Martians calling" "_;-]...

"RELENTLESS SPIRIT of a Distance Runner"

If not to beat the bellies of urban life, city residents and lifestyle planners have from time to time engaged the entire town/city to participate and bear witness to the mega marathon of the day- a celebration of sort. On days as such; sports persons, health enthusiasts and common men alike come out on the open streets, fully prepared to take their endurance level to test. We call them the “Mega Marathons” and the word has become synonymous to city-level events brought alive by participants from within and outside the virtual corners of the host city. 

I have heard about Mumbai Marathon, Delhi Marathon and a few other annual events, thanks, mainly due to athletic relatives and friends whose participation and winning of sidekick accolades and titles came delivered to me as notifications through the ever accessible social media connections that we have. Months back, an athletic army man came to stay in our house for a few days, all courtesy of a cousin who met him in Dimapur during his return journey from a trip to Guwahati. Well, although I was to meet our guest for the first time, he was not new to my cousin’s family. As armed-force personnel, our guest was posted in the Army’s outpost located in our village for a good number of years during which he got to learn much about our native village and the people. His name is Haneef M E, 31 years of age hailing from Coorg district, Karnataka- a relentless marathon runner as I soon found out.

Initial introductory exchange of words was soon followed by meaningful conversations based on his life and spirit of taking part in Mega-Marathons all across the country. It turns out- Mr. Haneef was in Imphal to take part in the 9^th edition of “Manipur Mega Marathon” organized by the United People’s Front, Manipur. With little knowledge, specifically regarding topics concerning Mega-Marathons in India, I chose to remain a good listener and observer for most part of the times we spoke about it, except for periodical expression of opinions and asking of questions aimed at further enlightening myself. In short, Mr. Haneef did the talking and I recorded them based on a mutually-agreed decision that I should write about his quest for success. Having given up active involvement in outdoor sports since a few years back, I was not surprised to learn so many things that were totally new to me. Forget about less glamorous events in other states of India, if not for this meeting which happened by chance, I would not have known of the Mega-Marathon held in my town, which is about to hit a decade long milestone. Or, maybe it is just that long-distance running never get to be a subject of sports discussions in this 'hood without playground where everyone play soccer in the fields.

Haneef M.E,  Pan-India Runner

“This event is going to be my 11^th year of participation in mega-marathons..” says Haneef, as he continue talking about how he and others runners from his circle of friend had participated in previous editions of the Manipur Mega Marathon too. Talking about how he dedicate his life for the service of the country and at the same time pursue his personal  interest in athletics, he explained how he has to constantly train himself within the limits of the general facilities available in places or centers where he is posted from time to time. Moreover, throughout the eleven years that he has been in the Marathon circuit, his pursuance for excellence in the field was self-funded. Talking about how he has to make use of his monthly salary for diets, gears and travelling expenses incurred, the runner expressed his wish for special provision and funding from the Home department/Ministry. “Without such provision for deserving athletes in the Armed Forces, I may have to leave behind this quest, leave behind all that cheers my heart the most.” This he said will certainly be true when he get married in a few years from now as by then he will have to invest his little income to settling down as a family man. “ I would be heartbreaking though..” he added with a visible tint of melancholy in his eyes. Nevertheless, he says “ I will keep running as long as I can afford to run and take part in Mega-Marathons nationwide."

Self-funded through the years down to this lane of today that he is about take on, relentless and spirited runner as he his; Mr. Haneef have tested his strength and endurance level in many events, under varying weather conditions and have succeeded in making a mark in most of the marathon events he had participated in. From Bangalore to Delhi, Jaipur to the hills of Arunachal; he has been running everywhere!

Haneef with Boingam- Langol ,30th March

Below is a list of events Haneef M.E had participated in. Given along are the ranks and positions that he has achieved till date and the rankings truly justify his endless quest for perfection and excellence. True to his spirit and relentless run in the field of long-distance race, Haneef humbly puts; “These accolades and recognition certainly makes one happy and upbeat, yet nothing is far more self-rewarding than having running mates across regions and sans religious or racial differences… all coming together for an event with nothing else in our minds but- To Run.”

Staying a few days in Imphal,  Mr. Haneef M.E left to join back duty in his base.The relentless runner took with him an award and well-deserved recognition, being placed 7^th in the Manipur Mega-Marathon’2015. Here’s wishing him good health and success.

HANEEF'S MARATHON MILESTONES

1.      All India Run

2.      62^nd AIPACC, Jaipur, 2013

3.      Shillong Run, 2014- 3^rd Place

4.      State Run for National Selection.

5.      NSG , Delhi Half Marathon, 2014- 2^nd Place

6.      Imphal Half Marathon (BJP), 2015- 6^th Place

7.      IGAR-N Cross Country, 2014- 1^st Place

8.      Chennai Bharat Marathon, 2014- 4th

9.      Tombaco Marathon, 2014- 3^rd

10.  Christ University, Bangalore- #3^rd place

11.  IIT, Guwahati, 2010 – 3^rd place.

12.  IIT, Guwahati, 2014- 10^th position

13.  Assam Morang cross country, 2014- 1^st position

14.  Battalion Cross Country, Jairampur-Arunachal Pradesh- Running Trophy won after
       3 consecutive Wins.

15.  Mega Marathon Manipur- 2013: 8^th  

16.  Mega Marathon Manipur- 2015: 7^th position.

17. TCS- Bangalore World Tent

•     (Open Category), 2012- 1^st position
•       Elite Category, 2014- 20^th position 
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"Sweet Childhood Memories; The Bear Cub that I thought was a Dancer!"

Though born and brought-up in Imphal-the capital town and commercial hub of Manipur, our parents made it a point to take us for official visits to our native village as frequent as possible. Such family-trips not only keep us close to our largely-extended family members to this day, but have always gave us fresh adventures and stories to cherish. Apart from the invaluable and interesting stories and folklore of the olden times that we always got to hear from our village elders, the very feeling of being surrounded by the warmth of the closely knitted kinship of the rural community was amazing. Storytelling, bird-watching, trekking, playing- the list of activities that shaped and gave a memorable childhood could go on. Holidays and seasonal breaks from school therefore used to be eagerly awaited in the house.  Recalling those sweet days of innocence, I am grateful to my parents for all the vacations that they had planned for us-with love.

Stopping by at Pallen (Pallel) en-route one of the many trips to our village, my brothers and I were visibly tired but filled with enthusiasm over the thought of spending our summer vacation in the woods around our hillside home again. As we happily follow Mom and Dad to a nearby hotel where we used to stop by and refresh ourselves with cups of tea and baked cookies to fill our tender tummies for the rest of the journey, I could not help but notice this scene which is vividly clear even now. I saw this man in his late thirties or early forties, walking by the paved roadside, his clenched right fist tightly gripped around a long light-weight chain that was attached and wound around the neck of a black, furry little animal that looked like a bear..?..Yes! it was a bear cub! And as it was strutting lazily behind the captor/master, the cool summer breeze blew over the highway and through the little cub’s long shaggy coats making its coat of silky black fur move slowly, back and forth, up and down- that from a distance both the bear and the man looked like they were dancing or walking in an orchestrated manner. Standing in front of the hotel, I stood still and observed carefully, filled with a sense of euphoria at the sight of something that I thought I will only get to read in story books and see only in movies showing circus scenes. Yes, for a moment I was thinking of “Dancing bears” and so I told myself that the bear cub could be one that is raised for the same- I was lost in thoughts.

Watching them slowly walk away from my sight,  I then joined my brothers and parents- had my fill and we soon continued our journey. All along the way, I could not get the chained little bear cub out of my mind- thinking about how it could have got caught, how hard it must be, for the cub to feel the pangs of separation from the pack. As I was endlessly letting my mind flow over the many possible ways the bear’s future would hold, something struck me hard. I remember a time when I overheard elders talking about bear skins, claws, and vital internal organs fetching a fair price in the black market. I could visualize the worst-case scenario for the little bear and my heart aches feeling sorry for the ill-begotten fate that has befallen its life. Feeling helpless, I made it a point to talk to my brothers and parents about the poor little bear, complaining why poor cubs should be ill-treated at all. Deep in my heart, I wished the man with chain who I have begun to hate by now have compassion for the bear cub so they could find a good way for little thing to live on. I comfort myself thinking, “Maybe, the man was trying to take it to the Zoo”…or “Maybe, like I foolishly assumed earlier- the man will tame, train and make the fluffy cub grow into one fabulous dancing-bear”. I smiled vaguely and drift my way to sleep.

PS: Images used here are solely for (promotional) presentation of Michael Morpurgo's " The Dancing Bear" which I find interesting. Pdf extract of the same can be downloaded @ http://www.michaelmorpurgo.com/images/uploads/book-excerpts/The_Dancing_Bear_extract.pdf 

"Rural Technology & Innovations"

Science Project for the District-Level Inter-School Science Exhibition,

 RMSA-Chandel District, Manipur

THEME CHOSEN: “Alternative Energy: Green Energy”

PROJECT TITLE:  “Charcoal-heated, multi-purpose micro-oven”

RATIONALE BEHIND THE PROJECT:

Man is known to have an undeniably strong reliance on thermal energy for sustenance of his life. From day to day cooking and boiling to other activities, heat has been utilized to fulfil our needs and requirements. Taking cue of this, mankind through ages has found innovative ways of tapping and making use of this energy. Civilizations across the globe are known to have developed their own methods and ways of heating, cooking, boiling, baking and drying various items and materials. From Kilns used for making bricks and ceramics, to ovens and grillers etc., they all have no doubt made our living easier and better.

To the people of Manipur, or for that matter to most people of North East India, it has been a tradition to preserve and consume preserved food items. Drying of meat and fishes is thus common to most of us. In doing so, we use the already available hearths/fireplace, chullahs etc. Moerover, in due time, there have been many innovations on the use of fire for different purposes. Of all these, the project produced here for exhibition stands out as one efficient and remarkably easier and better way of heating, grilling or drying edible food items.

PROCEDURE: 

The “Charcoal-heated, multi-purpose micro-oven” is easy to build and easy to use. The team of students from Sita Government High School, guided by a Science teacher and under the technical supervision of Mr. Jamkhokhai, a local blacksmith and carpenter came up with a version of charcoal-heated home-made device which we call the “Charcoal-heated, multi-purpose micro-oven” for presentational purpose, under the theme “Alternative Energy: Green Energy” as it proves out to be a better alternative to the currently followed methods and proves to be a method which is greener as it saves more energy as compared to others. This easy-to-use device is also hygienic and more user-friendly.

Sanctioned by the school, the team studied the blue-print, got the necessary raw materials and pursued the goal of their science project with technical aid from the chosen local artisan and guidance and support from teachers and peers. Having developed the product, it was pre-tested and found to be superior in functions and utilities than the other methods used. It gives a better cooked and dried meat (specimen for test) items.   

Raw Materials required:

• Metal sheet- Unused vegetable-oil cans

• Pins/nails of different size

• Hammer

• Thermal-heat insulation foil

• Cutting tools and equipment

• Door latch

• Charcoal-fire

• Matchbox/Lighter

1. Grilling/Drying Cabinet: Cubic in shape, this part serves as the chamber for placement of food items to be heated/dried. The present model has a door on the front which can be latched from outside and can be opened time to time to release air/heat pressure from inside. Inside, there are two parallel rows of base on the walls located left and right. These bases serve as a placement base for racks/tray. The model has two trays with uniform size and design which are interchangeable. The inner walls are covered with heat-insulation foil to prevent loss of energy. There is an opening on the floor which serves as the slot for placing the removable and replaceable charcoal heater. The cabinet has a handle on the outside of its upper wall for carrying and lifting. The outer walls are hand-painted to aid heat insulation
2. Cone-shaped Charcoal heater: This part serves as the basic source of energy. This metal cone has punch holes on its walls to allow air flow that should keep the charcoal burning.  These holes also pave way for ash to exit the slot. Required volume of Bamboo/Wood charcoal is placed inside the cone, lighted and burnt to heat the cavity inside of the cabinet.
3. Catchment Tray: This tray at the bottom of the body is where all the exhausted fuel gets collected in the form of ash. The ash thus collected can be emptied and discarded manually.
4. Stand/Supporting pillars: The body is fitted with four sturdy pillars that keeps the structure erect and standing firm. 

PRODUCT DESCRIPTION: 

The “Charcoal-heated, multi-purpose micro-oven” has a metal body made entirely of cut-outs of different shapes and sizes. For this, unused and empty vegetable-oil cans/tins are utilized. The body is made of four distinct parts:

Charcoal as fuel produces heat that emits volumes of gas. This gas is trapped inside the cabinet of this product. This trapping of gas leads to increased pressure and the end result is ‘faster cooking’ that produce better cooked, heat/dried food items (Meat, fish etc).

REFLECTIONS/FINDINGS:  The students found out that the innovative project can further ease the life of many by providing a simple yet brilliant way of aiding their food production activities. This is especially relevant as the Sita Government High School is located in a rural social set up where people usually produce food for themselves. In a region where drying of meat and fish items, baking of rice cakes and the use of charcoal as fuel is common, such innovations can go a long way in improving the lives of the people. Apart from the joy of ‘learning by doing’ that the students experienced, this project has further served as a springboard that would take the students’ curiosity and their search for innovations and excellence to a higher level.

FEATURES, FUNCTIONS & UTILITY  Easy to build and operate Raw materials easily available Non electrical heat supply Energy Source: Charcoal( Bamboo/Wood)  Hygienic and fast way for drying food items Metal body makes it durable and long-lasting Easy to repair Higher grade of dried food items Energy saving Universal mode of operation Scope for value addition Metal tray can be modified with smallerholes  and the cabinet can be elevated ( so that various levels of heat-flow can be maintained) to enable baking of rice cakes etc.,  Reduction of drudgery

"Diaspora Blues"

12 years had passed since I first left my hometown, leaving for the world waiting to be explored. It was not really my choice to leave my loving family and friends, but rather a decision taken by my parents, who like any other parents of my hometown, tried to get a better place for their children to take up higher education. It was not just the lack of good educational institutes back home which prompted them to take such decisions. I believe decisions were taken more so because of the poor law and order situation that sadly prevails to this day. Somehow, the teenage urge of mine did not make me bother about leaving home. Rather, it gave me a huge sense of excitement over the thought of seeing new places, meeting new people and experiencing new aspects of life. In fact, true to my pre-occupied thoughts, the experience of life that followed was truly amazing and had me travel places. I was happy, and a bit naïve too, as I was yet to learn about the dark side of it all. Soon enough, I learned about my status and have since been singing this song of Diaspora blues- longing for the day when we all could go home and settle down near loved ones. However much I pray that day cometh soon, it never seems to get nearer as more and more people like me leaves their homes, travelling to cities far and wide either to study, or to eke out a living- in Diaspora, the idea of getting out of the blue eluding me time and again.

Over the years, I have travelled to many parts of India both for academic and work-related activities. Wherever I went, I always felt like one responsible citizen trying to understand this complex yet beautifully woven fabric called India. My thoughts apart, what people I met along the way thought about me, could have been a different matter altogether. I have met people who at the first sight of me thought I was a ‘Chinni’, ‘Japani’ and the classic first impression- that of a ‘Nepali’; which most of us Non-Nepalese from the North East region abhor to be called [Thought the fact is; in Nepal, people could be living better lives than most of us from the economically-backward North Eastern Region of India, and a visitor from Kathmandu may feel more accepted in mainland India (as generally observed) because of the closer religious and linguistic affinities]. The most annoying part is when, after an attempt to clarify doubts in a modest Hindi, some would sit back and listen, while some would, satisfied with your Hindi, interrupt in between your words and tell you, “ Ah, there you go, I knew it! You are no doubt Nepali”. At such an instance, it is up to your wise thinking or conscience whether to clarify more or laugh it off and leave them behind along the road. I remember I opted a lot of time, for the former and tried until I have put some knowledge in them about India’s geography and the human races dwelling on it.  That was a long time back, and I had long given up such explanations unless I find in people an honest interest to learn more about me or the rest of Indians who look like me.

My dear friends from the mainland who empathize with me would often tell me with regret about how there are still such people among us Indians who would feign ignorance about the diversity of our nation and rather stay safe in the cocooned narrow knowledge of the ‘Hindi’ world. I am not sure if my friends wanted me to continue explaining my identity to an unconfirmed number of random ignorant people I would come across in life. There are over a billion Indians and I just cannot help thinking of the fact that I have to be prepared to explain myself as much as a billion times. Yes, it is true that I will never come across that much of ignorant people. Yet, one never knows how much explanation needs to be given in due course of time, if one has to accept that explanation is better than ignoring.

Once in a while, we get to learn of the atrocities committed against our ‘race’ of Indians in different parts of the country. It is sad to learn that the common people cannot understand that we form that beautiful pattern on the Indian fabric, which the government and its agents have concurrently tried to help us identify with. Recent developments saw hordes of people from the North East fleeing certain cities of India at a time when MC Mary Kom brought laurels to the country. MC Mary Kom winning the Olympic bronze medal or people fleeing cities could represent hugely contrasting headlines altogether. Needless to say, both surely have no ends to meet and are totally independent of each other as events of the day. Similarly, widely circulated “sms threats” were not enough an obstacle to keep me from taking a trip to join my duty at work. It is ironic that I took the flight to Delhi just when thousands of youths from the north-east region were fleeing their bases in mainland India. 

I spent the waiting hours at the airport watching news reports on these developments. I thought about the fate that we have put ourselves in, or rather; complex situations that petty politics have brought us into and was a little apprehensive about taking my trip which would take me to interior areas of mainland India. At the same time, I thought about the opportunities back home and I saw a lot of doors waiting to be knocked open, yet not convincing enough to hold me back as the ground situation and the much needed peaceful environment for whatever entrepreneurship venture I thought of was but still a distant dream.

Whispering a prayer for myself and my family members back home, I remembered my family’s prayer for me as I said a little prayer for all those fleeing , or holding back in cities marked as ‘dangerous’ at the time. Above all, I prayed that this Diaspora blues would soon end.

" Rural Poverty and Education; A Typical Case Study."

Although many laments the poor education system that we have, many amongst our midst have been trying their best at the local level to improve the education standard of students. While acknowledging the laudable work of NGOs, CSOs, Chiefs, activists and individuals in the field of education at their levels, it has however been found that these helps rendered goes in most cases, only till the completion of High School. While many students from far flung rural villages have availed better education owing to the intervention of an ‘awakened society’, they often find it hard to continue higher education with financial constrains being the reason in most cases. To such students and their poverty-ridden families, financial constrains more often than not comes as a major hurdle which they could not possibly tackle on their own. It is in this light that an initiative of rendering financial help should be advocated in planning and policy-making at all levels.

To support the above statement, here is a highlight of a typical Caselet to ponder upon:-

Mr.X is a young brilliant boy hailing from a rural village. Though his family is not economically well-off, his parents had no problem funding his education till High School as he was able to attend classes regularly at the village high. However, after high school, his family started having serious problems funding his education which have since started incurring liquid amounts huge enough for the poor parents to worry about. It may be mentioned here that this young boy had cleared both the HSLCE and HSSLCE in first division and thereafter cleared an entrance test for a Bachelor's of Technology course which got him inducted into a government-run Engineering institute in Imphal. Staying together with two of his friends in a house provided by a relative in the outskirt of the town,  Mr X often found it hard to pursue his educational endeavour in peace as he had to constantly worry about monetary requirements for his education. His parents, like others of the rural areas, have not had a habit of savings or thrift and with little livelihoods activities to explore and exploit, they therefore had to struggle more than ever on a day to day basis so that they may be able to support their child until his graduation. All the efforts put in by the parents as well as Mr. X paid off as he cleared his first year examinations successfully. 

However, things deteriorated and Mr. X abruptly gave up his Engineering course in the middle of his second year calendar. This way, the lone product of the village high school to have taken up engineering course gave up. If Blame Game is to be put into effect, many would blame him, many would blame his parents or relatives and the game will go on. If at all, his parents had better means of livelihood that generates enough income; If at all, the poor boy had choices, such as seeking financial help through programmes designed for such a case, If at all, the boy had graduated as an Engineer!

End note: 

Until and unless the poor families of the rural area have more livelihoods activities to explore and exploit, until a habit of savings and thrift is developed and until families plan a layout of safety nets for their children’s future engagement with academics, this typical case is here to stay pending. In fact, cases as such have been with us for too long, way too long since first recorded by witnesses amongst our midst in the society. This heightens the need for an urgent remedial intervention. It is often said, “ To strike at a problem, one should identify and strike at the root cause of it all”. In this light, it is felt that intervention towards enhancing the economic wellbeing of the poor and on the other hand positioning of opportunities and wider range of options at the reach of the poor are of most immediate concern as of now, the first step towards bringing about a long-term remedial solution to the problems that we have in our society’s midst.

"My Understanding of Rural Development Management- A Pep-talk."

India’s population is currently over a billion (1.21 billion), of which majority (72.2 %) are located in the rural area. Like any other country, India’s growth or development depends in terms of both the development in the urban as well as the rural sectors. Keeping this in mind, the government have over the years come up with various flagship programmes specially designed for the development of the rural area and its populace. These programmes implemented through the ministry of rural development as well as in coordination with other ministries have brought about immense change in the lives of the stakeholders. Moreover, other agencies like non-governmental organisations have been working in tandem with the state in implementing various government programmes as well as non-governmental projects designed for the upliftment of the rural people. Rural Development management therefore comes as a necessity, taking into account the vital role that it can play in ensuring delivery of services aimed at rural development. It is the role of professional rural development managers to manage the mentioned services at various levels of the delivery system.

On a Transect Walk..

In working towards fulfilling the objectives of the agencies (both state and non-state) that they work with, rural development managers should see to it that they work towards fulfilling their own objectives of delivering fruitful management services- a step towards achieving their desired level of happiness. They should see the stakeholders i.e., the rural people as their service providers rather than seeing them as people who need their help. Rural people should be respected, as it is because of them that rural development managers get their job and area where they can exercise their expertise for the common goal of development. In working with the people, rural development managers should believe that the people themselves can come out of poverty, their dignity and worth should be respected. Never should one think that the people are helpless and should be given help. Rural development management would involve engaging with the people both directly at the community level as well as indirectly through grassroot level staffs. While engaging with them, one should always keep in mind that it is him/her who is learning from the people, and if there is anything to teach, one should do it by showing it to the people and not by mere lectures.

As a rural development worker, one should be ready to live with the rural community, as one of them, learn from them and work with them based on the people’s understanding of their situations. People’s participation should be given top priority, as it is their participation which will give them a sense of ownership of the services we are facilitating. This ownership will foster in them a sense of responsibility towards sustaining the said programme or services of concern. All of the works should in the end let the people think and believe that they did everything all by themselves and should convince them that they are capable of coming out of their difficult socio-economic situations and poverty.