For any tourist travelling to the North eastern states of India, the Khwairamband Keithel(market) complex popularly known as “Ima Market” (Mothers’ Market) is a must-visit spot on their itinerary. The market is divided into three adjoining complexes where women vendors sell all kinds of items and commodities ranging from clothes of latest fashion to fish. Even during the times of insurgency and militancy in the state, it was these women vendors, who were unharmed and allowed to continue with their business and urge to excel in their own ways in the Manipuri society. When the G-20 summit, delegates came to the Imphal city, a tour of the Ima Keithel ensured more global respect, appreciation, exposure, and revenue to these women vendors.
The Manipuri Maidens have time and again proved their mettle in different fields of life; ranging from sports, music, medicine to social and political welfare. Recently, during the 100th broadcast day of PM Narendra Modi’s radio show Mann Ki Baat, one of the Manipuri Maiden entrepreneurs in the field of Handloom and Textile narrated how she spread her small-scale business of fabric made from lotus stem to the whole world, including US after getting noticed by the PM on his show.
What makes the Manipuri Maidens special?
Some attribute this urge to excel to the collective consciousness built over the years through the combined struggles the Maidens of the state known as the Meira Paibis, (torch bearers) have undergone during the two Nupi Lans in the past. In the absence of their male counterparts, the women warriors of the state have always stood against exploitation by rulers, be it the Burmese forces, the British forces, or the more contemporary Assam Rifles. As a result, the modern-day Manipuri Maidens are quite competitive and supportive when it comes to looking after their personal and social needs and the needs of their children.
Keeping this feeling of autonomy and independence in mind, it is not a surprise to note a huge number of applications received from past 03 years for admission of girl cadets to class sixth in Sainik Schools all over the country from the state.
What about their contribution to the Indian Armed Forces?
What is equally surprising is the negligible number of girls being able to join the Indian Armed Forces through various types of entries, including the recent addition of NDA entrance exam from the state.
In the year of 2023, only one Maiden has been able to clear the written entrance exam conducted by UPSC for NDA from Manipur. Looking at the data of girl candidates applying through the graduate entries such as CDSE, AFCAT or NCC special entry, one would be shocked to know the meagre number of woman candidates trying to join the Indian Armed Forces from the state of Manipur. On the contrary, the number of young men trying to join the Indian Armed forces from Manipur has been on the rise.
A question comes to one’s mind as to why should the Manipuri Mothers let their daughters join the Indian Armed Forces at all after all the stories one hears about their oppressive behaviour with the civilians in the valley?
If the recent crisis has led people to burn Ambulances and kill innocent people, then definitely every Mother needs to think twice before letting her daughters continue to live in the present-day Manipur. From days of Covid Pandemic when mothers nursed their young ones with natural herbs and medicines in the state, to the times when war-cries could be heard as their daughters were giving the NEET exam, where have we come? For every Manipuri Mother who seeks a happy, healthy, and homely environment for her children, the Indian Armed Forces are the best option to join.
Indian Armed Forces work on the same principles as are akin to any Manipuri tribe or community. They work as a team: All for One and One for All is the motto of life in the Armed Forces. They thrive together. Even the weakest link is looked after and given equal responsibility in any mission. The respect, independence and authority women enjoy in the Armed Forces not only as Commissioned Officers or now the Agniveer soldiers surpasses that given to any other professional.
The maidens are not considered anything special but given an equal status as their male counterparts when it comes to duties as well as pay and perks. There are ample opportunities to earn and learn while one serves in the Indian Armed Forces. And all this without being the puppet or mouth piece of any political party or pressure group. With the experience and emoluments earned at the end of one’s service, one can again be a great benefit to the coming generations back in Manipur.
Why should the Manipuri Maidens join the Indian Armed Forces?
Like the Manipuri gentlemen, the Manipuri Maidens are also endowed with warrior genes. The genetic design along with the environmental factors such as their racial collective consciousness ensures that their ability to endure the daily physical and emotional stress is better than most of the other Indian maidens of their age. Similarly, their emotional maturity is also intact because of still living in not so urban, close-knit family and community structures. This same societal structure gives them an inherent sense of being disciplined in their own personal choices.
They are ready to be trained in the desired direction, once they are convinced of their aim. In coming times, the North eastern sector of India is going to play a decisive role in global Geopolitics. With their grounded policies and compassionate governance, Women Military leaders from this region would be able to provide more practical, and long-lasting solutions. But for that tomorrow, we need today’s Manipuri Maidens to work hard and make the right choices.
How can the Manipuri Mothers motivate their daughters to join the Indian Armed Forces?
In coming times, if Manipur must grow as a peaceful, prosperous, and progressive state of North eastern India; it must think beyond Fish, Football and Feet tapping music and dances, especially the Maidens of Manipur. Enhancing the state’s youth with Academic excellence and encouraging them to choose new vocational options must be the priority of the Mothers. Instead of restricting them to their ethnic identities, mothers need to help them to become globally aware and effective. And for this they have to revive the feelings of logical reasoning, compassion, and trust in government machinery.
This month-long malady of affairs in the state has led to many young Manipuri men and women choose Guns Over Guitars. All those who refuse to choose are forced to leave their houses to be burnt and live like destitute in Relief Camps. If at all the youth of Manipur must raise weapons and war cries, let it not be to become Frankenstein and kill their own brothers and sisters from other tribes for someone else’s vested interests. Let them be for defending their own mothers, Manipur, and Mother India.
Finally, for all the young, bold, and beautiful Maidens of Manipur and their Mothers, who are still not sure, I have a Maiden Stroke: here is a reminder of your strength and appeal from the melodious and meaningful number “21st Century Girl” of BTS boys from their 2016 album Wings:
“Do not ever be scared
Whatever people say,
You are okay, alright
You are strong
You say yes or no, yes or no
To the 20th century girls
Live your life
Live your life
Come on baby
To the 21st century girls
You do not mind
You do not mind that new lady
Tell them you are strong
Tell them you are enough…”
