Society in the crossroad

By Rebati Mohan Sinha

The image is meant only for the visual
appeal of the article.  It otherwise does
not relate to it.

I am fully agree with the views expressed by Shri Ranjit Sinha in the article "Where are we heading". I have been carefully reading the news items appeared in Bishnupriya Manipuri Online and if we reminisce, the 2010 was not at all proved to be a good year for the Bishnupriya Manipuri society except the formation of BMDC with disputed members and the prefixing of word ‘Bishnupriya’ in our state OBC status of Manipuri. The formation of the BMDC has brought disintegration, as there were allegations/counter allegations being hurled at one another in the society.’

It is a good beginning, if social campaign against inactive office bearers of BM organizations, we can hope to see some real change. But fighting inaction of an organization, we must be cautious. Top rung officials try to subvert democratic institutions, and this is exactly what is happening. So, if we are not careful, we will see rampant proxy voting, if at all there is any election taking place.

The article ‘Where are we heading’ really making us aware, what is happening in society? Like Shri Ranjit Sinha, I too visit villages, and often encounter with some or other heart breaking news. Liquor joints are flourishing in almost all BM villages. The suppliers are mostly from Service and ex-service men of defence forces, and the brand is XXX Rum which is the cheapest among all other brands available in their canteens. Service personnel are allowed to travel freely with this liquor to their home town where they sell it in higher premium. There are also plenty of retired service personnel in BM villages who are allowed to draw liquor every month from nearby Defence Canteens, whereby the source of supply is undisruptive. It has become a fashion now in villages to have a peg or two in the evening. Woman folks are not lagging behind and at times, they also give company to their man folks.

Now the question arises, who are the victims of this luxurious habit of drinking, how could they afford and their source of income? Most of the victims are from the unemployed youths and the remaining are from the retired community of state/central Govt. employees, including teachers. Most of the unemployed youths are resorted to casual stealing, whether at home or outside. If the rakshaks(these retired village elders) become bhakshak, then how could they do the moral policing at their own homes? This is the present status prevailing in the society.

What are the remedies? Can we give a thought to it? We would like to invite younger generation to come forward with better solutions in building the society. They are the backbone of any society. Their involvement is very much essential.