Article

By James Khangenbam, 28/06/23

From her childhood Kripali always aspired to be different from her peers. Career in Civil Services, Medical, Engineering was what most people aspired for while few opt Armed Forces.An adventurous mind and attitude to excel attracted her to the National Cadets Corps during her High School and College. She was molded into an individual capable of taking on the rigors of military life during her NCC days.

A bright, young and energetic woman with extreme dedication towards achievement can hold the top most positions with confidence in any profession; not leaving the armed forces is what Kripali always believed. Her dream came into reality when she was selected for the post of Assistant Commandant in the Indian Coast Guard.  She is the first women from the North East to hold the rank of an Assistant Commandant in the Indian Coast Guard. She joined the service on July 2010. Kripali got through the service after a direct interview for graduates conducted twice annually.

She is the daughter of Yambem Brajamohon Singh ( Retd. Headmaster, Govt. Ideal Blind School, Takyel)  and Thongam Geeta Devi ( Teacher, Govt. Ideal Blind School, Takyel) of Naoremthong Khumanthem Leikai near SAI Road, Imphal West.

The men and women in “WHITES” (Uniform) was a motivating factor for Kripali to join the service. The respect and the lifestyle they lead captured her thoughts and desire. She was confident to go through any probationary task to prove her suitability. Despite few questions from her parents and loved ones, she had already made up her mind and was ready to undertake the gruesome training.  

Today, she had proved her worth and going about her job as a women officer she wore a silent smile filled with pride which makes her feel that she is also a part of the big and happy family which she had dreamt of as a girl to join the service.
Indian Coast Guard is a branch of Indian Armed Forces that implements the maritime laws of India. According to her this service offer full of opportunities to prove male and ability of lady officers through perseverance, dedication and exciting activities along with welcome prospect of visiting different places in the country and abroad combine with excellent pay package with ample benefits.
 
Her Hobby – Painting, Playing Basketball and Netball, Trekking

Message to the aspiring lady officers

“When you know you can be par with men, when your environment is filled with corruption, when the country is rampant with child abuse and rape cases each day. It is high time that we come out from the cocoon of chaos and be part of the family of ‘WHITES’ (Uniform) to emancipate from the thought of subordination and this service to make your dreams come true”.
Her Message to all – “Hard work never kills anyone, thrive for the best and touch the sky”
 

Fifteen years back Ibomcha use to read Taiwan catalogue and magazine on Bamboo. One time president of All Manipur Entrepreneur Association Rishikumar gifted him the catalogue which was enriching. He kept on thinking of making Bamboo furniture but could not materialize. He recollected all his efforts and finally ventured into making Bamboo furniture.

By James Khangenbam, Imphal 28/06/2023

His bamboo products are seamless. In a chair he uses eight nuts in the bottom area and 4 nuts in the upper part. It could be exported in any part of the world as it is built for easy transportation and could be assembled with the nuts when the furniture reaches the destined place of export. In the round table furniture he uses three nuts down and three nuts at the upper part. The furniture are quite strong and many have bought from him since the last many years. 

Bamboo furniture

Chair, Table, Portable Mirror Stand, Tray, Mementoes, in a seamless set up. All of them are folding and could be dismantled. A Round table and three chair set took one week to complete.

He is working on his latest design a chess board with colour pattern originally from the   Bamboo texture arranged in 64 squares with an eight by eight grid.
He is searching for craftsman who can Bamboo design the 16 pieces: one king, one queen, two rooks, two knights, two bishops, and eight pawns

Why Bamboo furniture

According to Khwairakpam Ibocha bamboo surface has shining property unlike woods. He is trying to make furniture like doors and window. He has successfully fixed two bamboo surfaces together to thicken the board as doors needs to be thick. If his work shed is more mechanized it will be more productive. It is half manual and half machine as of now.

In Countries like Thailand and China Bamboo work sheds are mechanize so they have same size and uniform products. Cost of a Bamboo Board imported from China and marketed in Kolkata cost Rs250 per square feet.
He is making bamboo hard boards with 2 inch: 2 inch thick bamboo boards joined together surface to surface. Thus a 4 inches thick bamboo board is ready to materialize in a grand and strong furniture.

He uses a Fevicol company glue Pur ‘to join the surfaces together.  Pur saves time. Earlier a normal Fevicol glue took five hours to stick two bamboo pieces together. In 20 degree Celsius temperature it stick in 60 min, 40 degree Celsius took half an hour. If fixed in 60 degree Celsius temp it can be done in 10 minutes.

Now I can stick two surfaces in 45 minutes with the new gum of Fevicol Company says Ibomcha who was working in his work shed when Manipur Times interacted him.

Bamboo treatment

Bamboo are harvested in mera’ season and dip in water for a month and dried in sun. This is indigenous method and time consuming.

Chemical treatment is modern as found in various newsletter. He uses boric acid and borex in the ratio of one times of boric acid and one and half borex. In 200 litres of water 500 ml Boric acid is added and 750 mg of Borex in 200 liters of water. After the two samples are mixed He dips the bamboo for three hours.

He innovated a method by making water mixture in a mobil drum and he uses steam bath method by boiling the mixture and treating with the steam. This is how he treats his Bamboo. It proves good as it takes away the water content in steam bath.  Thus the bamboo do not get shrink from the water content for a longer time.

So far Ibocha has officially trained 20 people under the sponsorship of Commerce and Industries Department Government of Manipur. The government sanctioned Rupees one lakh and ninety thousand for the training.

Union Minister of Youth Affairs and Sports Anurag Singh Thakur has stressed on the need for the Centre and States to come together for promotion of games and sports in the country, by sharing ideas and strategies on developing the sector. 

By James Khangenbam 26 April 2023 Imphal:

Conference of Youth Affairs and Sports ministers of India in Imphal 2023

Anurag Singh Thakur was addressing the inaugural session of a conference (Chintan Shivir) of Ministers of Youth Affairs and Sports of different States and Union Territories at the City Convention Centre on 24^th April. 

Stating that this year’s conference is the third Chintan Shivir of YAS Ministers, he said that youths are the largest stakeholder of the country and have a very important role in Nation building. He further stressed the necessity of organizing such conferences in every State to develop the sports sector from the grassroots level.

Anurag Singh Thakur said that Manipur has contributed a lot in the field of sports, despite its small population compared to other larger States. Acknowledging the contribution, Prime Minister Narendra Modi chose Manipur for opening the first National Sports University. An approximate amount of Rs 900 crore will be spent for developing the university, he added.

He spoke on the popularity of indigenous games of Manipur, adding that the Central Government had also adopted many indigenous games in the Khelo India Programme. He further mentioned the importance of promoting traditional games at the international level.

Anurag Singh Thakur also spoke on the achievements of sportspersons of the State, mentioning the names of sports personalities who had brought laurels for the country at National and international sporting events. He mentioned the contribution of different States in different disciplines of sports, adding that women players had brought much achievement for the country.

Youth Affairs and Sports ministers of India

At the beginning of the programme, a short video message of Prime Minister Narendra Modi was telecast, in which the Prime Minister spoke on the contribution of North East States, especially Manipur in the field of sports and the importance of the conference.

The Chintan Shivir would have sessions on various topics including Yuva Portal, Restructuring the National Youth Festival, Overview of Khelo India and other schemes of Government of India, Innovation in Sport Sector, Issue and Challenges in Sports Governance and Improving engagement among stakeholders in sports sector.

Speaking on the occasion, Chief Minister, Manipur N Biren Singh extended a warm welcome to all the participants of the National Conference of Ministers of Youth Affairs and Sports of States and Union Territories, adding that the State is honoured to host such an event. 

He also stated that a football academy would be set up in the State in collaboration between Argentina Football Academy and the State Government. He observed that holding such a conference in Imphal also recognizes and highlights the significant contributions made by Manipuri sportspersons and youth towards Nation building.

Governor of Punjab and Administrator of Union Territory of Chandigarh Banwarilal Purohit, Minister of State for Youth Affairs and Sports (YAS) Nisith Pramanik, YAS Minister of different States and Union Territories, Secretary (Sports) and Secretary (Youth Affairs), Chief Secretary, Manipur and senior officials of Government of India and various State Governments also attended the inaugural programme.

Union minister of tribal affairs Arjun Munda launched the Ministry of Tribal Affairs’ new central sector scheme ‘Marketing and Logistics Development for Promotion of Tribal Products from North-Eastern Region (PTP-NER)’ at MSFDS auditorium, Palace Compound Imphal on 18^th April in the presence of chief minister N Biren and other dignitaries.

By James Khangenbam 21 April 2023 Imphal:

Union Minister Arjun Munda launches scheme in Imphal

Speaking on the occasion, Arjun Munda informed that under the visionary leadership of the Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union Ministry of Tribal Affairs through Tribal Cooperative Marketing Development Federation (TRIFED) aims to empower individuals to become self-employed and self-reliant in the NE region, with respect to the diverse cultural heritage of tribals. The vision of the PM is to look east, focus on development and promote tribal products to enhance the livelihood of tribal entrepreneurs and create endless business opportunities. As this area is constitutionally a tribal region, understanding the tribal communities is essential, he observed.

Munda continued that as the PM has time and again stressed on a national programmed for ‘One District, One Product’ for the promotion of unique tribal products, TRIFED will collaborate with the state governments and agencies to ensure the complete promotion of these products through teamwork providing solutions and value addition for these products. “The NE region has always possessed immense potential in every field and it scheduled tribe communities have ensured through its efforts, the overall development of the nation. To help our tribal entrepreneurs and beneficiaries evolve a greater market both at the national and international level, we will launch more schemes to help these,” he said. It may be mentioned that a Budget of around Rs 143 crore has been allocated towards this scheme for implementation.

Three new products from VDVKs across Manipur were also launched on the occasion.They include cinnamon rolls (Dal Cheeni-polished & semi-polished) from Kamjong district, black rice (Chak-hao) from Ukhrul district and dried bamboo shoot. On the other hand, chief minister N Biren said, “The barriers we had with the center in terms of developmental schemes have been removed, now that we have realized that the Government of India is focusing on providing the tribals of our region with a better quality of life” .

“Be it in the field of sports, business, or education, with greater income generation and greater opportunities provided by the Union Ministry of Tribal Affairs, our region has been contributing substantially in the national development and rapidly developing in the development of the country, ” he added. TA&H minister Letpao Haokip conveyed, “We truly appreciate the efforts of the Union Ministry of Tribal Affairs for its inclusive schemes and initiatives supporting the aspirations of entrepreneurs of this region”.

It is pertinent to note that through the provision of backward and forward linkages through incubation support, aggregation, skill and entrepreneurial development, sourcing and procurement, marketing, transportation, and publicity, the PTP-NER scheme will assist tribal craftsmen in taking advantage of chances to increase revenue. This plan calls for the organisation of 68 Tribal Artisan Melas (TAMs) in the several districts of the NE region starting on Tuesday, in order to begin the empanelment of tribal artisans from that region.

Besides, considering the vast experience and presence in NE region, North Eastern Handicrafts and Handlooms Development Corporation (NEHHDC), a corporation under the administrative control of the Union Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region (MDoNER), India Post under Department of Posts, and NE state government de-partments/agencies are being engaged as partners under the scheme.

By James Khangenbam 20 April 2023 Imphal:

Femina Miss India 2nd runners up title

Thounaojam Strela Luwang from Manipur has been crowned 2nd runner-up of the Femina Miss India 2023. 21 year old Strela is a resident of Uripok Bachaspati Leikai.

The star studded night at Khuman Lampak ended with the crowning of Nandini Gupta as the winner of the Femina Miss India along with Shreya Poonja and Strela Luwang as 1st and 2nd runners-up respectively. Nandini Gupta is Femina Miss India Rajasthan 2023 and Shreya Poonja is Femina Miss India Delhi 2023.

The extravagant night and the red carpet was graced by the likes of Femina Miss India 2022 winner Sini Shetty and 1st and 2nd runner-ups Rubal Shekhawat and Shinata Chauhan. This is the first time the Grand finale  of the Femina Miss India is held in the North East. The event is hosted by Manipur Tourism

Winner Nandini Gupta will now represent India at the prestigious 72nd edition of the Miss World pageant.

She held two sub-titles at the Femina Miss India 2023   – “Colorbar Miss Glamourous Look” and “Trends Miss Style Icon”.  Other than her performances in beauty pageants, she works for the social activism in mental health issues with regard to gender equality as well as in” Child – friendly’ education. 

Born to Thounaojam Ratan Luwangcha and Ashalata Chingsubam, Thounaojam Strela is the sixth child among her eight siblings. Strela studied for International Business and worked for day and night to build up her future career with strong desire. She loves music, playing guitar, Kalimba and Ukelele.  

Strela survived from the attacks of epilepsy and anxiety in her past. Diagnosed with depression at a tender age, she was compelled to leave school for 2-3 years. During that time, with no friends and feeling so lonely and underestimated, she felt she was having a long slumber.

At the age of 10, she found her art of writing. She took social activism for creating social awareness of mental health issues. 

By James Khangenbam 20 April 2023 Imphal:

Bhupender Yadav, Union minister for forest, environment and climate change gave assurance that restoring and preserving the iconic Loktak Lake and its rare & endangered deer species Sangai is one of the most important tasks of the Union government as well as the Manipur government.

Union minister chairs meeting on Loktak Lake

He added that the Union government in cohesion with the government of Manipur will expedite its efforts in mission mode to achieve the objectives of restoring the iconic Loktak Lake & its associated wetlands to pristine condition.

He made the above statement as he chaired a joint meeting on Integrated Management Plan (IMP) of Loktak wetlands complex at Indira Pary a varan Bhawan, New Delhi on 5^th April. The meeting and was attended by secretary, forest, environment and climate change joint secretary (wetland), inspector general of forest, director (wetland) from the ministry’s side, IIT Roorkee professor Arunkumar, WISA, New Delhi director, NHPC Limited director (project),

 Loktak Hydro Electric Project’s chief group GM, and other senior officials from the ministry of forest, environment and climate change. From Manipur, ministers L Susindro and H Dingo, LDA chairman M Asnikumar, additional chief secretary (forest & environment) MH Khan, principal chief conservator of forests & chief wildlife warden Dr AK Joshi, and LDA project director, and SE cum wetland in-charge attended the meeting.

During the meeting, joint secretary (Wetlands) of the ministry made a PowerPoint presentation on the Integrated Management Plan of Loktak Wetland Complex. Professor Arun Kumar of IIT Roorkee, who was heavily involved in the technical evaluation of the IMP, explained the techno-ecological view of the IMP, which was prepared by the WISA director.

The state team collectively requested the ministry to approve the IMP of Loktak Wetland Complex at the earliest as it is pending for two years. They also endorsed the ongoing project proposal of the state government for sustainable development and livelihood of Loktak Lake with technological and financial support from the Asian Development Bank (ADB).

The union minister directed the officials of his ministry to approve the IMP of Loktak wetlands complex to frame a task for delisting of Loktak from Montreux record, directed the Manipur government to take remedies to stop fragmentation of water regime of the lake, to identify & encourage suitable eco-tourism activities, that won’t compromise on the ecology of the lake.

He also asked LDA to submit a DPR base on IMP for necessary logistical support from the ministry on priority and further instructed officials of his ministry to clear all paper works before April 28, when he along with his team of officials is scheduled to visit Manipur and Loktak Lake for attending a regional workshop on wise use policy of wetlands in Manipur.

A 3-day international seminar on the theme ‘Indian Tricolour at Moirang by INA: An Apostle of Courage and Valour of the Indian Independence Movement’ commenced yesterday at the Manipur University Court Hall.

By James Khangenbam 19 April 2023 Imphal:

Indian National Army organised

The inaugural function was graced by Central Agricultural University (CAU) Imphal, Vice-chancellor Professor Anupam Misra; Manipur University Vice-chancellor Professor N Lokendra Singh and Akhil Bharatiya Itihas Sankalan Yojna New Delhi, Organising secretary Dr Balmukund Pandey as the presidium members.

Balak Sena (INA veteran), Bangkok Raj Sachdev; Indian Association of Thailand president Chaun Thakur and Netaji Welfare Foundation Malaysia Chairman Dato Kumaran Sathivaloo also attended the event as special invitees.

The resource persons while speaking at the occasion briefed on the history of Indian National Army and its significance in India’s struggle against the British. They went on to state that the INA is known as Prisoners of War and Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose as the leader of freedom struggle’ . The INA had around 60, 000 members who belonged to different faiths from across the country. They further recounted the immense contributions of INA in India’s freedom struggle.

The international seminar is being jointly organised by the Department of Ancient History and Archaeology, Manipur University; Indira Gandhi National Tribal University (IGNTU), Regional Campus Manipur and IIT Guwahati in association with Akhil Bharatiya Itihas Sankalan Yojna,New Delhi; Bharatiya Itihas Sankalan Samiti, Manipur; NG College, Imphal ; Thai Bharat Cultural Lodge, Bangkok; Indian Association of Thailand; Netaji Welfare Foundation, Malaysia; Malaysian Bangalee Association and United Indian Army Families and Activist Association.