Tag: K-Featured

Women in South Asia to Strengthen Efforts for Peace, Security and Disarmament

PRESS RELEASE FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE   Women in South Asia to Strengthen Efforts for Peace, Security and Disarmament Delhi, 3 April 2014: The United Nations Commission on the Status of Women (CSW)

PRESS RELEASE FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

 

Women in South Asia to Strengthen Efforts for Peace, Security and Disarmament

Delhi, 3 April 2014: The United Nations Commission on the Status of Women (CSW) is the principal global policy-making body dedicated exclusively to gender equality and advancement of women. Every year, representatives of Member States gather at United Nations Headquarters in New York to evaluate progress on gender equality, identify challenges, set global standards and formulate concrete policies to promote gender equality and women’s empowerment worldwide. The Commission met from 9-21March 2014 in New York this year. Team of Control Arms Foundation of India and Manipur Women Gun Survivors Network were present there and hosted a parallel event under the theme “Engaging Women for Resolving Conflicts, Usher in Peace, Disarmament, & Development in South Asia”.

 

Ms.-Binalakshmi-Nepram-Founder-Manipur-Women-Gun-Survivors-Network-and-Secretary-General-CAFI-at-UN-Side-Event-in-New-York-13-March-2014

Ms.-Binalakshmi-Nepram-Founder-Manipur-Women-Gun-Survivors-Network-and-Secretary-General-CAFI-at-UN-Side-Event-in-New-York-13-March-2014

 

It was supported by an ongoing project “Empowering Women for Peace and Development in South Asia, including Myanmar”in collaboration with Deutsch Welthungerhilfe (WHH) and supported by European Commission.

 

Women’s role remains weak and insecure in all social, political and economic activities in South Asia. In India, 22 girls get kidnapped every day. Out of the number of children who were kidnapped, 66% (10,938) are girls. Child mortality and maternal mortality levels in South Asia are among the highest globally. 46% of women aged 20-24 in South Asia married before the age of 18; 3.3% of women in South Asia (India and Bangladesh) face non-partner sexual violence.

 

Ms-Binalakshmi-Nepram-Founder-Manipur-Women-Gun-Survivors-Network-and-Secretary-General-CAFI-presenting-at-UN-Side-event-in-New-York-13-March-2014

Ms-Binalakshmi-Nepram-Founder-Manipur-Women-Gun-Survivors-Network-and-Secretary-General-CAFI-presenting-at-UN-Side-event-in-New-York-13-March-2014

 

The session commenced with an introductory speech by Ms. Binalakshmi Nepram, Founder, Manipur Women Gun Survivors Network, and Secretary General, Control Arms Foundation of India welcoming all the panelists at the event.  She gave an overview of the disturbing situation and status of women in South Asia, against the background of the region’s prolonged inter and intra-state conflicts and patriarchal nature. She described how in Bangladesh, India, Pakistan and Nepal, women are the victims of rape, abduction, child marriages, female infanticide, acid attacks, dowry-related murders, honor killing and enslavement. She furthermore criticized that many South Asian conflicts, such as that in Northeast India, Chittagong Hill Tracts, Bangladesh, are left unreported by mass media. She also mentioned the ongoing armed violence caused by small arms, light weapons within the Northeast India region. More than 50,000 lives have been lost in the violence.   The conflict in Manipur turns 300 women into widows annually. She called on international communities for the help to combat the problem and ensure countries that India implement UNSCR 1325.   

 

Ms-Binalakshmi-Nepram-left-Ms-Maria-Butler-center-Programme-DirectorWILPF-PeaceWomen-USA-at-UN-CSW-event-13-March-2014

Ms-Binalakshmi-Nepram-left-Ms-Maria-Butler-center-Programme-DirectorWILPF-PeaceWomen-USA-at-UN-CSW-event-13-March-2014

 

Ms. Maria Butler, Programme Director, Women’s International League for Peace and Freedom, PeaceWomen Project, USA,focused on the need for a shift in CSW from military to human security and the links between development and militarism, identifying however a huge resistance as to imbedding disarmament in the development agenda. She accentuated how the post-2015 development agenda cannot keep silent on militarism if we want human rights abuses to be truly addressed. She also referred to the earlier-mentioned India’s resistance to apply Resolution 1325, calling this ‘the core of the challenge’ of their work, calling for voices that acknowledge that aforesaid resolution is in fact applicable everywhere.

 

Panelists-and-participants-at-UN-58th-CSW-event-in-New-York-13-March-2014

Panelists-and-participants-at-UN-58th-CSW-event-in-New-York-13-March-2014

 

Ms. Sarah Boyd, Founder, The Gender Agency, Australia, underlined the importance of women’s voices going from the private to the public sphere, merging private and public spheres to raise women’s consciousness, collective investment in ensuring that CSW nor the post-2015 agenda remain silent on critical issues of gender equality, peace (keeping), development, disarmament and their intersections, and the importance of CSO’s as the ties that bind the foregoing elements.

 

Ms. Fiona McAlpine, Manipur Women Gun Survivors Network/Young WILPF Network, Australia, addressed the issues of murder and forced disappearance of women and girls in India and the lack of access to justice, forged evidence and post-mortem reports, and impunity (as a consequence of the Armed Forces Special Powers Act) in that context. She accentuated that without including disarmament and demilitarization, the CSW is moot, as there can be no development without disarmament, which is also a prerequisite for access to justice.  

 

Also a short film titled, “We Shall Find Our Peace” was screened at the event that depicts the hardships and sufferings happening due to the ongoing conflict situation in the state of Manipur, India and eagerness of the population to promote peaceful environment in the region. The film showed the strength and hope among the Manipuri Women to overcome the hardships and violence in their state.

 

There were valuable discussions among the panelists and other participants across India, USA, Brazil, Australia, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Nepal and many others on Women, Peace and Security, types of violence and discrimination they are facing across the globe. Further discussions were on the possible steps that could be taken for the empowerment of women, their role in conflict transformation, disarmament, and decision-making processes. The event was ended successfully with valuable inputs and suggestions from esteemed Panelists.

 

Please, find the attachment of few photos of the event.

 

 For more information, please contact:

 

Office of Control Arms Foundation of India and Manipur Women Gun Survivors Network

B 5 / 146, First Floor, Safdarjung Enclave, New Delhi – 110029, India

Phone: +91-11-46018541, Fax +91-11-26166234

Email: Cafi.communique@gmail.com, Website: www.cafi-online.org

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2014/04/women-in-south-asia-to-strengthen-efforts-for-peace-security-and-disarmament/

DoNER Ministry does not make Northeast better

By Oken Jeet Sandham (NEPS News Service) The Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region (DoNER), established in September 2001, was just a nodal Department of the Central Government to

By Oken Jeet Sandham (NEPS News Service)

The Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region (DoNER), established in September 2001, was just a nodal Department of the Central Government to deal with matters related to the socio-economic development of the Northeastern States of India. It was later accorded the status of a full-fledged Ministry in 2004. The basic idea of establishing this Ministry was to bridge the economic and developmental imbalances that had been between the Region and the rest of the country. 

North Eastern States in India

North Eastern States in India

There was initial euphoria over the creation of this Ministry but it didn’t take long before it went into oblivion.

In the past, any Minister who was in-charge of the Ministry happened to be from outside the Region. Some of them were Dr CP Thakur from Bihar, Mani Shankar Aiyar from TN, etc. Otherwise in other times, it was headed by Ministers hailing from the Northeastern Region. Some of them were Bijoy Krishna Handique, Paban Singh Ghatowar, etc. Ghatowar is incumbent Minister for DoNER.

It has been 13 years now that neither significant economic growth nor any policy for the economic development was seen. We only hear of earmarking 10% of their Annual Plan Budgets by Central Ministries for the North Eastern Region to address the development deficit of the NER. Earmarking of 10% of the Annual Plan Budget of over 52 Ministries of the Union Government is immense. Yet, we hardly know how the money is spent.

The present DoNER Minister Ghatowar is, perhaps, the most unpopular DoNER Minister in the history of the Ministry since 2001. Interestingly, performances by DoNER Ministers who were from outside the Region were better than those Ministers hailing from the Region itself. In fact, Aiyar when he was DoNER Minister tried his best to become closer to the people of the Region and within no time, the people of the Region could feel quite comfortable with him. Aiyar himself used to highlight many burning issues of the Region in many fora when he was DoNER Minister and Union Minister for Sports as well.

On the contrary, past DoNER Ministers hailing from the Region were mostly shrouded with controversies and they miserably failed to be in the good book of Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh. Handique as DoNER Minister was a non-performer and Prime Minister, at last, was compelled to replace him with Ghatowar as DoNER Minister. Regrettably, Ghatowar could not be better either but it was too late for the poor Prime Minister to rectify anything of this fragile and namesake Ministry of the Region.
In order to streamline, a serious review of the functioning of the DonER Ministry is essential.

Some of the urgent steps to be taken up are:

  •  The Office of the DoNER Ministry should be placed anywhere in the Northeast preferably at Shillong or Guwahati, instead of Delhi.
  •  Any MP from anywhere in the country can be appointed as DoNER Minister, not necessarily only from Northeast Region. The crux of the point is he or she should fairly perform and deliver.
  • A nodal officer with minimum supportive staffs can be appointed and placed at each State Capital Headquarter of the Region. So that implementation of works can be expedited, besides it will minimize physical, financial and metal burdens to many. Citizens can also get proper access to the offices and get all the necessary information of the works under the Ministry meant for them.
  •  The budgetary allocation for the DoNER Ministry, which is normally done on Lump sum, should be enhanced triple as the current allocation is too meagre to take up any noticeable projects in the Region.
  •  The DoNER Ministry should come up with modalities suitable with the Region’s environment, while constantly working on to incorporate the fundamental national character into the regional mainstream.
  •  The DoNER Ministry should formulate modalities to incorporate the regional character into the national mainstream by tying up with various Ministries from time to time. This way the social fabric of national character remains.
  •  North Eastern Council (NEC), which has its head office at Shillong, should be restructured and restored to its earlier model where any serving Governor of any State in the Region was Chairman. It was on rotational basis. This system was, later, done away with. Now any DoNER Minister would automatically become the Chairman of the NEC and functions from Delhi. This way, the functioning of the NEC has been badly affected. NEC is normally considered as Regional Mini Planning Commission and therefore, it is more appropriate going back to its earlier model by reappointing any senior serving Governor of any State in the Region as Chairman of it. In this way, the NEC can be effectively administered.

Bottom Line:
The Northeast Region will be completely crippled if these two institutions remain immobile. Therefore, restructuring these institutions is of urgent necessity. In a way, their activities are at the lowest ebb. Corruption, nepotism, favoritism, etc. have allegedly dominated in the overall functioning of the DoNER Ministry.
In spite of having our own Ministry vis-à-vis Northeast Region, the Minister serving there would hardly pay any visit to any of the States of the Region during their tenure. Many educated youth of the Region keep talking that there is a Ministry called DoNER at the Center looking after their welfare, but they have no knowledge of the nitty-gritty of the Ministry. In fact, hardly does anyone know the nature of the Ministry.

The high expectation that this Ministry would deliver goods to the people of the Region was extremely negligible. It is really lamentable the way they have chosen to remain silent when the Parliament was rocked due to the continued racial attacks on the Northeast students at the national capital. The DoNER Ministry should try to live up to the expectation of the people of the Region and also be a strong advocate for the issues facing the Northeast people in not only national capital but also other major cities of the country.

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2014/04/doner-ministry-does-not-make-northeast-better/

A Report on Performance of MPs from North-Eastern States of India

Progress report of MPs from the Northeastern states of India: Report At last the progress report of our Member of Parliament has come out. For the past five years, we

Progress report of MPs from the Northeastern states of India: Report

At last the progress report of our Member of Parliament has come out. For the past five years, we have been wondering what they exactly do inside the parliament house during sessions?

Being an elector, it is our responsibility to check the performance of elected persons, who assume the role of emissaries in the national capital. And, in turn elected persons should respect the aspiration of the people and act as per the wish of the mass. While representing the views and aspirations of the people of their constituency in Parliament, MPs should participate actively in the legislative, financial and other business of the parliament. In a broader sense they are the representatives of the state and the nation as a whole.

Parliament of India: A report on the Performance of the MPs from North-eastern States of India

Parliament of India:
A report on the Performance of the MPs from North-eastern States of India

We can check the performance of our MPs by analyzing the way how they engage themselves in the parliamentary business using mechanisms like Debate, Questions and Private Member Bills by which MPs fulfill their responsibilities. Besides, attendance during Parliament Sessions also indicates the commitment to give effect to his/her role.

Altogether, there are 25 constituencies in the eight Northeastern states of Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland, Sikkim and Tripura.

Let’s have a look at their progress reports.

Among the northeastern states, Manipur has the highest average attendance of 98%. Encouragingly, Thokchom Meinya, Lok Sabha MP from Inner Manipur constituency has attendance record of 99% in all 16 parliamentary sessions, according to PRS Legislative Research.

Meinya participated in 55 debates (Bills). The teacher-turned MP from Inner Manipur constituency is listed among the top 10 MPs, who attend the parliament regularly. He asked 204 questions including 17 starred and moved one Private Members Bill-”The Constitution (Amendment) Bill, 2012 (Insertion of new article 371CA).” His Private Members Bill is yet to see the light of the day.

Attendance of Thangso Baite (Outer Manipur) is 98%; just 1% behind from his counterpart from Inner Manipur Constituency. On contrary to his good attendance record, the MP participated only in 3 debates (1- Request to constitute a Board to be known as the ‘National Board for the Development of Himalayan States with full financial assistance of the Union Government’, 2- Need to review the decision of Shri Muivah’s visit to his birth place in Manipur and 3- Statement made by the Minister of Finance on the issues relating to setting up of a Lok Pal) and asked 9 questions, which is a discouraging performance of an elected person representing one of the most economically backward and socially polarized parliamentary constituencies in the country- Outer Manipur.

As per the data, the national average for debates spoken is 38 and P D Rai from Sikkim has the highest number (70) of debates spoken. Most Northeastern states score higher than the national attendance average of 76%.

The national questions average is 300. Among the MPs from the northeastern states, Badruddin Ajmal (Assam) has asked the highest 320 number of questions in the parliament with Khagen Das (Tripura) a close second 310 questions.

Bijoya Chakravarty (Assam) has introduced the most number of private member bills (4). The national average for introduction of private member bills is 0.8.

 

DETAIL PERFORMANCE OF MPs FROM NORTHEASTERN STATES OF INDIA

MP name

State

Constituency

Political party

Debates

Private Member Bills

Questions

Attendance

Notes
Ninong Ering**
 Arunachal Pradesh Arunachal East INC 19 0 26 88%

 
Takam Sanjoy Arunachal Pradesh Arunachal West INC 5 0 76 63%
Badruddin Ajmal Assam Dhubri AUDF 30 0 320 49%
Bijoy Krishna Handique** Assam Jorhat INC 0 0 1 92%

 
Bijoya Chakravarty Assam Gauhati BJP 37 4 53 84%
Biren Singh Engti Assam Autonomous District INC 2 0 0 96%
Dip Gogoi Assam Kaliabor INC 0 0 0 79%
Ismail Hussain Assam Barpeta INC 0 0 0 94%
Joseph Toppo Assam Tezpur AGP 21 0 147 76%
Kabindra Purkayastha Assam Silchar BJP 34 1 130 87%
Lalit Mohan Suklabaidya Assam Karimganj INC 24 0 22 95%
Paban Singh Ghatowar** Assam Dibrugarh INC 9 0 18 91%

 
Rajen Gohain Assam Nawgong BJP 8 0 87 53%
Ramen Deka Assam Mangaldoi BJP 62 2 178 83%
Ranee Narah** Assam Lakhimpur INC 3 0 7 83%

 
Sansuma Khunggur Bwiswmuthiary Assam Kokrajhar BPF 51 0 100 64%
Thangso Baite Manipur Outer Manipur INC 3 0 9 98%
Thokchom Meinya Manipur Inner Manipur INC 55 1 204 99%
Agatha K. Sangma** Meghalaya Tura NCP 0 0 0 49%

 
Vincent H Pala** Meghalaya Shillong INC 3 0 28 84%

 
C. L. Ruala Mizoram Mizoram INC 2 0 12 96%
C. M. Chang** Nagaland Nagaland NPF 1 0 33 78%

 
Prem Das Rai Sikkim Sikkim SDF 70 1 180 87%
Baju Ban Riyan Tripura Tripura East CPI(M) 6 0 0 85%
Khagen Das Tripura Tripura West CPI(M) 37 1 310 75%
Table prepared by: PRS Legislative Research

Note: Ministers represent the government in debates, and they do not sign the attendance register, ask questions, or introduce private member bills.

** Participation details for this MP are available until October, 2012 as he was appointed a Minister then.

 

 

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2014/03/a-report-on-performance-of-mps-from-north-eastern-states-of-india/

Nongmaithem Nandaraj Honored with Lalit Kala Academy Award

Works of 168 artists at Lalit Kala Akademi exhibition New Delhi, March 19 (DIM News) :Art works of 168 artists from different parts of India are to be displayed in

Nongmaithem Nandaraj

Nongmaithem Nandaraj

Works of 168 artists at Lalit Kala Akademi exhibition New Delhi, March 19 (DIM News) :Art works of 168 artists from different parts of India are to be displayed in an exhibition here that begins March 20, the organisers said Wednesday. The 55th edition of Lalit Kala Akademi’s annual exhibition “National exhibition of Art “has put together works of different medium: oil and acrylic on canvas, stone and bronze sculptures, charcoal paints, etchings and ceramic artwork. The exhibition ends April 10. Apart from this, the Akademi, a government institution that promotes and develops Indian fine art ,has also chosen works of 10 artists for their prestigious National Award for2013. These awards will be conferred Thursday. Among others, artist Manoj Kumar Mohanty for “Dust Cleaner”, Mohammed Ayazuddin Patel for Bijapur Heritage”, Nongmaithem Nandaraj Singh for “Great Dictator”, Rajesh Kumar Singh for “Struggle in Life” and Sumana Som for “Dramatic Dream” will each receive Rs.100,000 cash prize, a plaque and a certificate. All these works were chosen by a screening committee. “The works in the current exhibition merit attention on account of their challenging content ,epitomizing creative features, individual commitment, discriminating quality of methods, materials used and more, so that the exhibition becomes a true representation of the dimensions of contemporary art thinking nationally, “Ramakrishna Vedala, secretary, Lalit Kala Akademi, said in a statement.

55th National Exhibition of Art, National Academy Award - 2014, Presented to Nongmaithem Nandaraj Singh by Sayed Haider Raza (S.H Raza ) eminent Artist, Organised by Lalit Kala Academy, New Delhi

55th National Exhibition of Art, National Academy Award – 2014, Presented to Nongmaithem Nandaraj Singh by Sayed Haider Raza (S.H Raza ) eminent Artist, Organised by Lalit Kala Academy, New Delhi

55th National Exhibition of Art, National Academy Award - 2014, Presented to Nongmaithem Nandaraj Singh by Sayed Haider Raza (S.H Raza ) eminent Artist, Organised by Lalit Kala Academy, New Delhi

55th National Exhibition of Art, National Academy Award – 2014, Presented to Nongmaithem Nandaraj Singh by Sayed Haider Raza (S.H Raza ) eminent Artist, Organised by Lalit Kala Academy, New Delhi

According to K.K. Chakravarty, chairperson, Lalit Kala Akademi said: “The exhibition lends extraordinary meaning to ordinary objects by associating them in unforeseen permutations and combinations, in simultaneity and fusion.” “It builds bridges between the corporeal and incorporeal, figurative and non-figurative, to express the inexpressible, and to communicate a sense of urgency for diagnosing and curing the radically fractured human condition,” he added.

At the felicitation ceremony with students and faculty of Delhi University

At the felicitation ceremony with students and faculty of Delhi University

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2014/03/state-boy-honored/

Save Manipur: Side-effect of Free Salary

Side-effect of free salary Enjoying is good, but requires care Gunadhor S Okram Someone never ever gets attracted by the eye-catching and probably mouth-watering pomegranate in the markets of Delhi

Side-effect of free salary

Enjoying is good, but requires care

Gunadhor S Okram

Someone never ever gets attracted by the eye-catching and probably mouth-watering pomegranate in the markets of Delhi or Mumbai sometimes initially for at least seven years since he gets exposed there as he was repulsive with the highly citric nature of this fruit grown in Manipur. Similar is the case for Manipur apple as well in terms of its taste; compare it with the ones commonly known such as Kashmir apple. The first incidence reminds someone as how much he is hateful of eating it as he tasted first compared with that of Manipur. But he was shocked to know that these Delhi pomegranates are marvelously tasty compared to those in Manipur. Now the questions come: so what?

The reasons are that as Manipuris eat such fruits or food items like this, are their style of thinking and actions directly related to something peculiar to ours? Say, they are so casual, idle, proud and habitual in blaming others and want to get everything without doing anything. All these itself is corruption. Everybody thinks that he is great and should compete anything for no reason. However, when it comes to reasons, there are no takers. They blame the system. However, what is system?

Let us consider this. Casual: Once upon a time, a cow ate the well-protected attractive pea plants as its cow-boy did not take care of it. The cow-boy did not care of it because his lunch was not ready as a consequence of the firewood to cook the meal got wet and unburnable. The firewood was wet because of the rain due to the frog singing loud to cause rain as it is its breeding season. Idle and proud: Once a frog was blowing so much so that he got bursted to death to compete with a bull visiting his colonial canal to quench his thirst even when everyone of his friend and relative ran away to save their lives and the bull even did not notice that the proud frog was showing his strength to the bull. Habitual in blaming others and want to get everything without doing anything: In a religious event, the members decided to contribute milk without necessarily displaying to a caretaker as to how much he has to offer for the festival. When the supposed to be milk was taken out, only water was found, as everybody was thinking that somebody or the other would pour milk. So, why not he poured water instead then? But everybody was right; they pour water only, not milk.

Are these attitudes related to our content of food, say in apple?  Let us take the case for employees in general and teachers in particular. Is it then justified to a day’s approximate salary of Rs 500 to 5000 without doing (almost) anything. So what? In 1974, when someone, through his brother, attempted to take a transfer certificate from a nearby high school after sixth standard, every teacher looked to be against this even when the teachers ignore to the request/ complaint of the students for a regular class even though the latter wrote this on a blackboard very big letters so that the teachers can see what was written from a distance of 70 meters whereat they were taking comfort of the winter sunlight carelessly laughing and gossiping. Whatsoever, he took transfer with a bunch of curses.

What happened then? This supposed to be once a fledging high school of the locality is only building now (forty years later) with all the supposed to be honorable teachers and other staffs clubbed together with such other (girl’s) high school with their number of students less than half of the strength of the teachers together. This situation is now a rule, not an exception, in Manipur today, provided in particular if it is a government lower primary/ high/ higher secondary school. That is, a school in Manipur has a life expectancy of fifty years! Why should one so worry about this?

The reason is that it is cancerous phenomenon. It seems, as experts opine, everybody has got cancer cell. However, it is unable to detect when the number of such cells are less in number, which occurs in healthy people whose immune system can prevent the cancer cells from raising its number. This is why, physicians advised, cancer is curable if treated at early stage. The point in this context is that the problem Manipur is facing today could perhaps be diagnosed as a bit late stage of cancer patient for which survival chance is very/ quite poor. However, for a person, his relatives feel never disappointed as they are so worried  and consequently ready for using all their resources to pump in for its treatment and set the life further to normal one as far as or if possible.

What is the problem? The problem now is that these cancer cells of dying schools have already been crossed over to colleges with the fact that arguably only DM College and Imphal college are fledging almost as usual as the brand name goes on while all the remaining tens of colleges are already showing the sign of dying, whereat no student in general is ready to attend classes but not stopping from appearing and passing exams. What will these students know or do even if they are passed as usual (without knowledge)? While university(s) in Manipur might survive for sometime due particularly to the students from these colleges but how long and hence university(s) also ought to disappear. What will happen with these kinds of situations? Will it not be a right time for every Manipuri to think seriously to stop this menace and save Manipur from further decay?

Else, how long should we continue to do this, in 21st century, to unintentionally converting our state to the same state as that of pre-1885 at which our first (Johnstone (higher secondary)) school was established? Otherwise, should the modern Englishmen be invited again to rejuvenate our institutions? Sizable number of Manipuri employees, inside and outside the state, and all who eat/ started with eating Manipuri foods may not agree this proposal. Then, it is never late to start any good thing. It seems therefore imperative that all teachers from lower primary schools to university level and all to find out a solution so that our education becomes better as we go by and accordingly create a harmonious society with realization through proper education and value of life. Outside education (at the cost of about Rs 500 crore annually), if it is, is just selling cheap our pride sports and culture earned while our domestic expenditure on it and administration (from central government?) is (almost) going as a waste!

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2014/03/save-manipur-side-effect-of-free-salary/

Four Candidates Filed Nominations for the Inner Manipur Constituency

  IMPHAL, March 24: Altogether five candidates have submitted their nomination papers to the returning officer of inner constituency, K Radhakanta, the deputy commissioner of Imphal West, for the 16th

(Clockwise) Congress candidate Dr Th Meinya; Independent candidate O Indira; BJP candidate Dr RK Ranjan and CPI candidate Dr M Nara. Photo: IFP

(Clockwise) Congress candidate Dr Th Meinya; Independent candidate O Indira; BJP candidate Dr RK Ranjan and CPI candidate Dr M Nara.
Photo: IFP

 

IMPHAL, March 24: Altogether five candidates have submitted their nomination papers to the returning officer of inner constituency, K Radhakanta, the deputy commissioner of Imphal West, for the 16th inner Manipur parliamentary constituency till date.

The candidates of the inner constituency along with their supporters thronged at the office of the deputy commissioner of Imphal West to submit their nomination paper on Monday.

The Congress candidate, also the sitting MP, Dr Th Meinya, seeking re-election at the Lok Sabha polls from the inner Manipur parliamentary constituency submitted his nomination paper around 11:15 am.

He was accompanied by chief minister Okram Ibobi, deputy chief minister Gaikhangam, I Hemochadra, Govindas Konthoujam, Abdul Nashir and his ten proposers.

Later around 1:40 pm, the Bharatiya Janata Party candidate Dr RK Ranjan arrived and submitted his nomination paper to the returning officer. The president of BJP state unit Thounaujam Chaoba, other workers and a proposer accompanied him.

The common candidate of the Left and Secular Alliance, CPI’s Dr Moirangthem Nara submitted his nomination paper around 1:58 pm and was accompanied by his four proposers while filing his nomination.

Meanwhile, independent candidate Oinam Indira also filed her nomination paper to the returning officer accompanied by her proposers.

Oinam Jotin, the candidate of the newly floated political party Jai Maha Bharat party rushed to the returning officer to file his nomination paper but as his paper was incomplete, he was told to file his nomination  another day, a source informed IFP.

The candidate of Manipur People Democratic Front (MPDF) Dr G Tonsana Sharma who had submitted his nomination paper on March 19 to returning officer K Radhakumar was the first to file nomination for the inner parliamentary constituency seat.

Former IPS officer Sarangthem Manaobi, candidate of the All India Trinamool Congress (AITC) and Aam Aadmi Party’s announced candidate Dr Kh Ibomcha have not submitted their nomination papers as yet.

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2014/03/four-candidates-filed-nominations-for-the-inner-manipur-constituency/

With Romio on his documentary ‘Kauna’

    Kauna (Scirpus lacustris L), the spongy water reed of Manipur is one of the nature’s gifts to the economically backward people of Manipur, India. Hailing from Cyperaceae family, the aquatic plant is known to people of the state … Continue reading →

 

 

Kauna (Scirpus lacustris L), themora spongy water reed of Manipur is one of the nature’s gifts to the economically backward people of Manipur, India. Hailing from Cyperaceae family, the aquatic plant is known to people of the state since time immemorial. The flora is so deeply associated with the inhabitants of this region that, we can strongly argue with the fact that every house in this regions will have at least one or two products made of this wonderful plant.

The dangerous influx of low-cost machine made artificial décors in and around us, has led to the squeezing of self-reliance cottage industry and extinction of this sector in agrarian economy like Manipur. The alternative means of employment generation is to create new avenues for youth and nevertheless, development skill enhancement activities too. Problem of unemployment in a state like Manipur, can be solved to an extent with the development of cottage industries, resulting in changing attitude towards the sector. And this is what exactly documentary filmmaker, Romio Khangemba of Singjamei believes and thrust to take up a documentary venture on Kauna.

“Exploring entrepreneurship and alternative vocations for youths through traditional handloom, handicraft industry and finding market for its products could ensure a viable society in the state,” Romio further said.

The 25-minutes-long documentary highlight the potential source of income and employment through cultivation and manufacturing of its products. From being an unused plant grown wildly to marshy areas in Manipur, it is now cultivated in different parts of the state after discovering the dynamical usability. Basketries, flower vases, mattress, sofas and handbags are some of the intriguing home decor of Kauna. Ironically, it also laments the reluctance of educated youth to take up this occupation of cultivation and making of Kauna products to meet  their ends.

Earlier, by-products of Kauna were meant for local needs. However, in the recent past  the demand of this products in international markets has increased phenomenally. Innovations in various shapes, sizes and styles can be credited to consumer’s consciousness about the product. People are more inclined to this products because of its bio-degradable, non-toxic and air conditioning properties.

Besides, awareness created by artisans who had participated in national and international fairs and exhibitions said, “demand for this material is found to be growing day by day which gives an extra mileage in the development of  new designs to suit the ever increasing customers’ requirement and satisfaction. With the incresliceasing demand in the local and overseas markets, more skilled workers are required. The launch of a website by one of the shops in UK is a great example of increasing popularity of the same”.

When asked about his inclination towards making of this documentary film, Romio said, “It is an effort to create awareness about the importance and eco-friendly characteristics of Kauna in today’s alarming juncture of global warming.”

Through this medium, he appealed especially the youths to take part in the development activities of small scale industries, so that our younger generation can be economically self-reliable and dependent.

Presently he is working on his next documentary film “Yaithaba”, based on toxicology.

“Cholom” a documentary on classical masculinity dance of Manipur and “PUNG- Rhythm of the Paradise”, documentary on Manipuri percussion Pung (Drum) were screened at 4th International Documentary & Short film Festival, 2011, Thiruvananthapuram, Kerela, and MIFF (Mumbai International Film Festival, organised by Ministry of Information and Broadcast, Government of India at Mumbai in 2010 respectively.

 

Kauna

Kauna

Here are a few projects on which he has worked.

 

  1. “Educational Open Courseware’s (e-learning) development video course”

CET, Indian Institute of Technology, Guwahati, India

Producer: Romio Khangemba (2007-2012)

Telecast: EKLAVYA, a technical educational channel.

 

  1. “Technology Vision 2035″

A Centre for Educational Technology,

IIT Guwahati Production.
Executed for TIFAC, Dept. of Science & Technology GOI.
Producer: Romio Khangemba
Genre: Documentary

 

  1. “Parallel Computing Research”

A Centre for Educational Technology,
IIT Guwahati Production.
In association with Intel Labs. Bangalore & IITG Computer Science Dept.
Producer: Romio Khangemba
Genre: Documentary

 

4.      “Plastic Cell Concrete Filled Block Pavement” (Base on Transportation Engineering)” 
Dept. of Civil IIT Guwahati, India.

Producer/ Director: Romio Khangemba
Genre: Documentary

 

  1. “PUNG- Rhythm of the Paradise”, documentary on Manipuri percussion Pung (Drum)

Asst. Director: Romio Khangemba

Won “The Best Non-Feature on Biographical, Art & Culture” in

7th Manipur State Film Festival, 2010 organised by Manipur Film Development Corporation

Genre: Documentary

 

  1. “CHOLOM” (Base on Classical Masculinity dance of Manipur), a documentary project funded by Film Division of India

Asst. Director: Romio Khangemba

Genre: Documentary

 

  1. “Prajuktie Bikalpa”, Commission program of DDK Guwahati based on IITG’s energy research

Asst. Director – Romio Khangemba

Genre: Documentary

 

  1. “Woman Empowerment” – DDK Imphal.

Asst. Director – Romio Khangemba

Genre: Documentary

 

  1. “BAMBOO- the green gold” – DDK Imphal commissioned program

Asst. Director – Romio Khangemba

Genre: Documentary

 

  1. “Biomedical Waste”- A commission program of DDK Imphal.

Asst. Director – Romio Khangemba

Genre: Documentary

 

  1. “Leprosy is Curable”, a commission program of DDK Imphal.

Director – Romio Khangemba

Genre: Documentary

 

  1. “Ningol Pukning”, a commission program (based on a life story of a HIV infected Manipuri lady) of DDK Imphal.

Art Director – Romio Khangemba

Genre: Tele Film

 

  1. “Eikhoida Lakpa Mee” commission program (based on the importance of protecting One’s cultural identity) of DDK Imphal.

Production Controller – Romio Khangemba

Genre: Tele Film

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2014/02/with-romio-on-his-documentary-kauna/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=with-romio-on-his-documentary-kauna

Varun Nepram from Manipur Leading Boys’ NCC at 65th Republic Day, 2014

Varun Nepram (in red dress and holding staff), S/o Dr. Sanjib Nepram & Dr. (Mrs) H. Rajshree, a resident of Sagolband Sayang Road, Imphal is leading the Boys’ NCC Band Contingent at the 65th Republic Day Celebrations, 2014 at New Delhi. … Continue reading →

Manipur Native, Varun Nepram (in red dress and holding staff), leading the Boys’ NCC Band Contingent at the 65th Republic Day Celebrations, 2014 (photo courtesy: Doordarshan)

Manipur Native, Varun Nepram (in red dress and holding staff), leading the Boys’ NCC Band Contingent at the 65th Republic Day Celebrations, 2014
(photo courtesy: Doordarshan)

Varun Nepram (in red dress and holding staff), S/o Dr. Sanjib Nepram & Dr. (Mrs) H. Rajshree, a resident of Sagolband Sayang Road, Imphal is leading the Boys’ NCC Band Contingent at the 65th Republic Day Celebrations, 2014 at New Delhi. He is a student of Scindia Boys’ School, Gwalior.

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2014/01/varun-nepram-from-manipur-leading-boys-ncc-at-65th-republic-day-2014/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=varun-nepram-from-manipur-leading-boys-ncc-at-65th-republic-day-2014

Digitized Imagi Ningthem to be screened at Pune Intl Film Festival

  NEW DELHI, January 13 (Manipur Information Centre): International acclaimed Manipuri film- IMAGI NINGTHEM ( My Son, MY Precious) directed by Aribam Syam Sharma are among seven Indian films selected under the section- Gems From NFAI of the ongoing 12th … Continue reading →

 

NEW DELHI, January 13 (Manipur Information Centre): International acclaimed Manipuri film- IMAGI NINGTHEM ( My Son, MY Precious) directed by Aribam Syam Sharma are among seven Indian films selected under the section- Gems From NFAI of the ongoing 12th Pune International Film Festival 2014. The film-Imagi Ningthem has been  digitized by the National Film Archives of India. The Archive has digitized 566 films and restored 329 so far under the National Film heritage Mission. Other films to be screened under the section are Bhavni Bhavai( Gujarati) directed by Ketan Mehta, Samskara (Kannada) by Pattabhirami Reddy, Daasi (Telegu) by B. Narsinga Rao, Agraharathal Kazhuthai (Tamil) John Abraham, Halodhia Choraye Baodhan Khai (Assamese) by Jahnu Barua and Esthappan (Malayalam) by G. Aravindran.

Imagi Ningthem will be screened in Blu-ray version in the ongoing 12th Pune International Film Festival in the section “Gems from NFAI” on 14th January at 9.00 am at City Pride, Screen 5, Abhiruchi, Pune.

The 110-minute long Imagi Ningthem tells the story of an orphan. A lady teacher, new to the village is asked by an old man to tutor his grandson who is sickly all the time. The teacher becomes curious to know more about the old man and the boy. She finds out from a colleague that the boy’s mother had been seduced by a man and died in child birth. It turns out that the father is the husband of her cousin who is promptly apprised of the fact.  Her cousin is attracted to the unfortunate boy and adopts him while her husband is absent. Subsequently the husband returns home and objects to the boy being adopted for he does not know it is his own son. The grandfather wants to take the boy back but the step mother does not let him and ultimately keeps the boy.

Master Leikhendra, Ingudam Mangi, Rashi, Bhubhaneswari, Indra Kumar are main cast of the film scripted by M. K. Binodini and cinematographed by K. Ibohal Sharma. Khundrapam Joykumar scored the music. Imagi Ningthem brought Aribam Syam Sharma international recognition when the movie received theGolden Montgolfiere in the Nantes International Film Festival in 1982. Imagi Ningthem was the first Indian Film to bag the prestigious  award in the  Nantes International  Film Festival.

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2014/01/digitized-imagi-ningthem-to-be-screened-at-pune-intl-film-festival/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=digitized-imagi-ningthem-to-be-screened-at-pune-intl-film-festival

Nagaland Speaker urges youth for work culture, respect for elders

YORUBA (Phek), Jan 9 (NEPS): Speaker of Nagaland Assembly Chotisuh Sazo called upon the youth to maintain and preserve their age old cultures and traditions and also continue to maintain their respects for the elders as their elders had been … Continue reading →

YORUBA (Phek), Jan 9 (NEPS): Speaker of Nagaland Assembly Chotisuh Sazo called upon the youth to maintain and preserve their age old cultures and traditions and also continue to maintain their respects for the elders as their elders had been maintaining from generations to generations.
Nagaland Assembly Speaker Chotisuh Sazo addressing on the occasion of the 34th Cultural Day that coincides with the Sukrunye (premier festival of the Chekhesangs) organized by the Model Village Yorubami Youth Association (MVYYA) at the Yorubami Public Ground January 9, 2014. (NEPS Photo)

Nagaland Assembly Speaker Chotisuh Sazo addressing on the occasion of the 34th Cultural Day that coincides with the Sukrunye (premier festival of the Chekhesangs) organized by the Model Village Yorubami Youth Association (MVYYA) at the Yorubami Public Ground January 9, 2014. (NEPS Photo)

He was speaking as Chief Guest on the occasion of the 34th Cultural Day that coincides with the Sukrunye (premier festival of the Chekhesangs) organized by the Model Village Yorubami Youth Association (MVYYA) here at the Yorubami Public Ground Wednesday. The Chief Guest said when they cared and respected for their elders, God would shower blessings upon them.
Sazo also expressed worry of the lack of work cultures among the present day youth who mostly preferred easy life without laboring which, he described was a dangerous trend and would not auger well for the future of their generations. He emphatically urged the people particularly the youth to develop the work culture that would be the only self-reliance for them in future.
While appreciating the Members of the MVYYA for organizing the program without indulging in any sort of fund drive like “lottery, buffet program etc, which are now a common feature today,” the Speaker said this way they had shown to others about their work culture values and self-reliance.
Paying rich tribute to former Chief Minister late Vamuzo who hails from this village (Yoruba), Sazo said he (Vamuzo) was visionary leader and pioneer of many developmental models in the village.
He also appreciated the organizers for their warm receptions given to him and his entourages.
Earlier in his welcome address, President MVYYA Vezota Veswuh said in the present global village, they had to make rapid progress without giving up their true “tradition, culture, values and customs.” He further stressed the importance of giving more emphasis on their “customs and traditional activities.”
Folk dance, folk tune, duet and traditional fire making competitions were the salient features dominating the “34thCultural Day and the Sukrunye” today which was attended by large number of villagers from Yoruba and neighboring villages, besides CPO President, prominent social workers from various Chakhesang villages.
Sazo along with Chitsoru Vasa enthralled the crowd by their duet folk song.
The function was chaired by YSU President, while the greeting was given by Chairman, Village Council Yoruba.

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2014/01/nagaland-speaker-urges-youth-for-work-culture-respect-for-elders/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=nagaland-speaker-urges-youth-for-work-culture-respect-for-elders

Governor urges Nagaland churches to emulate Mizoram Churches in fighting corruption

KOHIMA, Jan 3 (NEPS): Nagaland Governor Dr Ashwani Kumar warned the dangers of corruption that had been plaguing the society and pointed out that it simply could not be rooted out without serious reformation from home, schools, colleges and societies. … Continue reading →

KOHIMA, Jan 3 (NEPS): Nagaland Governor Dr Ashwani Kumar warned the dangers of corruption that had been plaguing the society and pointed out that it simply could not be rooted out without serious reformation from home, schools, colleges and societies.
He said this while releasing a book titled, “A Walk to Emmaus – A Journey of Attitudinal Change” written by Jonas Yanthan here on Friday at Raj Bhavan, Kohima. He said the “solution to corruption lies with the parents, teachers and societies.” The children should be first given human values by their parents in their respective homes, while ethics and values should be further taught in schools, colleges and universities, the Governor explained and further said once they were fully given these values and ethics, they would be able to fight various corrupt ways in the societies. Finally they would be the prime movers in the journey to eradicate this dreaded menace, he added.
Governor of Nagaland Dr Ashwani Kumar releasing a book, “A Walk to Emmaus - A Journey of Attitudinal Change” written by Jonas Yanthan at Raj Bhavan, Kohima on January 3, 2014. Lady wife of the Governor and author, Jonas Yanthan (extreme right) were also seen in the picture. (Left) Leaders of lotha Hoho and sections of media attending the function. (Oken Jeet Sandham Photo)

Governor of Nagaland Dr Ashwani Kumar releasing a book, “A Walk to Emmaus – A Journey of Attitudinal Change” written by Jonas Yanthan at Raj Bhavan, Kohima on January 3, 2014. Lady wife of the Governor and author, Jonas Yanthan (extreme right) were also seen in the picture. (Left) Leaders of lotha Hoho and sections of media attending the function. (Oken Jeet Sandham Photo)

Recalling as to how the churches in Mizoram played their roles in the recently concluded state elections in checking corruptions. The churches in Mizoram put up boards in villages with various guidelines to be observed by the candidates and later it was reported that there were least election related expenditures in Mizoram, he added.
Dr Kumar said their churches in Nagaland too could emulate Mizoram churches and expressed the hope that they would be able to do Mirozam way in the coming elections in the State.
The Governor, while lauding Yanthan for writing the book, “A Walk to Emmaus – A Journey of Attitudinal Change,” wished more new books to come in future not only by the author but also other local authors. He also said he was the first to receive the book and enjoyed reading.
Earlier, the author gave a brief background of the book. “We need a change of attitude and that’s why everyone talks about it with the hope of making our lives better but the desired change is not forthcoming,” he said explaining that the reason for that was “because attitudinal change cannot come about unless we begin talking to the minds of the people since corruption is an attitude.”
Stating that the book was an attempt to understand the Bible critically as they drew primarily from it, Yanthan narrated that for such thing a science called hermeneutics was employed to understand the scriptural language, reality of life and what language was as a mode of communication.
He further expressed that the focal objective of the book was a genuine though humble in its effort to bring about the much needed attitudinal change. The lady wife of the Governor also attended the occasion, besides Lotha Hoho leaders, members of the Press and family members of the author.

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2014/01/governor-urges-nagaland-churches-to-emulate-mizoram-churches-in-fighting-corruption/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=governor-urges-nagaland-churches-to-emulate-mizoram-churches-in-fighting-corruption

We don’t need a messiah!

  By:- Erendro Leichombam We have the tendency to await charismatic & messianic authority figures to solve all our complicated problems. When our leaders aren’t able to meet these expectations we are disappointed. So disappointed, either we become cynical and … Continue reading →

Okram Ibobi,CM OF Manipur. Photo Courtesy: The Hindu

Okram Ibobi,CM OF Manipur.
Photo Courtesy: The Hindu

 

By:- Erendro Leichombam

We have the tendency to await charismatic & messianic authority figures to solve all our complicated problems. When our leaders aren’t able to meet these expectations we are disappointed. So disappointed, either we become cynical and completely give up, or we resign to our current situation and tend to focus on the failure of our current leadership. Rarely do we modify, manage, or redefine the model of leadership we hold as ideal. Yes, we do need leaders with integrity, of quality, and of moral strength. But we don’t need to place them near godliness. Instead, we also need to engage in public reflection and responsibility.

 

A surgeon does diagnosis, prognosis, & treatment. They solve the problems for us. But the solutions to the most complicated problems in a community lies only with the people, not one godlike figure. The ideal leadership model, thus, should be more like the work of a psychiatrist; they help people see the problem at its root, and then suggest organic solutions through lasting inner transformations. In other words, its about the people, not the leaders per se (Heifetz).

 

Therefore, perhaps we could start expecting leaders to be more human: one who communicates more honestly with the public, educates, facilitates a more inclusive dialogue for mutual understanding of the challenges, unites more effectively, and then share the responsibility of implementing policies that address major issues in our community. I think the people are inherently smart enough to start accepting humans as leaders. Not messiah.

 

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2013/12/we-dont-need-a-messiah/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=we-dont-need-a-messiah

“PROSPECTS AND PROBLEMS OF LOOK EAST POLICY IN MANIPUR”

By Khwairakpam Gajananda Manipur is the gateway to Southeast Asia under the flagship program of India’s “Look East Policy (LEP)”, which is a synonym of “Nongpok Thong Hangba” in Manipuri, has many challenges to meet in the near future. A systematic analysis of … Continue reading →

By Khwairakpam Gajananda

Manipur is the gateway to Southeast Asia under the flagship program of India’s “Look East Policy (LEP)”, which is a synonym of “Nongpok Thong Hangba” in Manipuri, has many challenges to meet in the near future. A systematic analysis of the present scenarios of Manipur may deter investor/s from investing in the State. However, entrepreneurial tendency of the young people of Manipur had immensely contributed, despite all the hurdles they faced towards their goals. Recently, the Government of Manipur (GoM) adopted the principle of Public-Private-Partnership (PPP) model, which is a boon to the State and in-terms of its success. Sticking to this model, the GoM started encouraging the youths for smooth operations of the LEP, within and outside Manipur. We understand that the opportunities from LEP are immense and the impacts on the socio-economy of the State in the long run will be positive. The positivity of LEP on Manipur’s economy will out weight the negative impacts, if certain policies or programs are taken up by the GoM.

Manipur is an agrarian based economy; therefore, the emphases are mainly on agriculturally driven industries. The examples of Japan, Singapore and Thailand will not be appropriate in case of Manipur, because those countries are either island nations or surrounded by seas. Manipur is a landlocked State; therefore, it will be relevant to take examples of Sikkim, Himachal Pradesh, Switzerland, etc. One best example can be Sikkim for becoming the first Indian state to frame an ecotourism policy with the help of Japanese and American experts. The global travel guide Lonely Planet named Sikkim as the “best region to visit in 2014”. The article aimed to provide some insights to the entrepreneurs, Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs), government agencies and individuals, while attempting to make LEP successful in Manipur.

 

Prospects:

Presently, various agro-industrials based projects and industries are taken up by different private and public organizations in Manipur. It will not be pertinent to stress further on the existing projects and programs; however, supplementary programs within the sectors are recommended in this article. The following prospects are some of the thrust areas, which are easily achievable in Manipur.

  1. Ecotourism, Floriculture and Agro-forestry based Tourism

Ecotourism, floriculture and agro-forestry based tourism are some of the promising industries, which are in nascent status in Manipur. Orchids and other flowers’ cultivations in Manipur are believed to generate uninterrupted incomes not only from the cut flowers and its products but also from tourism and its allied businesses. Climate of Manipur is suitable for around the year agro-forestry farming. Sandalwood plantations in Manipur along with mangoes are promising. Combinations of sericulture, apiculture, pisciculture, and poultry along with horticultural practices in many countries across the world are found to be fruitful. Many entrepreneurs of Manipur have also started developing similar types of projects; however, due to lack of funds, many of them abandoned their efforts. In this scenario, the GoM is expected to support the individuals for developing various types of environmentally friendly industries and projects in the State.

  1. Bamboos and Allied Products

Bamboos are the natural tropical plants found abundantly in Manipur, particularly Churachandpur district. One interesting new product that can be developed from bamboo in Manipur is the “low cost sanitary napkins and baby diapers”, using bamboo and kabokang (Eichhornia crassipes) pulps. As of now, the prices of sanitary napkins or baby diapers cost more than Rs. 10 in the market. However, the new bamboo and kabokang based products will cost no more than Rs. 5 in the retail market. As the raw materials are found plentiful in Manipur, the prices of the products can be further reduced. Sanitary napkins and baby diapers are some of the essential items required by the family to keep good hygiene. The Department of Commerce and Industries, Govt. of Manipur (DCI-Manipur) gave emphasis on bamboo processing industries.

  1. Fisheries

Manipur is blessed with abundant water resources, be it lakes, rivers, ponds or streams. The State experienced about eight (8) months of rainfalls in a year. The State has more than 220 species of freshwater fishes. Some of the indigenous fish varieties such as Ngaton and Pengba are sold at higher prices i.e. more than Rs 500 per kilogram. Consumption of fishes in Manipur is very high, which amount to about 65,000 metric tonnes annually. The total production of fishes in the State comes to around 25,000 metric tonnes per year and the deficits of about 40,000 metric tonnes annually. The annual expenditures due to imports of fishes in the State are estimated to be around Rs. 400 Crores. Therefore, augmentation of the production of fishes in the State is urgently required. Availability of fish feeds to the farmers at a subsidized rate will definitely help in achieving the goals. Imparting training and using of new and viable technologies will also help in increasing the fish productions. Some palatable cold stream freshwater fish such as ‘Trout’ can be reared in Ukhrul district and other cold regions of Manipur.

  1. Medicinal and Aromatic Industries

The recent effort of the GoM for the development of medicinal and aromatic industries in all the districts of Manipur with the help of the Centre is commendable. Manipur is within the Himalayan biodiversity hotspot region. Many medicinal, aromatic and economically important plants grow naturally in abundances in the State. The GoM should not restrict the development of oils and aromatics only from lemon grass (Cymbopogon citratus) but should also give importance on various indigenous and endemic medicinal and aromatic plants of Manipur.

  1. Animal Husbandry and Poultry

This sector has lots of potentials; however, it is unorganized. Large numbers of animals and poultry farming are undertaken by many individuals of Manipur. Conversely, the State is yet to see a leather tanning or poultry feather industry. State like Meghalaya has already generated large amounts of revenues from leathers and leather’s products. Poultry feathers are useful in making pillows, cushions, jackets interiors, shuttlecocks, etc. Entrepreneurs should play a key role in this sector.

  1. Pottery

Manipur, since time immemorial is famous for pottery. Some of the good-quality pots, made of high iron containing mud are exportable in foreign markets. Though, the history of pottery industry in Manipur is very long, commercialization of the products is extremely poor. Thus, the sector can be further improved by adopting new and innovative technologies available in the market. DCI-Manipur can facilitate the transfers of technologies to the State.

  1. Fruits and Juices Industries

The DCI-Manipur identified many industries in different districts of Manipur. Bottling and processing of fruits and juices are in advance stages in the State. However, fruits and juices industries produced large amount of wastes, which is detrimental to the environment. For example, the passion fruit industry at Mao produced huge amount of wastes every year. Similar types of biodegradable wastes can be easily converted into ‘biogas’ using ‘biomethanation’ processes. Large amounts of vegetables and fruits wastes produced from various market complexes in Manipur can also be converted into methane using the same process.

  1. Handlooms and Handicrafts

Handlooms and handicrafts of Manipur are famous throughout the world. The DCI- Manipur has categorically given interest in this sector. The sector is still unorganized and many craftsmen are surviving hand-to-mouth, which need to be looked after and bring them into a common platform. Marketing will play a key role in promoting the handlooms and handicrafts of Manipur.

  1. Cultural and Medical Tourism

Cultural and medical tourism can be regarded as successes in Manipur. Many of the tourists arriving in Manipur are mainly on these two sectors, along with sports. With PPP model, Shija Hospital, Babina Clinic and other medical institutions in Manipur have started seeing many patients from abroad. Sangai festival attracted good numbers of tourists annually. However, there is still room to develop in these two sectors.

 

Problems

There are numerous problems in Manipur. However, it is impracticable to discuss all the issues within the context of this article. Some of the problems are geo-political, insurgency, civil movement, social unrest, corruption, infrastructural development, transportation, communication, topography and location, etc., which are out of the scope of this article. Nevertheless, some of the major achievable problems are highlighted as follows:

  1. Marketing

Manipur with large numbers of entrepreneurs, who developed varieties of products, are still poor in terms of marketing the goods. Unlike their counterparts, such as Marwaris, Panjabis, Tamilians, Bengalis and others, Manipuris are still lagging behind them. Aggressive marketing is the need of the hours. Using various modes of marketing such as print media, electronic or the Internet, television, radio, mount-to-mouth, etc. many of the products can be marketed throughout the world. There are some aggressive marketers in Manipur; however, their role to look after the whole state is not feasible. Thus, young and dynamic marketers of Manipur should come forward.

  1. Quality Control and Pricing

In Manipur, there is not a single ‘testing and analysis laboratory’ to check the quality of the end products. Consumers normally felt that the products from Manipur are inferior in quality; thereby hampering the State’s produced. This also directly affects the industries. Therefore, quality testing laboratory in Manipur is recommended. On the other hand, ‘pricing’ of the products in Manipur is not standard. The prices of the goods are very important even if the quality of the products is inferior. Competitive pricing is the ‘mantra’ for selling the goods like hot-cake. The good example is the Chinese products. Even though the Chinese goods are inferior in quality, the prices are so competitive making the consumers usually purchased it as “use-and-throw” items.

  1. Institution/s on Government-Private Linkages

Linkages between the government and private individuals are very poor in Manipur. Many of the farmers do not understand the tedious processes and procedures of the various schemes or projects developed by their respective government. Thus, most of the schemes or projects of the government do not tickle down to the grass root levels. Only few individuals, who are well acquainted with the various government schemes, got the benefits. These tendencies reduced the poor farmer’s confidences towards getting the government schemes. Therefore, institution/s dealing on the linkages of government and farmers at the grass root level will definitely help get the shares to the poor and needy individuals. The linkage will also help the government immensely.

  1. Financial Institutions, NRIs and Investments

It can be mention here that most of the financial institutions, NRIs and investment organizations are virtually non-existing in Manipur. The lack of proper financial institutions, requiring few documents to disbursed loans to the needy people has made the farmers uninterested in procuring the same. Another problem to the farmers is appropriate land records. Those who do not possess proper land documents are denied loans by the financial institutions as well as the government. Thus, the cumbersome loan procedures diverted the loan seekers from taking the loans, thereby making the farmland less productive. The lackadaisical manner of the financial institutions further demoralized the budding entrepreneurs of the State. Most of the government invested projects are believed to be a failure. Therefore, PPP models should be followed.

On the other hand, the numbers of NRIs or Manipuri Diaspora is significantly large. Crores of rupees are remitted into Manipur by the NRI’s every month. However, due to lack of proper organizations and trust deficits of the government, the Diaspora is hesitant to invest in any project. Therefore, tapping the huge investment potentials of NRIs and financial institutions will definitely help the economy of Manipur and a success towards LEP.

  1. Empowering the Youths and Entrepreneurs

Empowerment of the youth and encouraging them with various government schemes such as awards, rewards, prices, etc. will definitely bring competitiveness to the State. The entrepreneurs should be empowered and recognized by the government, rather than showing myopic eyes towards them. Failures and successes of businessmen are perceivable; therefore, the government instead of giving penalties to the individual, should adopt different strategies (such as imparting training) of how to achieved successes in their respective businesses.

 

The above prospects and problems are just the tip of the iceberg. However, the article attempted to bridge the gaps of how Manipur can maximize the economy from Look East Policy. The group also felt that the sustainable economic and social developments of Manipur depend on the direct participation of dynamic and prolific leaders of the various departments, centers, institutes, universities, entrepreneurs, NGOs, individuals, etc. as well as the achievements of the long-term visions of the ‘decisions and law’s makers’ of the State.

 

Acknowledgement:

The above article is the excerpts of various discussions at the Nongpok Thong Hangba, Facebook Group, which is the brainchild of Shri. Oinam Nabakishore Singh, IAS, Principal Secretary, Department of Commerce and Industries, Government of Manipur. The group sincerely acknowledged his unhesitating and tireless effort. The valuable comments by Boboi Pukhrambam, Dayanidhi Huidrom, Naorem Brajendra Singh, Ibemcha Hemam, Opendro Khwairakpam, and other members within the group are also thankfully acknowledged.

 

 

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2013/12/prospects-and-problems-of-look-east-policy-in-manipur/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=prospects-and-problems-of-look-east-policy-in-manipur

The Felix Scholarship 2014 – University of Reading

  Submitted by: Dr. H. Narendra Singh, he can be contacted through email: narendra(at)tropmet(dot)res(dot)in Dr. H. Narendra Singh Scientist Climatology and Hydrometeorology Division Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology (Ministry of Earth Sciences, Govt. of India) Dr. Homi Bhabha Road, NCL Post, Pashan, … Continue reading →

 

Submitted by: Dr. H. Narendra Singh, he can be contacted through email: narendra(at)tropmet(dot)res(dot)in

Dr. H. Narendra Singh
Scientist
Climatology and Hydrometeorology Division
Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology
(Ministry of Earth Sciences, Govt. of India)
Dr. Homi Bhabha Road, NCL Post, Pashan,
Pune – 411008 (INDIA)
Phone: +91-020-25904359 (Work)
Fax: +91-020-2586-5142

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2013/11/the-felix-scholarship-2014-university-of-reading/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=the-felix-scholarship-2014-university-of-reading

Oinam Sports Association – Football Coaching and Fitness Program 2013

Office of the OINAM SPORTS ASSOCIATION Bishnupur – District, Manipur – 34 PRESS REPORT 27th Oct. 2013 Oinam Sports Association is currently organizing a football developmental program entitled, Football Coaching – cum – Fitness Program, 2013. The program is organized … Continue reading →

Office of the OINAM SPORTS ASSOCIATION
Bishnupur – District, Manipur – 34
PRESS REPORT
27th Oct. 2013

Oinam Sports Association is currently organizing a football developmental program entitled, Football Coaching – cum – Fitness Program, 2013. The program is organized under the aegis of All Manipur Football Association (A.M.F.A) and Bishnupur District’s District Sports Association (D.S.A).

With a total participants of around 125 players ranging from grass – root to U-14 age group the program kicked off on 27th October, 2014 at 2:00 pm (Sunday). The opening function was graced by Mr. N. Brojen Singh, Up-Adhakshya (Bishnupur District) as Chief Guest and Mr. Oinam Budhi Singh, Chair-person (Oinam Nagar Panchayat) as the President. The guest comprises of sport persons, students, local heads, educationalists, representatives of clubs/organizations, social activists and various individuals from different walks of life.

Oinam Sports Association - Football Coaching and Fitness Program 2013

Oinam Sports Association – Football Coaching and Fitness Program 2013

Main objective of the program is to encourage the young footballers as well as the youths of Oinam and its surrounding areas to be physically fit. The program covers participants from Oinam, Irengbam, Leimaram, Maibam, Keinou, Yumnam Khunou, Ngaikhong Khunou, Sadu Chiru, etc. Along with the daily football coaching session from 6:00 am to 8:30 am the initiative comprises of promotional football matches, mass morning walk, evening practice session and gymnasium facilities. The participants enjoy free uniforms, free daily basic diets, free course fee and free gymnasium facilities.

Entirely managed and functioned by the members of O.S.A the coaching lessons were conducted by Mr. N. Sivananda and Mr. Ph. Surendro Singh, A.M.F.A approved district coaches. Assisting the head coaches at the training session were a team of well experienced footballers and sport persons, both currently active and retired.

Oinam Sports Association - Football Coaching and Fitness Program 2013

Oinam Sports Association – Football Coaching and Fitness Program 2013

Members of O.S.A believe that the initiative will not only benefit the youth in physical fitness but towards mental wellness and life’s disciplineries. The veteran players including senior and elder sport lovers too contribute to the program both physical, mentally and financially.

The closing function is scheduled for 17th Nov. 2013. Mr. M. Kesho Singh (R.F.O Bishnupur), Mr. Y. Joykumar Singh (Project Director, NESRIP, P.W.D – Manipur) shell grace the function as President and Chief Guest respectively. Accompanying then on guest of honours are Mr. Ch. Tiken Singh (Additional Chief Engineer, P.W.D – Manipur), Mr. Ch. Ibotombi Singh (Gen. Secretary, D.S.A – Bishnupur), Mr. S. Chandramani Singh (Proprietor, Capital Electronic – Imphal), Mr. N. Sarat Singh (Manager, Rural Bank – Nambol).

Programme of the day includes two football matches. First match between Trugpu Chargers and Sangai Football Lovers and the second between Maniwood Football Team and Oinam Veteran Football Team. Entertainment programme includes Acrobatic Dance by P.R.E.T, Oinam and Martial Arts and Acrobatic performance by P.O.A.C, Keirao.

Lukhendro Keisham (Gen. Secretary of O.S.A) along with all the members and executives of the association on behave of the elders, brothers and sisters of Oinam invites the people of the state to witness the closing day events. Also to support and boost the morals of the budding football players.

Oinam Sports Association - Football Coaching and Fitness Program 2013
Oinam Sports Association - Football Coaching and Fitness Program 2013
Oinam Sports Association - Football Coaching and Fitness Program 2013
OSA_Football04
Oinam Sports Association - Football Coaching and Fitness Program 2013

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2013/11/oinam-sports-association-football-coaching-and-fitness-program-2013/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=oinam-sports-association-football-coaching-and-fitness-program-2013

Speaker Sazo leads 6-Member NLFA Team & 2 Officials to International AIDS Congress at Bangkok

By Oken Jeet Sandham KOHIMA, Nov 16 (NEPS): A team of Nagaland Legislature Forum for AIDS (NLFA) led by Assembly Speaker Chotisuh Sazo has left Nagaland today to attend the “11th International Congress on AIDS in Asia and the Pacific … Continue reading →

By Oken Jeet Sandham
KOHIMA, Nov 16 (NEPS): A team of Nagaland Legislature Forum for AIDS (NLFA) led by Assembly Speaker Chotisuh Sazo has left Nagaland today to attend the “11th International Congress on AIDS in Asia and the Pacific (ICAAP)” to be held from November 11 to 22, 2013 in Bangkok, Thailand.
The NLFA Team Members are Chotisuh Sazo, Speaker, Nagaland Legislative Assembly (NLA) and Convener, NLFA, Er Levi Rengma, Deputy Speaker, NLA, Mmholumo Kikon, MLA, Ameba Yaden, MLA, Toyang Chang, MLA and Khekaho Assumi, MLA and also Dr Vinito Chishi, State Consultant on NLFA and Miss Hukatoli, an Official of the NLFA.
Mmholumo Kikon, who is currently at Hong Kong, will fly to Bangkok and join the Team tomorrow at Bangkok.
Talking to NEPS at Dimapur Airport before leaving for Bangkok via Kolkata, Chotiush Sazo, the Team Leader, said he would more emphasize on the importance of keeping strict vigil on the porous International border to Nagaland State as such HIV/AIDS also allegedly came to their side from across the International border of Myanmar. “We should adopt some kind of mechanism as to how we can prevent spreading of HIV/AIDS from across the International border,” he said disclosing that the State (Nagaland) has 250 kilometers bordering with Myanmar. “I am going to draw attention of the world leaders who are attending in this very important 11th International Congress on AIDS in Asia and the Pacific at Bangkok,” he added.
(From left) Khekaho Assumi, MLA, Er Levi Rengma, Deputy Speaker, NLA, Chotisuh Sazo, Speaker, NLA, Ameba Yaden, MLA, Toyang Chang, MLA, Dr Vinito Chishi, State Consultant on NLFA and Miss Hukatoli, Official of NLFA before leaving for Bangkok at Dimapur Airport on Vovember 16, 2013. NEPS Photo

(From left) Khekaho Assumi, MLA, Er Levi Rengma, Deputy Speaker, NLA, Chotisuh Sazo, Speaker, NLA, Ameba Yaden, MLA, Toyang Chang, MLA, Dr Vinito Chishi, State Consultant on NLFA and Miss Hukatoli, Official of NLFA before leaving for Bangkok at Dimapur Airport on Vovember 16, 2013. NEPS Photo

“I personally believe that once a mechanism is drawn up to check cross border activities in those porous areas, the prevalence of HIV/AIDS will reduce considerably,” he pointed out.
The Nagaland Speaker also stated that he would draw the attention of the world leader at Bangkok Congress to seriously ponder over the dangerous issues of Hepatitis B because this “menace” was always associated with HIV patients. “We have to find ways to solve this area too,” he added.
Dr Vinito Chishi, State Consultant on NLFA, while talking to NEPS here at the Dimapur Airport, expressed the hope that attending such International Congress on AIDS by their legislators at Bangkok would immensely give fruitful education to “our legislators.”

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2013/11/speaker-sazo-leads-6-member-nlfa-team-2-officials-to-international-aids-congress-at-bangkok/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=speaker-sazo-leads-6-member-nlfa-team-2-officials-to-international-aids-congress-at-bangkok

National School of Drama

Silver Jubilee Celebrations of Sanskaar Rang Toli (T.I.E. Co) begins with BalSangam   –        Bal Sangam brings the flavors of  North East with various Traditional Folk Performing Arts from the Seven States –        Bal Sangam – a Week-long Festival of … Continue reading →

Silver Jubilee Celebrations of Sanskaar Rang Toli (T.I.E. Co) begins with BalSangam

 

–        Bal Sangam brings the flavors of  North East with various Traditional Folk Performing Arts from the Seven States

–        Bal Sangam – a Week-long Festival of Performing Arts and Folk Theatre for the children by the children starts on Children’s Day this year

–        Sanskaar Rang Toli (T.I.E. Co.) introduces Traditional Folk Theatre by Children as a special segment in its Silver Jubilee year

 

New Delhi, November 13, 2013: The sweet melody of flute, dug dugdug sound of the dugdugi, the distinct music of Dotara, nothing compares to the sweet memories of the childhood mela. A flexible girl, a juggler, some clowns in myriad coloursare nowhere to be found in today’s time, more so in an urban setting. These week-long mela-like treat for childrenwill be brought by Sanskaar Rang Toli (T.I.E Co.) of National School of Drama during the BalSangam 2013, starting from 14th November. It will bring the unique and traditional performing arts to the capital as a treat to the urban children.

This year, NSD’s Sanskar Rang Toli – Theatre in Education Co.which was established in 1989 celebrates its Silver Jubilee year and Bal Sangam 2013 marks the beginning of the year-long celebration. Commencing on the Children’s Day, the weeklong festival at the New Delhi NSD Campus, promises to be a traditional, cultural, and mela like delight for its attendees. From folk dance, martial arts, acrobats, street performances like juggling, magic shows, puppet shows and many more experiences, Bal Sangam will present 10 group’s vivid, distinct and on the verge of extinction performing arts.

 

Ratan Thiyam, NSD Chairperson shares on the occasion, “North East Region has very rich traditional and cultural heritage. Various art forms are so rare and exquisite it has become the need of the hour that they be brought back into the limelight and be given due attention they so right fully deserve.”

With special focus on North East Region, Bal Sangam 2013 brings the unexplored talents and for many un-witnessed traditional performing arts by children from this region. It took six months of hardwork in finding these 11 traditional folk performers (child artist groups) from all over the North East by T.I.E. Co. The artists are not trained or taught; rather they have inherited from their families who still practice these performing arts which are now on the verge of extinction. In this category of folk and performing arts Groups which would participate are, Abhiyan from Tinsukia, Assam; A’chick Theatre from Tura, Meghalaya; Bashel Brothers Creations, from West Kameng, Arunachal Pradesh; Kohinoor Langa from Rajasthan; Blooming Cultural Akademy, IrilbungImphal West, Manipur; Dapon The Mirror, Tangla, Udalpuri BTAD- Assam; GuguraBodol, NazirPukur Par, Krishnanagar, Agartala, Tripura; KadamtaliOjapali Dal from Darrang Assam, Neuhof Cultural Club,Aizawl, Mizoram; Padma AdzerChoeling from East Sikkim and TiwaBhasha- SanskritiCharchaSomittee from Nagaon, Assam.

Performances like Jaxoi Dance, Huroi Or Baisangi, Jang Bihu, Wangala (Napchenga, Rimchaksoa, Sara Roa, Makkre Rika, Mi Geaa, Mi Rata, Mi Sua, Chu Kana, Dome Dena, Jong’ a Toa, Kambe Toa, Chame Mikkang Nia, Salam Ona), Yak Dance, Hu, Jaam, Zig & Aji  Lhamutells The Folk Tales Of Sherdukpen Tribe, Bamboo Dance, Kabui Naga Dance, Pung Cholam, Dhol Dholak Cholom, Maibi Jagoi, Khamba Thoibi Dance, Stick Dance, Thabi Kakpa, Thang Ani Yannaba, Thang Ahum Yannba, Thangjao Yannba, Thang Ta Chainba, Thang Leiteng Haiba, Yetthang Oithang Yannba, Farkanti, The Bihu, Bardai Sikhla, Raidwng Shipnai, Garia, Lebang Boomani, Mamita, Mosok Sulmani, Hazagiri, Deodhani, Suknani Ojha Pali, Devi Archana, Going to The Temple to, Dance Chaloni Gotir Nritya, Rana Chandi Nritya, Khuti Talor Nritya, Four Stroks, Mandap Kamua Nritya, Cheraw, Chheih Lam, Tlanglam, Sarlamkai/Solakia, Khullam, Chawnglaizawn, Chai, Nepali Maruni Dance (Akashai Ko Kalo-Badal), Nepali Rai Dance (Suntaley Bhiraiko tir), Nepali Churkay Dance (Gharma Cha), Bhutia Dance (Limpokara Sum), Bhutia Dance (Denzong), Lepcha Dance (Mun-Dyak-Ka-Na-Oh, Lepcha Dance (Nam-Frona Pho Sa Bhoem), Langkhon Misawa, Khorla pisu Misawa, Baro Langkhui Misawa, Khram Misawa, Mairawa Misawa, Nakha Sanga Misawa and Khangsi Misawa will be the centre of attention.

WamanKendre, Director, National School of Drama, “BalSangam is a mela from Sanskar Rang Toli every alternate year which is a grand treat for children. We want as many as children to come and experience the mela so that they are enriched with our traditional and cultural heritage. Parents are also requested not to miss BalSangam with their children as this is the one and only, unique and complete folk performing arts and folk theatre festival by children in the entire country.”

Also taking a step forward towards educating the children, Sanskaar Rang Toli (T.I.E Co) this time will be holding special performances in the morning session with various schools who has tied up with NSD. The students will also have discussion sessions with artists who are experts of the art form presented and attend various workshops organized during the day.

Introducing a special segment for the Silver Jubilee Celebration, out of the 21 groups that will be performing during the Festival, a street performance and9Traditional Folk Theatre Performance groupswill also bring their best performances to the centre-stage.These will include theatres like Bali Wadh&Dwapar Lila by BhaveshChhouNritya Kala, Jharkhand; RaasLeelaby Face, Manipur;Yakshagana Dance Drama by Yakshagana Kendra Udipi, Karnataka; GosianPatherbyNational Bhand Theatre Budgam, J&K;Darz-E-Patherby Kashmir Performers Collective, Srinagar; Lava Kush by MudalapayaYakshagana Kendra, Karnataka;MaachbyAnkur Rang Munch, MP; PurliaChhou, Royal Chhou Academy, West Bengal and AnkiyaBhaonafrom Prayaas, Nagaon, Assam.The idea is toprovide a platform to the original theatres without the touch of modernism.

Abdul Latif Khatana, Founder Member and present Chief of T.I.E Co. says, “The Mela is an effort to provide a platform at the National level to folk and traditional artists to keep them in practice with their rich cultural tradition. The festival also aims to spread awareness among urban children about the rich cultural heritage of the country. The special focus of the Mela 2013 is the performances of folk and traditional performing Arts from the North East states and only folk/traditional theatre performances from different region of India. Besides various performances, Art and Craft workshops are also part of the Mela.”

 

The fanfare and hubbub of Bal Sangam 2013 starts from 14th November and goes on till 20th November, 2013 at the New Delhi Campus of NSD at Bhagwandas Road. Timing 4:00PM to 8:00PM from 14th to 17th November and 6:00PM to 8:00PM from 18th to 20th November.

Barry John, Founder-Director of the TIE Company on the occasion of Sanskar Rang Tolientering its 25th Year said, “The TIE Company has done a lot to be proud of, but there are massive tasks still waiting to be done. I wish there was a quick and easy way to prove to those who are ignorant or prejudiced about the benefits to be derived from Theatre activities, but of course, there is not. Meanwhile, Theatre’s potential to humanize people, to have them working creatively together, to resolve conflicts and violence, to empower people positively, lies languishing.”

About TIE Co.

Sanskaar Rang Toli is the only theatre education resource centers in the country and has worked with around 10 thousand children till date in various workshops. It consists of a group of actor-teachers working with and performing for children. The major focus of the TIE Company is to perform creative, curriculum-based and participatory plays in schools, specially designed and prepared for children of different age groups. The major thrust of the plays is to create an atmosphere that encourages children to raise questions, take decisions and make choices with an awareness of themselves within the larger social context.

The TIE Company has done more than 1400 performances of 32 plays in various parts of the country. More than 10 lakh children, apart from college students, teachers, parents and theatre lovers, have witnessed these plays in approximately all the states in the country and Poland, China, Philippines and Japan.

The Toli began with an objective of bridging the gap between passive education and an active method of learning by doing through its performances of varied plays, Summer Workshops on self development and social integration, Sunday Club for devising original performances with children, workshops with teachers on effective teaching-learning process. All these activities are practiced round the year as per the children annual school calendar in Delhi and other parts of the country.

 

About BalSangam:

With the start of new millennium TIE Co. started a new bi annual event “BalSangam”, a festival of Indian performing folk and traditional arts presented by children practicing these arts from different regions of the country.

 Around 2 lakh people, mostly children, have witnessed BalSangam till date in the last 7 BalSangams. Around 85 groups have participated and showcased around 672 performances till date.

 

For further queries, please contact:
Le Communiqué Consultancy                                                                                         National School of Drama

Anuj@9958372662/ Shabana@09860758687/                                                            A.K. Barua @ 9810329401

Santosh@9968509492/Hemant@9999370919                                                                            PRO, NSD

 

Anuj Kumar Boruah
Associate Director


Le Communique Consultancy
3rd Floor, N-5 A, Jangpura Extension
Near Eros Cinema
New Delhi-110014
Telefax- 011-41519967

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2013/11/national-school-of-drama/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=national-school-of-drama

Ningol Chakaoba in Bangalore

Ningol Chakaoba in Bangalore: A melting pot of diverse ethnic group: A small Ningol Chakauba event organized by a group of enthusiastic Meities in Bangalore successfully marked the seemingly meitei festival into a cross-culture event by bringing together members of … Continue reading →

Ningol Chakaoba in Bangalore: A melting pot of diverse ethnic group:

A small Ningol Chakauba event organized by a group of enthusiastic Meities in Bangalore successfully marked the seemingly meitei festival into a cross-culture event by bringing together members of other ethnic groups in the festivity. Close to 100 guests attended the luncheon held at the prestigious NGV Club premises in the heart of the city. The event was a sincere effort, devoid of any political motive to cohabit and celebrate the harmony within cultural diversity.

True to the essence of Ningol Chakauba, all the ‘ningols’ came adorned in best of their traditional attire- exquisite mix of ‘enaphi’ and choicest ‘Phanek’, some with kids tagged along and others much on their own. Nevertheless, all were welcomed and guided inside, making sure no one entered unattended. The much awaited feast, including classic dishes like ‘sareng thonba, shinju, ataoba thonba any many more were earnestly prepared by the volunteers themselves to retain the traditional touch. Aslo, in the most customary way, organizers ensured all the ‘ningol’ were presented with a small ‘dokhina’(gift) knowing very well that a Ningol Chakaoba is never complete without ‘Dokhina’ presented to the ‘ningol’.

“First time I have attended an event like this and I’ am really happy to be a part. Next year also I wish to attend” a non-meitei guest expressed his views when asked. “Event like this gives us an opportunity to meet, celebrate and introduce our customs and traditions to others” said a lady guest. Many guests echoed same views of replicating the success in coming years and organizing a bigger and better event. – Ms. Roopa, one of the ningols.

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2013/11/ningol-chakaoba-in-bangalore/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=ningol-chakaoba-in-bangalore

Myanmar reaches a crucial stage for national peace

 By Nehginpao Kipgen  November 12, 2013  http://www.bangkokpost.com/opinion/opinion/379331/myanmar-reaches-a-crucial-stage-for-national-peace From Nov 4-5, the Myanmar government peace negotiation team and representatives of ethnic armed groups met in Myitkyina, the capital of Kachin state. The meeting took place after a four-day (Oct 30 to … Continue reading →

 By Nehginpao Kipgen
 November 12, 2013
From Nov 4-5, the Myanmar government peace negotiation team and representatives of ethnic armed groups met in Myitkyina, the capital of Kachin state. The meeting took place after a four-day (Oct 30 to Nov 2) conference of 17 ethnic armed groups in Laiza, also in Kachin state.
The meeting was significant for two reasons. First, it was the only large and inclusive gathering of ethnic armed groups and the Myanmar government since the country’s independence. The two sides came together in an attempt to address protracted minority problems.
The meeting, which was attended by over 50 leaders of different ethnic armed groups and several representatives from the government, can be termed a more inclusive one than the Panglong conference of 1947, which was signed by 23 representatives from Chin, Kachin, Shan and Bama or Burman.
Second, the meeting was attended by international observers _ Vijay Nambiar, Special Adviser to United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon, and Wang Yin Fan, the Chinese government’s representative.
During the two-day meeting, the ethnic armed groups presented an 11-point proposal they had devised during the Laiza conference to the government, which included the establishment of a federal army.
Naing Han Thar, general secretary of the United Nationalities Federal Council, an alliance of ethnic armed groups, said “If we want to create a federal union, we need to have a federal army. If the army is controlled by a small group of people, it is not appropriate for a federal union and it can’t guarantee inclusion for ethnic minorities”.
On the other hand, the Union government presented a 10-point proposal to the ethnic armed groups, including non-disintegration of the Union, non-disintegration of national solidarity, perpetuation of sovereignty and democratic principles according to the 2008 constitution.
At the end of the two-day meeting, the two sides agreed to work together towards a nationwide ceasefire and establish a framework for political dialogue, and to hold meetings for political negotiation. They also agreed to meet again in Hpa-An, the capital of Karen state.
Initially, the government was hopeful of signing a nationwide ceasefire agreement before the end of November. But it is now certain that the ceasefire will not happen in November as the next meeting is scheduled for December.
Can recent developments resolve the decades-old political problems in the country? Though it is still too early to give a definitive answer, there is potential for a solution as long as both sides are willing to compromise and cooperate.
One setback of the Myitkyina meeting was the absence of the United Wa State Army, one of the most powerful non-state armed groups in the country. Other armed groups such as the National Socialist Council of Nagaland-Khaplang and the Kuki National Organisation also did not participate. All these armed groups also did not attend the Laiza conference.
For a nationwide ceasefire to be effective and successful, all ethnic armed groups in the country need to participate and cooperate in the peace-building process. Meanwhile, it is the responsibility of both the Union government and leaders of the participating armed groups to convince and invite the non-participating groups.
As has been the case for the past several decades, the greatest challenge in the reconciliation process is likely to be the question of withdrawing the Union army from ethnic minority territories and granting autonomy to the minorities.
And another challenge will be how the Union government will deal with the armed groups after a nationwide ceasefire is signed. Will the government be willing to integrate the armed groups into the federal army, or transform them into other state forces?
If the government decides to integrate them, will the armed groups accept such a proposal as a long-term solution? And if the government decides to transform them into other state forces, will the government sanction adequate funding to support them?
Moreover, the 2008 constitution needs to be either rewritten or amended in order to accommodate the demands of ethnic armed groups.
In any case, the armed groups are unlikely to surrender their arms if they are not fully convinced that the Union government is sincere in its commitment to addressing the longstanding demands of ethnic minorities, such as equality of rights and self-determination in their own territories.
Because of the historical lack of trust between the minorities and the successive central governments, building mutual trust is going to take time.
While the unprecedented nature of the Myitkyina meeting brings hope, one must be cautiously optimistic about the end-result. Nevertheless, recent developments are crucial for the success of national reconciliation, and should be encouraged.
Nehginpao Kipgen is general secretary of the US-based Kuki International Forum. His research focuses on the politics of South and Southeast Asia, with a concentration on Myanmar.

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2013/11/myanmar-reaches-a-crucial-stage-for-national-peace/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=myanmar-reaches-a-crucial-stage-for-national-peace

“Mayong: Myth/Reality” invited for Iran fest, special screening at IIM-Bangalore

New Delhi/Guwahati, Nov 3: After earning praise in America, Utpal Borpujari’s documentary “Mayong: Myth/Reality” has now been invited to Iran, apart from a special screening at Indian Institute of Management, Bangalore. The documentary, produced by Jayanta Goswami under the banner … Continue reading →

New Delhi/Guwahati, Nov 3: After earning praise in America, Utpal Borpujari’s documentary “Mayong: Myth/Reality” has now been invited to Iran, apart from a special screening at Indian Institute of Management, Bangalore.

The documentary, produced by Jayanta Goswami under the banner of Darpan Cine Production, will be part of a special retrospective of Indian films at the 7th “Cinema Verite” Iran International Documentary Film Festival, to be held during December 10-17 in Tehran.

The other Indian films to be screened at the festival are “The Sound of Old Rooms” by Sandip Ray, “Bahadur the Accidental Brave” by Aditya Seth, “There is Something in the Air” by Iram Ghufran, “The Women in Blue Berts” by Farida Pacha, “Director, Painter Shri Babura Laad Saheb” by Richa Hushing, “Dhananjay Kulkarni ‘Chandragupta’” by Rrivu Laha, and “Powerless” by Fahad Mustafa and Deepti Kakkar.

The festival, organized by the Documentary & Experimental Film Center (DEFC), tries to express the relationship between reality and truth through documentary films. DEFC is the main centre for production, distribution and promotion of fiction, documentary, animation and experimental films in the Middle East.

Borpujari’s film has also been invited for a special screening at IIM-B on November 6 under its prestigious “Seminar Series”, and the screening will follow his interaction with the top management institute’s students.

The documentary, the DVD of which has been released internationally by Junglee Home Video, has earlier been screened at the Silent River Film Festival in California and the 6th International Documentary and Short Film Festival of Kerala, among others.

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2013/11/mayong-mythreality-invited-for-iran-fest-special-screening-at-iim-bangalore/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=mayong-mythreality-invited-for-iran-fest-special-screening-at-iim-bangalore