.

These are personal reflections

Cheers!!!

 Romen

Then!!!

That was the day

I saw you

I smelt of sweat

And looked tanned

You walked out

And I lost sense of self

We admired each other then

Destiny is weird

Met again

And hit off

On the path unknown

The path we carved then

Every little bit of steps

Were etched in eternal ink

To remain ever imprint

On the path we carved out

Only to realised I faltered half way then!

I pulled up self

Gathered strength to catch up

With your steps

Watch my steps carefully

To never falter again

Huge margin existed

Between us, and I was slow

Thank GOD you waited then!

Caught up with the steps

Started re-carving the path

I faltered again midway

This time you have gone far away

And, you will not wait

Never talked why I faltered

Nor, why u have gone far away

Time is a friend

Time will heal

And, I will cope up those lost steps

Being more careful

In the steps I take now

While I hope u have

Chosen the right path

To not falter as I did then!!

But you are a special one I hold close then

And memories will last a lifetime!! Ever

(An Ode to a special friend)

One Day Health Check ups and quality time with children at Carmel Jyoti, Manipur on 16th October' 2010

Children expressing themselves

Children expressing themselves

Nutritionist counseling a child

Nutritionist seeing the skin rash

Paediatrician examining a child

Children at their best

Doctor examining a child

Members, People First Initiative handing over some cash

A member and ART Counselor with the children

A drawing by a child

A child showcasing his talent

Another drawing

An expression of feelings by a child

Another expression by a child

Another

Another drawing

Activity time

Contributions to Carmel Jyoti- a home for children infected and affected by HIV/AIDS.

Dear Members/Friends/Well wishers,

Greetings from People First Initiatives!

It is with great pleasure to let you all know that I, A. Romendro Singh, on behalf of People First Initiatives handed over a sum of Rs. 11,400/- in cash of Rs.2,400/-, SBI Cheque of Rs. 8,000/- and Citibank Cheque of Rs. 1,000/- on the 25^th of January’ 2011 at Carmel Jyoti, Manipur. I was in Manipur for official work and hence, had managed to take out few minutes to visit the home at Mantripukhri, Manipur. I, also, handed over some basic medicines contributed by the Paediatric ART Centre, JN Hospital, Manipur.

I am honest to myself when I say this that, it has been possible with the constant support and encouragement that each of you have provided since the time People First Initiatives was born. The contributions have not been very much to bring about a paradigm shift in the issue of HIV/AIDS in the state of Manipur but we all should be proud of the fact that we are doing our best in little that we do to bring about little change among these children that matters to us the most.  I am very positive of the good things to come in years and I hope you are too.

It was shared to the Sisters that the above amount should be utilised only for ‘purchasing basic emergency medicines’ for children in need.  

We all are bonded by the ‘feeling for the cause’ and that we have a long way to go. The People First Initiatives would need your constant support and encouragement in days and years to come. We will also appreciate if each one of you are also able to throw open ideas on strengthening the group further.

If you or anybody (you know) wants to make contributions on monthly/half year/Annual basis the Carmel Jyoti will be more than happy to accept as the home is in dire need of support. Also, if any of you wants certification of the contributions you make I can facilitate the process in obtaining the same.

Kindly contact at:                                                                          

peoplefirstinitiatives@gmail.com

Or, Leave comments/suggestions/ideas at:

www.peoplefirstinitiatives.blogspot.com

At the same time, I, as member of People First Initiatives, take the honour to thank all the contributors for the above amount.

1.       Mr. Aditya Nabial, Bangalore- Rs. 1,500/-

2.       Mr. Mayank Goyal, Chennai- Rs. 1,500/-

3.       Mr. Udit Kumar, Delhi- Rs. 1,000/-

4.       Ms. Matouleibi, Agartala- Rs. 3,000/-

5.       Mr. Romendro, Guwahati- Rs. 1,000/-

6.       Mr. Aman Malik, Delhi- Rs. 1,000/-

7.       Ms. Monota Devi, Manipur- Rs. 500/-

8.       Ms. Randhoni, Manipur- Rs. 500/-

9.       Mr. Imo Singh, Manipur- Rs. 500/-

10.   Ms. Rina Salam, Manipur- Rs. 500/-

11.   Mr. Romeo, Manipur- Rs. 100/-

12.   Mr. Pradeep, Manipur- Rs. 200/-

13.   Ms. Chandrama, Manipur- Rs. 200/-

I also thank Ms. Bembem, Nutritionist, JN Hospital, for her initiative in contributing some medicines related to fever, diahorrea and OIs (Opportunistic Infections).

Togetherness is strength

With regards,

A. Romendro Singh

People First Initiatives