This article, written two years back is reproduced for information of the social scientists, civil organizations & those ‘who matter’ in Manipur. It gives happiness to the author that Assam has restarted screening of Hindi films since point was noted & considered by ULFA & NDFB on indirect interaction of the author through some important friends of Assamese origin in the period intervening.
Read on Part One – All quote “Please refer to 15 Nov dead line of viewing Hindi movies & ban on Hindi published in various dailies in the NE in the first week of November 2001.
I request these organizations to review their decision in light of the facts as follows:-
(a) Culture of the region: Culture is neither one day recipe preparation nor a BOX hurriedly packed. It is a non-stop time process- a progressive change in social phenomena with language as its base and art, literature, music, dance, folklores, ethos all contributive. Even if restrictive view obtaining to Assam alone is taken, it is an established, researched and un-debatable fact that in Assam, the peopling is of Indo-Mongoloids divided ethnically and linguistically into Austrian - Tibeto Burman, Siamese and Chinese with indistinguishable impact of eastern Bihar, erstwhile Sylhet region of greater Bengal too in abundance. ‘NE & Assam in particular has formed a cultural bridge between India & SE Asia, inner Asia and China’ (Prof Gangmumei). Undeniable fact though – Marwaries, other Indian traders & businessmen, Oriyas have added to its economic perspectives. Despite the bridged cultural ties NE (Assam, Manipur, and Tripura) has absorbed other Asian cultural transfusions into their main Indian dominated mix culture by assimilation and compulsions both.
b) Hinduism in true colors: ‘Pragjyotishpura’ meaning light house of the East is referred to Guwahati in Mahabharta. Vashista Ashram at Pandu, Kamakhya Devi temple on Nilachal Hill is a vital centre of tantrik Hinduism i.e., Shaktism. Umananda temple on Peacock Island in the middle of Brahmaputra is Shaivites dream come true, Nabagrah Sukeshwar, are notable places of Hindu pilgrimage. Series of temples in and around Sibsagar, Rangpur, Gauri Sagar and glory in architectural grandeur of Shiva mandir at Sibsagar are known for their regality & piety transcendental, where it is believed that three holy rivers confluence much deeper below earth, under Shiva –Linga are celestial matters worth contemplation & to be felt proud of by every Indian & Assamese in particular. This is our ancient civilisational heritage. Some road intersections are named after Hindu mythological names like Viswanath Char – Ali, and some Tin-alis & Do-rahas in Darang district –Even bungalow of late Shri HC Boroah ex MP from Sibsagar, is named as Jahnvi i.e., (Ganga) which is pure Sanskrit name. Can we ignore the Saga of Agnigarh fort which mystifies the burning love story of Raja Bama the grandson of Lord Krishna & Princess Usha of Tezpur.
c) Era of Shrimant Shankar Devji Maharaj: From 12th to 15th century, a grand revival and inter play of Upanishadic thoughts under Bhakti movement was witnessed throughout the length and breadth of centuries old India (of its peculiar style) during Mughals, Rajputs, Marathas, and Cachar-Ahoms rules. If Guru Nanak was in north - north-west, Namdev was in Maharashtra (West), Kabir, Keshav, and Beni in Central India, Shrimant Shankra Dev ji was in NE. See the Kalakshetra come up established by him and developed by Assam Govt. in his memory. It beats hollow the art theater’s of Mumbai. It speaks of glory of Art & Drama Theater with further potentials of multi dimensional advancement.
d) Linguistically, the Assamese language is considered to have its deep roots in Sanskrit. Scholarly works derived names of Sanskrit origin like Branjies & public places as Sabha, Mandop, Kendra, and Sahitya and so on. Names of individuals are of Hindus & due protracted impact of Muslim culture, some sub castes bear Hindu Muslim names both and it has become indistinguishable from one and other, for example Baruahs, Phukans & Hazarikas Chowdharies and some more. Whereas it is hard to find names closer to Burmese /Thai though ingredients of their ethnology rest wrapped & assimilated by absorption into Assamese culture in sublimity despite the fact that Ahoms also ruled Assam for 650 yrs or so.
e) In political struggle too i.e. for the independence of India, Assam played major role as equal- co-partners. The unifying factor was language of Hindi, Urdu, Bengali and English. The visit of prominent political leaders including Mahatma Gandhi to Guwahati in 1922 are standing testimonies of close and compact relationship. Assam has produced one President of India Sh.Fakhur –din- Ali –Ahmed & Shri MM Choudhary as Governor of Punjab. Personalities like DN Barooah, Lok Priya Bardoloi are of national level & so on. Legendary singer Sh.Bhupen Hazarika known as Muhammad Rafi of NE will be remembered for centuries to come and his contribution to Indian & Assamese theater, cinema & song is well honored by ULFA too. Bhupen is pride of India – Hindi, Urdu Bengali & Assamese all in one. Bhupen Hazarika’s songs composed on Naga Hills & sung in violence hit Naga hills during 1963-64 which led to peace are worth human memory. AASU started their popular movement culminating into formation of AGP Govt by flashing their demands in Hindi posters & English both to other parts of India but never to Burma or Thai. List is long enough to continue which revolves around Hindi. Assamese cinema has its roots in Hindi cinematography.
FLASH END. To be concise, in this age of globalization you need to learn more languages and earn exchange for your literary & scholarly works by translated forms sent outwards. Otherwise we become ‘frog of the pond’. Remember Guru Dev Rabindranath Tagore’s evergreen ‘Gitanjali’ won him Nobel Prize only when it was presented in translated form of English. It remained unnoticed for 22 years. Since you revolutionaries have embarked on your plans for purification of certain polluted systems in the governance of societies for bringing socio- economic change, for upliftment of the lot of under privilegeds & ignoreds & so many ills and ailments eroding social ethics; to political analysts & sociologist; your taking to arms against own elected governments are deeply connected with resentment, undervaluing or brushing aside some cultural connects of the prides & ethos for which you stand for, including upholding of human rights. Remember India is one fifth of the total population, worldwide, is spread everywhere take Sri-Lanka, Myanmmar, Thailand, islands Lakshwadeep all around Assam. Dear friends, you are fighting against denial of human rights for the people under your reach. By denying others their privilege to view movies in any language they wish to and to deny them to learn any or more languages they desire to, are you not infringing on their personal, private, human fundamental rights. Yes, censor may be enforced if there is vulgarity of any form portraying human dignity in un- presentable style & manner. Hence there is a need for reviewing your diktats in human interest. Language & cinema (Hindi) cannot hamper your mission(s). Compare with Manipuri’s Tapro Beauty contest held recently. They have won praises for ensuring contestants bodies covered as much as possible in local attires. So in view of above, please search your hearts and minds is this diktat correct or otherwise. Remember influential’s of your origin will and are still viewing what they want to as is in Manipur too. So why not to rescind it and earn goodwill of 100 crore others (including your group) spread all over Indian sub-continent”. All unquote.
Part Two - In the context of Manipur
Author’s plea. Since the killing of Capt. Mangal, of the KYKL by an Assam Rifle team of commandos was interpreted to have been done by a person speaking Hindi, the outfit had banned screening of Hindi films and put complete ban on use of Hindi too. After anger of the leaders had subsided, they were approached to consider allowing rescreening of movies in Hindi. It was conveyed the proposal would be considered after completion of one year of mourning period. It is now:
(a) More than eight years have passed. Assam UG outfits have lifted the ban in their State.
(b) Almost 1800 Hindi teachers’ vacancies have been filled up the Govt. of Manipur, under rules and on demand by civil society organizations & student’s bodies, & many others.
(c) It is true that Manipuri’s speak very good Hindi & in social functions, Hindi songs & ghazals are sung meticulously – all by Manipuri’s. Hire a van unannounced, if music system is in that, request for a song, right it will turn out to be a Hindi one.
I, therefore appeal to concerned authorities i.e., the DGP, picture dealers , distributors and cinema hall owners & the concerned UG outfit on behalf of non - Manipuri’s and a large number of Manipuri’s who far outnumber non - Manipuri’s who love Hindi songs & films , to reconsider allowing Hindi movies at the earliest, May be even one show or two in a week to start with like it was done in Assam This appeal is made not only as a part of entertainment but as a part of restoring human rights too. It will open business opportunities and self employment for a considerable number of persons, also not denying the fact – hefty revenue to the State of course.