General Articles

The Meiteis : A Community at the Crossroads — Part I Identity crisis, uncertainty, and the chaotic civic landscape

Dr Pahel Meitei SoibamI. A Community Rooted in History, Yet Unsteady in the PresentThe Meiteis possess one of the deepest cultural foundations in the region : A script of ancient lineage, a sophisticated literary tradition, intricate spiritual cosmologies..

Importance of Mathematics in life and National Mathematics Day

Prof K Binod Mangang Mathematics plays a very important role in our daily lives. It is a subject that we use from the moment we wake up until we go to bed, even when we do not realise it. Maths is not limited to the classroom or textbooks. It is present i..

Dr Rajendra Prasad : A gem of Modern India

Prabhat KishoreContd from previous issueRajendra Babu started his public life in the year 1905 with the Bang-Bhang movement. He became a member of the All India Congress Committee in 1911. After the establishment of Patna High Court in 1916, he shifted to..

From Waverley’s Yew to Manipur : A peacemaker’s Christmas message of hope

Chongboi Haokip, MCIHortSome of us are closely connected to both the hills and the valley in Manipur. I am one of those, as my roots lie in the hills of Manipur, and I was born and raised in Imphal. For all, home meant safety and belonging. Then one day,..

Wasteful practices: A kind of societal disease

John S ShilshiRecently, an observant reader wrote an interesting and thought-provoking letter to the editor of a popular weekly, narrating how an ordinary boy’s unprecedented move almost caused a nervous breakdown for two families in Mulund who met..

Why religious and theological institutions remain essential in a modern society

Nasir Ahmed (Asst. Superintendent of Post Office (HQ), Kohima) A renewed debate has emerged in recent months, with certain political figures suggesting that Madrassas should be closed in order to prioritize the production of doctors, engineers and scienti..

Dr Rajendra Prasad : A gem of Modern India

Prabhat KishoreDr. Rajendra Prasad was a symbol of nationalism due to his efficiency, devotion to service, intellectual brilliance, truthfulness, sincerity, and gentleness by entering public life as Gandhiji’s associate in Champaran. This pioneering..

A new dawn for teacher education in Manipur : The revolution of ITEP

A Robertson SinghTeacher education system in Manipur is about to undergo a dramatic transformation. The Integrated Teacher Education Programme (ITEP) stands out as a potent instrument for this change, as the National Education Policy (NEP) introduces an a..

India’s Labour Codes : Towards a Coherent and Modern Regulatory Framework

Vidhya SoundararajanContd from SaturdayThey aim to strike a balance: protecting workers while making it easier for businesses to grow and hire formally. The real test, however, lies in how smoothly and consistently these reforms are rolled out across stat..

War against psychotropic drugs : India’s policy conundrum

Ngangom Junior Luwang (Sr Advocate Supreme Court of India)Contd from previous issuein India’s National Policy on Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances, 2012:“Synthetic and semi-synthetic drugs are illicitly manufactured in clandestine lab..

Vande Mataram : Context is not the enemy of truth

Nil KonsamWhen the Indian Parliament recently devoted an entire day to debating Vande Mataram on its 150th anniversary, the spectacle drew applause in some quarters and bemusement in others. But for many of us who grew up with the song woven gently into t..

War against psychotropic drugs : India’s policy conundrum

Ngangom Junior Luwang (Sr Advocate Supreme Court of India)Saddled with two of the World’s largest cartels of illicit opium production, the Golden Crescent in North-West and the Golden Triangle in the North-East, with approximately four million psych..

Mapping of unauthorised commercialisation in residential areas A major source for revenue in Manipur

Brigadier (Retired) L Ibotombi SinghContd from previous issueThereafter, send notices, impose requisite fines. Based on the need and necessity of the area, per- mission may be granted to a few units for commercial uses, by obtaining necessary registration..

India’s Labour Codes : Towards a Coherent and Modern Regulatory Framework

Vidhya SoundararajanContd from SaturdayWith unified portals like Shram Suvidha, compliance is now simpler and more transparent. While some worry about weaker enforcement, inspections haven’t been abolished—just made more targeted, less intrusi..

When wounds whisper: Listening to Manipur’s unspoken appeals for peace

Dr Raj SinghThe conflict that erupted between the Meitei and Kuki communities on 3 May 2023 has scarred Manipur far beyond numbers and statistics. Yes, more than 200 people have died. Yes, over 60,000 remain displaced in relief camps scattered across the..

Mystery holes in bedroom wall of SDO Tadubi residence – How these spoke of scary past ?

Jarnail SinghAfter completing IAS training at Lal Bahadur Shastri National Academy of Administration Mussoorie, on 31st July 1976 I joined as Sub Divisional Officer Mao Maram Subdivision at Tadubi. The then Mao Maram Subdivision is now the whole of Senapa..

The need for another Nupi Lan

Free ThinkerThe arrival of Her Excellency Droupati Murmu ji the Hon President of Bharat to commemorate the Nupi Lan (women's war/ rebellion) reminded the  whole country that Manipur had two Nupi Lans . One in the year 1904 and the second one in 1939...

Mapping of unauthorised commercialisation in residential areas A major source for revenue in Manipur

Brigadier (Retired) L Ibotombi SinghContd from previous issueThe authorities like town planning, IMC, Urban Development Department, Labour Department along with concern District Magistrate/Commissioners are not exercising their full authorities in curbing..

Abolish the Kuki Chiefs privileges to facilitate safe return of IDPs

LB SinghThe deplorable and miserable conditions of the Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) and their des- perate appeal to allow them to return to their respective places are heart-wrenching. However, Meetei and Kuki IDPs can return to their respective pl..

Mapping of unauthorised commercialisation in residential areas A major source for revenue in Manipur

Brigadier (Retired) L Ibotombi SinghOver the last four decades, like any other town in India, rapid urbanization has taken place in Imphal and its surrounding areas. One of the major factors for the increase in pace of urbanisation is due to influx of peo..

HECI Bill : A historic step towards National Education Policy 2020

Prof (Dr) Meinam BinotaIt is immense pleasure to share with you all the Academics and Future builders of the State that today (12-12-2025) a precious day of our State Nupilan, the HECI (Higher Education Commission of India) Bill, 2025 — in line with..

India’s Labour Codes : Towards a Coherent and Modern Regulatory Framework

Vidhya SoundararajanContd from previous issueBy lowering these barriers, as supported by many studies, the code supports a shift toward formal employment, giving workers better access to regulated working conditions, social security, and job stability, wh..

Women entrepreneurship in Manipur : A rising movement

Ereda LourembamThe Sangai Express brings you a brief thought on entrepreneurship by the women of Manipur, on the occasion of Nupi LanEditorThe words ‘Entrepreneur’ and ‘Entrepreneur- ship’ are not uncommon to hear these days. Rewin..

Another December returns : From Nupi Lan to today’s unrest The unbroken courage of Manipuri women

Nishikanta Sagolsem“Another night has gone by,Another day has passed.O women, tie your hair—Your tresses are flying in gay abandon.Have you forgotten?One December 12 has passed,The next approaches.Forget that this day may never return;O women,..

Your hair deserves its own perfume

Shahnaz HusainLove smelling great from head to toe, but find your regular perfume fade quickly or feel wrong for your hair ? Hair perfume is a specially formulated fragrance designed for hair health, for moisture and shine.It’s become a popular addi..

India’s Labour Codes : Towards a Coherent and Modern Regulatory Framework

Vidhya SoundararajanContd from previous issueStill, when implemented alongside strong labour protections, such measures can create a win–win: offering higher income potential for workers and greater operational flexibility for firms.The Industrial R..

Numit Kappa: The first rebel and the rise of political consciousness in ancient Manipur

A historical reading of the Numit Kappa reveals a deep political wisdom rooted in Meitei civilizationDr  Abul Khair Choudhury (Moijing Mayum)When we turn the pages of history to search for the roots of democracy, human rights, and the courage to ques..

Civic Duty: Our responsibilities and daily conduct

Binanda KhundrakpamContd from previous issueWhen they witness responsible behavior, it becomes part of their character.The strength of every nation lies in its citizens. Just as every organ of the body has its own responsibility, every citizen also has ce..

Idols in gold, hearts in darkness : A festival we need to rethink

Dr Debapriya MukherjeeContd from previous issueWhen we align our religious values with environ- mental responsibility, we strengthen the bond between faith and life— reminding ourselves that true devotion is not only prayer, but also the conscious a..

India’s Labour Codes : Towards a Coherent and Modern Regulatory Framework

Vidhya SoundararajanContd from previous issueThese provisions mark a clear improvement over earlier laws like the Factories Act, which were unevenly enforced and applied mainly to factories. In parallel, the code introduces greater flexibility for employe..

Aviation turbulence : India’s fragile sky and the costs of systemic neglect

Nil KonsamIndia’s recent aviation crisis—triggered by a sudden roster change in the country’s largest airline and cascading into Nationwide cancellations and passenger stranding—cannot be dismissed as an unfortunate operational mis..

Civic Duty: Our responsibilities and daily conduct

Binanda KhundrakpamOn the occasion of centenary year, the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) has launched the “Panch Parivartan” (Five Transformations) initiative, aimed at bringing about positive change in society and building a responsible an..

Idols in gold, hearts in darkness : A festival we need to rethink

Dr Debapriya MukherjeeAs I stood watching the overwhelming rush of people gathered for religious rituals in many temples, what struck me most was not devotion, but the silent suffering hidden beneath the noise—the rows of goats waiting to be sacrifi..

India’s Labour Codes : Towards a Coherent and Modern Regulatory Framework

Vidhya SoundararajanContd from previous issueFirms that embrace these standards can also gain reputational advantages and align more easily with global value chains that prioritise Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) goals.The OSHW Code significan..

Opium Poppy in Manipur: A history and the present struggle

Chongboi Haokip, MCI HortI feel nostalgic as I went through this note, recalling many precious lives lost due to heroin (No. 4) in Manipur. I used to wonder why it was called No. 4. By the way, for those unaware, heroin is a processed form of morphine. Wh..

Budget bifurcation debate in Manipur Constitutional limits, Article 371C and the Hill Areas Committee

Y Devendro SinghContd from previous issueAmong its most significant features is the requirement that before the Five-Year and Annual Plans of the State are finalised, proposals showing separately the schemes for the hill areas and the rest of the State mu..

India’s Labour Codes : Towards a Coherent and Modern Regulatory Framework

Vidhya SoundararajanContd from previous issueIt also includes fixed-term employees, who are now entitled to pro-rata gratuity and benefits on par with permanent staff. By recognising non-traditional forms of work, like gig and platform work, the code refl..

Budget bifurcation debate in Manipur Constitutional limits, Article 371C and the Hill Areas Committee

Y Devendro SinghIn recent weeks, differing proposals have been voiced—some calling for two internal components within a single State Bud-get, and others suggesting the creation of two entirely separate budgets for the hill areas and the valley areas..

Notes from Panaji Cinema : Building bridges not walls

Herojit NongmaithemIn an increasingly polarized world, cinema emerges not merely as a form of entertainment, but as a critical agent of social change and international diplomacy capable of fostering profound empathy and building bridges across divided soc..

Sweet corn : A boon for the Manipur farmers

Saiba Siddiqui, Dr S Dayananda Singh, Dr M Sumarjit SinghContd from previous issueIf harvesting is delayed, sweet corn can eaten as roasted and fried snacks like the common filed corn. Delayed harvesting and keeping for longer period after harvesting reta..

India’s Labour Codes : Towards a Coherent and Modern Regulatory Framework

Vidhya SoundararajanContd from last SaturdayEarlier, the wage floor served only as a guideline for states and was not legally binding. The code also extends minimum wage coverage to all sectors, replacing the earlier system that applied only to a list of..

Will “One North East” heal the region or deepen its fault lines?

Dr Raj SinghIf you were in Agartala on that late November afternoon, you might have felt the buzz in the air. The Astabal Ground was brimming with colour - tribal shawls, indigenous flags, and slogans that echoed a long history of hurt and hope. Leaders f..

Rs 19 crore advances unsettled? – This line of the audit team alerted me

Jarnail SinghI took over as Administrator of Manipur University (MU) on 12 October 2018. Within one week, central government on its own, sent an audit team to MU for a summary audit of accounts. The audit team’s arrival aroused suspicion of administ..

Trump made Modi-Putin love-story

Free ThinkerHave you seen the front page photo of Modi-Putin hug in most of the dailies - regional or national or international - in the last few days? This is made possible by Trump Saab. He ignored Modi and gave importance to a General of an inimical co..

Sweet corn : A boon for the Manipur farmers

Saiba Siddiqui, Dr S Dayananda Singh, Dr M Sumarjit SinghContd from previous issueBiological control is a cornerstone of contemporary IPM: deploying natural enemies such as parasitoids (e.g., Trichogramma spp.) and predatory insects effectively reduces pe..

Sweet corn : A boon for the Manipur farmers

Saiba Siddiqui, Dr S Dayananda Singh, Dr M Sumarjit SinghIntroductionSweet corn (Zea mays L. ssp. Saccharata Sturt.) constitutes a highly esteemed variant of maize that has experienced a substantial surge in demand, particularly within the rapidly expandi..

Beauty in the time of pollution

Shahnaz HusainLiving in metropolitan cities has its perks—vibrant culture,  active lifestyle, luxurious life, and rapid urban development. The only flip side of its growth is the increase in pollution, which most people do not realise until it..

Ending the HIV/AIDS epidemic by 2030 : India’s next big public health opportunity

Ms V Hekali ZhimomiContd from previous issueFourth, the programme must renew its emphasis on ending stigma. Stigma is the single biggest driver of invisibility, delayed diagnosis, and untreated infection. The HIV & AIDS (Prevention and Control) Act, 2..

India’s Labour Codes : Towards a Coherent and Modern Regulatory Framework

Vidhya SoundararajanThe Second National Commission on Labour (2002) had highlighted how India’s maze of labour laws had become overly complex and fragmented. Acting on its recommendations, last week, the government notified four major labour codes o..

Home Science Education gains new relevance in a changing world

Dr Chabungbam Olivia DeviTo quote Swami Vivekananda, “Education is the process of bringing out and blossoming the talent potential in human beings.” The 'Right to Education' is a fundamental right for every citizen in our country, underscoring..