General Articles

WORLD SUICIDE PREVENTION DAY 2024 Changing the narrative on suicide

Dr Mona Nongmeikapam Suicide (derived from Latin-Sui for self, cere meaning to kill) is the modern day pandemic that we still talk about in hushed tones. It however can no longer be ignored, given the huge number of individuals affected. Needless to say, ..

World Suicide Prevention Day, 2024

Prof Dr N Heramani Singh, Dr Seram Chaoba Devi AP, Dr Meesha SR, Dr Nomita Keisham CPAn estimate of more than 7,00,000 people die by suicide worldwide each year and more concerning than this is that for every suicide that results in death, there are as ma..

Importance of Chakhao and its health benefits

S Roma Devi, Lydia Zimik and Laishram Kanta SinghContd from previous issueToday, Chakhao is not only consumed in its traditional form but is also being used to make innovative products like Chakhao kheer, rice cakes, and snacks.Unique Characteristics of C..

‘Class’ and ‘objectification’ Kajal Chatterjee

Contd from previous issueYes, threat upon life is too much a fear for an individual. Yet rape and/or murder is too common an occurrence just because perpetrators are rarely punished. Rather most of the accused often get away scotfree either because of lac..

Recipe for making civil war a reality in Manipur

Brigadier L Ibotombi SinghIn the epic Mahabharat, the great Bhisma and his team of learned leaders remained mute spectators when Draupadi was disrobed by  Dushasana, on the orders of Duryodhana, publicly in front of the entire court of Hastinapur, fo..

Delhi can no longer delay tough action against Kuki militants

Jaideep Mazumdar (Swarajya)The bombings by Kuki militants have further complicated an already-volatile situation in Manipur. Meiteis believe—and that perception seems to be true—that the Union Government is mollycoddling Kuki militants.The vol..

Importance of Chakhao and its health benefits

S Roma Devi, Lydia Zimik and Laishram Kanta SinghIntroductionChakhao, a unique variety of brown rice, hails from the northeastern state of Manipur, India. Known for its distinctive aroma, rich colour, and nutritional value, Chakhao holds a special place i..

‘Class’ and ‘objectification’ Kajal Chatterjee

Contd from last SaturdayTaxi drivers who do not use seat belt in the suburbs sport it as soon as their vehicle enters the area under the jurisdiction of Kolkata police. While the auto drivers "boldly" carry five to even six passengers while plying outside..

State polls may be teary

Shivaji Sakar“Kya pyaj rulayega” – Would the onion bring tears! – is the common refrain in poll-bound states of Haryana, Jammu and Kashmir and Maharashtra, and many a time it has hit not only the common man but even the political m..

Dementia and ad

Dr Tamphasana WairokpamWhat is dementia?A decline in cognitive function (memory, thinking, language, reasoning, behaviour) to such an extent that it limits the day to day functioning of an individual.There are many causes of dementia. The most common bein..

Become a millionaire in this war

Free ThinkerObserving the Manipur scenario, one may call it a continuing skirmish but in reality, it has become a prolonged miniature war.  Now, it is turning more sophisticated evidently with the deployment of rockets and drone-bombers. Such a devel..

Every action has a reaction - avoid reaction

Birendra LaishramEvery action elicits a reaction, yet it is crucial not to react impulsively or aggressively. The government holds a fundamental and paramount responsibility to ensure not only the safety and security of its citizens but also the protectio..

Rejoinder to the rebuttal by Shri Ngaranmi Shimray

Oinam Nabakishore Singh (Retd)In his rebuttal published on the 3rd September, 2024 in The Sangai Express editorial page, Shri Ngaranmi Shimray made a few inaccurate statements regarding my article published in this paper. Without any supporting arguments ..

Where were you before you were born?

The author opines that we focus on the recent, the immediate, and the foreseeable future because it is too painful and perplexing to understand the purpose and meaning of our lives in the cosmic scheme of thingsRanjan YumnamWhy do we cringe when we see li..

Endometriosis ! Perpetual pain which exists beyond menstruation

Dr Ashwini Anil Kumar SirapanasettyContd from previous issueGetting relief from endometriosisWhile there is no known cure for endometriosis, the good news is that medications, surgery, and lifestyle changes can help you find relief and manage the conditio..

‘Class’ and ‘objectification’ Kajal Chatterjee

Contd from previous issue If the potential rapists are made to understand in clear terms that they cannot get away scotfree and maximum punishment will wait for them, they would think twice before committing heinous actsKolkatans who "boldly" smoke i..

The past and future of Manipur

Birendra LaishramLanguage plays a vital role in enabling individuals to communicate with one another, facilitating the sharing of ideas, emotions, and experiences. It is through language that bonds are formed and relationships are built within communities..

Heal your heels

Shahnaz HusainWith our fast-paced lifestyles, the feet witness the greatest amount of activity,—walking, standing, running,   nights out on the dance floor and even the occasional morning jog, it’s fair to say that our feet have a to..

Endometriosis ! Perpetual pain which exists beyond menstruation

Dr Ashwini Anil Kumar SirapanasettyEndometriosis is often dismissed as a period Pain due to lack of awareness and knowledge.What all you need to know about endometriosis?A debilitating illness, often ignored, one in 10 women experiences the chronic pain o..

Parboiled rice : The nutritional goldmine and its value-added potential

Dr Angam RalengContd from previous issueDespite the many opportunities, there are challenges in the value addition of parboiled rice. The market for rice-based products is highly competitive, with many alternatives available to consumers. Moreover, the en..

‘Class’ and ‘objectification’ Kajal Chatterjee

Contd from previous issuewhen thousands and lakhs of "ordinary" homemakers and women of non-glamorous professions get sexually assaulted - - - immediately the questioner would found himself /herself as "Ganashatru" /"Enemy of the people" and "rape sympath..

From Habermas to Hashtags Manipur’s struggle with public discourse in a digital world

Mayengbam James McIn the cozy coffeehouses and lively salons of 18th-century Europe, the scene was set for a grand experiment in democracy. The chatter wasn’t about the latest viral meme or the hottest take on Twitter—it was about ideas, ratio..

Teachers Day and our Environment

Dr N Munal Meitei"If a country is to be corruption free and become a nation of beautiful minds, I strongly feel there are three key societal members who can make a difference. They are the father, the mother, and the teacher." - Dr APJ Abdul KalamTeachers..

Parboiled rice : The nutritional goldmine and its value-added potential

Dr Angam RalengContd from previous issueParboiled Rice ProductsThe versatility of parboiled rice extends beyond its use as a staple food. Various value-added products have been developed to cater to consumer demand for convenience and variety. Ready-to-ea..

‘Class’ and ‘objectification’ Kajal Chatterjee

Contd from previous issueonly then do the "collective conscience" of the Nation come under much "assault"! This "selective protests" based on sheer class-consciousness is too obscene to say the least as if all norms of human rights are monopoly of only th..

Easternlight Zimik's new collection A blend of sustainable fashion and cultural revival

Mingyashin ShaizaEasternlight Zimik, the visionary designer behind the homegrown brand EAST, unveiled his third textile collection, "DEAR SPRING", in an exclusive presentation at Pasei Books and Studio in Hamleikhong, Ukhrul District. The event, an intima..

The unsung heroes of our lives : Celebrating Teachers' Day

Didar HussainToday, we take a moment to honour the selfless individuals who shape our minds, inspire our hearts, and guide us towards a brighter future. Teachers are the backbone of our society, and their dedication, patience, and love for teaching deserv..

Manipur a pawn in geopolitical game

Maheshsana RajkumarToday marks the beginning of 16 months of ethnic conflict between the Meiteis and the Kuki-Chin ethnic group in Manipur which started on 3 May 2023. It’s not just a mere clash between the Meiteis and the Kukis but is much bigger t..

Parboiled rice : The nutritional goldmine and its value-added potential

Dr Angam RalengThe steaming process reduces the levels of phytic acid, an anti-nutrient that can bind minerals and reduce their absorption. As a result, parboiled rice is a more efficient source of essential minerals than raw or polished white rice.Functi..

‘Class’ and ‘objectification’ Kajal Chatterjee

Contd from previous issueIn this country, one of the most dangerous places for a woman to live in, 87 women get raped daily on average ! Yet why do we witness "National reaction" in very few selected cases and far between !  Yes, only when a large ci..

Rebuttal to a submission from former CS of Manipur

Ngaranmi ShimrayAn article titled “Perspectives of the Hill Tribes of Manipur (Part - I)” written by Shri Oinam Nabakishore Singh (IAS Rtd) and published in The Sangai Express on August 28, 2024, stated some factually incorrect things, and thi..

Parboiled rice : The nutritional goldmine and its value-added potential

Dr Angam Raleng1. IntroductionParboiled rice is a type of rice that has been partially boiled in the husk, a process that drives nutrients from the bran into the grain, resulting in a more nutritious and robust rice product. It is a preliminary (optional)..

Saving our soil : Tackling herbicide phytotoxicity head-on

Ayekpam RobertsonContd from previous issueThese includeWrong Timing : Spraying herbicides during hot weather or before a rain can increase the risk.High Concentration : Using more than the recommended amount isn’t always better; it can backfire.Non-..

‘Class’ and ‘objectification’

Kajal Chatterjee A leading Indian musician has rightly wondered whether there would have been as much of a "national reaction" if the victim in Kolkata had been from the LGBTQ community! But it also remains the hard fact that had the victim been an urban ..

Impact of positive punishments

Birendra LaishramThe type of punishment given to the border country of Myanmar is very stringent. In there, serious human rights abuses are rampant, particularly against political prisoners who face torture, overcrowding, and inadequate care, leading to d..

Remembering Pranab Mukherjee on his death anniversary

Dr Wahengbam Rorrkychand SinghOn August 31, we remember the death anniver- sary of Pranab Mukherjee, one of India’s most revered statesmen. Born on December 11, 1935, in a small village in West Bengal, Mukherjee rose through the ranks of Indian poli..

Saving our soil : Tackling herbicide phytotoxicity head-on

Ayekpam RobertsonThe reliance on herbicides in contemporary agricultural practices has undoubtedly yielded substantial advantages, including enhanced weed management and improved crop productivity. However, growing concerns have emerged regarding the pote..

Feminist world-building: Creative energies, collective journeys

Shobha Shukla (CNS)Contd from previous issueFive transformative shifts of development justice modelYes indeed, the current world order urgently needs to be replaced with the development justice model that addresses inequalities of wealth, power and resour..

Career opportunities and challenges as Air Hostess/Flight Steward

Vijay GarG Contd from last SaturdayHe/She is one who boosts up the morale of the passengers when there is any kind of challenging moment during the flight. We can say that from welcoming the passenger’s to the aircraft, till their boarding, she/he i..

Kuki immigration: On a political mission for separate State

YenningMigration broadly refers to change of residence across an administrative boundary, and this change can be inter-continental, inter-national, inter-regional, inter-state, rural to urban et al. Migration can be classified as voluntary movement–..

“This State can’t be broken” – Biren’s Brahmastra

Free ThinkerA few days back Shri Biren Singh Spoke to PTI .The most powerful utterance of the interview was – “Manipur is a small State.  Our forefathers have a history of 2000 years. Many sacrifices were made to make this land. This Stat..

Feminist world-building: Creative energies, collective journeys

Shobha ShuklaCintd from prev issueTheir budgetary allocations are not justifiable as they are not including the gender perspective in a way that women and girls with disabilities, transgender and LGBTQIAP+ communities, all get resources and opportunities ..

Ruby Jubilee of Department of Anthropology, Manipur University1984-2024 : The journey so far

Sanjoy AkoijamThe discipline of Anthropology explores the biological, cultural, linguistic, and historical aspects of human existence. By studying various societies, past and present, it provides insights into human behaviour, beliefs, and social structur..

Feminist world-building: Creative energies, collective journeys

Shobha Shukla (CNS)So goes the theme of the 4th Asia Pacific Feminist Forum (APFF) which will be held in Chiang Mai in northern Thailand next month. This theme is a pointer towards channelising the energies of people of all genders who work to defend huma..

New study uncovers earthworm feeding habits and microbial activity in vermicomposting

Prof N Irabanta SinghA recent publication in the OPEN ACCESS JOURNAL OF MICROBIOLOGY & BIOTECHNOLOGY (OAJMB), Medwin Publishers, USA, vol. 9(3): 000304 (published date August 27, 2024).Professor N. Irabanta Singh and his student, Dr. K. Babyshila Devi..

Career opportunities and challenges as Air Hostess/Flight Steward

Vijay GarG Contd from previous issueInstitutes offering Courses for Air Hostess/Flight StewardAir Hostess Academy (AHA), BangaloreAir Hostess Academy (AHA), ChandigarhFrankfinn Institute of Air Hostess Training (FIAT), MumbaiKingfisher Training Academy, M..

Saving beleaguered Manipur

Dr Mohendra IrengbamThe Frost performs its secret ministryUnhelped by the wind. [Frost at Midnight. Samuel Taylor Coleridge]Manipur should have a new religion for all.  Then, saving Manipur will be as simple as pie. It seems that Modi Bhagwan is not ..

Monsoon Tips for the Working Woman

Shahnaz HusainAs a working woman, you need to look your best, because this imparts self-confidence–an attribute all working women need. Yet, you have to go easy on the powder and paint. The skin should be healthy and clear.   The first and..

Transition from dependant childhood to independent adulthood

Dr Ashwini Anil Kumar SirapanasettyContd from previous issueSocial ChangesThe most important task of social development in adolescence is the search for identity. This is often a lifelong voyage that launches during adolescence. Along with the search for ..

Career opportunities and challenges as Air Hostess/Flight Steward

Vijay GarG Contd from previous issueSuccessful candidates in this written test are called for a group discussion followed by a personal interview.Step 3Successful candidates of the second step are trained for 2 to 3 months in various fields in which they ..