The most eagerly celebrated festival has come and gone, and the state is still reeling after the after-effects, the festive spirit reluctant to leave the still hesitant souls of many. The revelry and celebration that unfolded this year saw remarkable changes from the traditional and accepted norms which distinctly points to the direction the young society is heading towards. As predicted, there were a sharp increase in the number of casualties resulting from reckless driving as well driving under influence of prohibited drinks and other substances. The increasing adoption of western style of social interaction and dressing sense, especially amongst the growing youths of the state is a cause for concern, especially when such norms of interaction, often frowned upon by the majority of elders and religious teachings are adopted without the casual and nonchalant mentality and attitude that should accompany it. The cultural crossroad which the youths of the state are heading towards present a huge potential opportunity to introspect and understand the peculiar problems, conflicts and social situations existing in Manipur from a radically different and fresh perspective, thereby increasing the odds of finding an enduring solution to the protracted issues bogging down the collective progress of the state. On the flip-side, this inevitable cultural shift which is becoming increasingly evident poses a great threat to the battered moral and cultural fabric of the society as wanton acceptance of a perceivably freer norms and social mores carries with it the inherent danger of corrupting and decaying the traditions and outlook of the land if the mental aspect of the change is missing. The technological advancements are gradually turning the world into a global village, and our little state has become an inseparable unit. Information can be had at the press of a button or a single swipe of the finger- information which can be productive as well as damaging.
The need of the hour, therefore, is to make sure that the youths have the strength and moral obligation to take on the increased responsibilities that comes with increased information, power and knowledge. It would be nigh impossible to take away or deny the youths the use of technologies and information and other advancements that is changing the way we live and learn. To fully prepare them to utilize and reap the benefits of an increasingly globalised and technologically driven world, we need to make them understand the importance of keeping our traditions and customs intact, and to learn from it so that the present can be appreciated more. It is our past that paved the way for the present, and the present that we embrace will predict the future. But through it all, certain attributes will ever remain relevant and vital such as responsibility, awareness and understanding of our own thoughts and actions.
