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
