The inauguration of Manipur Legislative Assembly Museum and Archives at Old Manipur Legislative Assembly Building by Governor Dr Najma Heptulla on the 18th of this month marks a historic occasion and fulfilled a vital need for various individuals and parties with interest in the political history of Manipur to cull correct and relevant information and enrich the knowledge of the past. The occasion is made more significant as the first sitting of the Manipur State Assembly was held on this day in 1948 at the Durbar Hall of the royal palace where Maharaj Bodhchandra addressed the inaugural session of the first assembly in both Manipuri and English. The main purpose of the newly inaugurated facility is to collect, preserve, research, exhibit and interpret historical documents and material for public knowledge and education and consist of collections of archival materials, rare artifacts, photographs of historical significance and other invaluable items and a perpetual source of precious information and a referral treasure for the eclectics. The governor also rightly pointed out that Museums and archives not only serve as the fountainhead of information and knowledge but also keep us connected to the rich cultural heritage and exciting past. We become wiser and our knowledge becomes richer from what we learn in such an institution. We are better equipped to face the future and the wisdom we gain teaches us to negotiate our way for a more fulfilling life.
The atmosphere of positive expectations and historic milestone was however marked by the conspicuous absence of the leader of the house of the state legislative assembly. There was no report of the Chief Minister being out of the state which further adds to the curiosity of one and all. While the CM must be having his own reason for failing to turn up for such a historic occasion- one which will certainly go down in the annals of history of the state, the public is unanimous in the opinion that the head of the legislative assembly should have made the occasion complete with his presence and inputs which invariably is a graphic presentation of a shining Manipur to be achieved in the tantalizingly near future. And not unexpectedly, speculation of a breakdown in communication has started doing the rounds. Keeping the importance of the occasion into consideration, an official release or announcement regarding the absence of the Chief Minister would have laid such speculations to rest, but unfortunately none has been forthcoming so far which will only serve to lend more credence to the rumour of the appearance of a rift amongst the ruling party.
Besides the obvious privileges and perks, being the head of state has its responsibilities, and like it or not, should be ready and willing to be the subject of public scrutiny. No matter how good the intentions might be, if anyone is unable to take the criticisms and suggestions just as gladly as the adulations and praises, one might not aspire to be working in the public domain to start with. The eager public needs to be assured of each and every step and action of its leaders, not necessarily with suspicion but also with expectations and hopes.
