PEACE ..... in effect means maturity to understand what can be lost if conflicts persist : A checklist on a few Manipur ROLE MODELS

(A Saturday special) 

Manipur has made news for wrong reasons since 2023.

The state needs a healing touch like never before. The people of the state surpassing all distinctions of community and ethnic groups and especially the youth are awakening to the crucial realisation that they have been caught in a cobweb of deception that serves no purpose. 

Now, they maybe standing at a crossroads. One path leads to further chaos and confusion, while the other leads to a bright future.  

Here we present a few Role Models from various fields only to underline that the talent pool in the state is immense. 

Military:  

Lt. General Konsam Himalay Singh :: He is the first Officer from North East to reach the rank of Lieutenant General in the Indian Army and is well known for his leadership, valour and dedication. He was the Chairman of Manipur Public Service Commission. 

Lt. Gen. K.H. Singh and wife Dr. Mangala

Singh was commissioned into the 2nd Battalion, Rajput Regiment, in 1978. 

He commanded the 27th Battalion, Rajput Regiment, between 1998 and 2000 on the Siachen Glacier and commanded his battalion during the Battle of Point 5770 in the Kargil War in 1999, for which he was awarded the Yudh Seva Medal.

He later served as a battalion commander at his alma mater, the National Defence Academy. 

Singh is a keen mountaineer and took part in the 1987 Kanchenjunga expedition. He has been awarded the Chief of Army Staff's commendation card three times during his career. 

Arts and Culture  

Guru Bipin Singh - A legendary figure in the field of Manipuri classical dance. He played a pivotal role in reviving and promoting Manipuri dance on the global stage.

M.K. Binodini Devi - A famous Manipuri writer, poet, and princess, who contributed exceptionally to literature and culture in the state.  

Ratan Thiyam - 

A renowned theatre director and playwright, and is considered one of India's most influential theatre personalities. His works often focus on Manipuri traditions and societal issues.

Ratan Thiyam 

Also known as Thiyam Nemai, Ratan Thiyam is known for writing and staging plays that use ancient Indian theatre traditions and forms in a contemporary context. Also a painter and proficient in direction, design, script and music, Thiyam is rightly considered one of leading contemporary theatre gurus. 

Music and Dance  

Pung Cholom Group - A world renowned Manipuri percussion and dance group, known for their vibrant drumming and dancing performances.

Mangka Mayanglambam - A celebrated traditional Manipuri folk song singer. She has performed internationally Manipuri culture through her music.

She is best known for the Hada Samadon Ayangba, the opening theme song for the 8th Manipur International Polo Tournament in Imphal and Moirang Sai A women's Ballad. she is one of a few artists who is preserving the rich tradition of Meitei folk music, especially the genres of the Moirang Sai Pena, among the present generation. 

One of her major contributions is that she trains many young boys and girls on Manipuri Folk and traditional music. 

Ms Mangka 

Aloysius Soibam - A musician and composer, known for his work with folk instruments and promoting Manipuri musical traditions.

Fashion

Elsa Khadangbam - 

A leading fashion designer from Manipur, she has participated in multiple national and international fashion shows, bringing Manipuri textile designs to the forefront.  

Business

Robert Naorem 

A fashion designer and entrepreneur, he has put Manipuri traditional attire on the national and international fashion map.

Suraj Kumar Meitei 

- An emerging businessman in the fields of infrastructure and development, contributing to local economic growth.

It is abundantly clear that once the people and the talent pool of the state set their hearts and minds to a goal, their achievements stand as a testament to their dedication, visible across both national and international platforms. 

Sports is a glaring example. 

Sushila Chanu 

A key player of the Indian women's hockey team, she has represented India in multiple international tournaments, including the Olympics.

Mirabai Chanu 

An Inspiring Indian weightlifter from Manipur, Known for her exceptional achievements, including winning a Silver Medal at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, making India and Manipur immensely proud.

Mary Kom 

A six-time world boxing champion, Mary Kom is an iconic sports figure and an Olympic medallist in boxing. She is also a Member of Parliament (Rajya Sabha).

Bala Devi 

An international football player, she became the first Indian woman to play professional football in Europe when she signed with Rangers FC in Scotland.  

The people in Manipur have the power to usher in change that will revitalise hope and aspirations, both in the state and across the north east and also beyond. 

Believing in oneself and casting aside doubt is the first step toward this awaited destiny, as they put it. 

On this backdrop a senior Assam Rifles official said, and rightly so:

"It is imperative to first recognise this truth and break free from the influences that have led the youths and others astray from their true purpose -a purpose and a goal those are grand in scope and certainly path breaking". 

ends