Old Age Rendezvous: A journey of love and peace

Laishram Ranbir
Imphal, Nov 14: While the hills and valley peoples are on the verge of communal hatred in the current situation of the State, like never before, a group of “Like Minded Persons” of the State, for the first time in the history of Manipur were able to organised a once in a life time opportunity program “Old Age Rendezvous” for old aged villagers from far village of hill districts to tour and visit the valley areas with a motto to create, bring peace, love and harmony among the entire different community of the State during November 4 and 5 of 2016.
OBJECTIVE
The duty and responsibility of the young generations of today to facilitate the old age elders and contribute in the last Rendezvous of the life of these fading stars from far village.
33 old aged (60-84years) persons from Sangshak village, Ukhrul District gather around in Imphal and tour the valley in various historical and tourist locations (Andro, Kakching, India Peace Memorial Red Hill, Moirang INA complex, Sendra, Kangla fort andKing’s Palace). Many of them will be visiting Imphal for the first time in their life. The elders have hardly visited this located in their lifetime while some had visited some 30 years back.
The tour is to show that there is nothing different between the hill and valley people in culture, the living style since our forefather.
OPINION
Our Titular King of Manipur, Leishemba Sanajoba describes the usefulness of organising such programs. Being a very small state, it is very heartfelt disappointment to hear that many elders from far village of hill district are unable to visit the beautiful and historical locations which lies in the valley areas, likewise the elders from valley areas. Money cannot buy the peace and loving relations but only getting together as one can create a peaceful and loving society.
Politics divide each one of use but now we have seen the circumstances, the outcome in both the people of hills and valley district.
It is not too late to get together as one, like our forefather, who have lived peace and loving and sharing each other without looking for any difference in the past for both hill and valley peoples, said Leishemba Sanajoba.
The elders from the Sangshak Village, Uknrul District, narrate that it is their life time opportunity. They are not sure whether they will visit the locations again or not. They show the interest and requested the elders from different hills district of the State to visit these beautiful and important locations of the valley areas.
SUPPORT
In making the occasion successful, many show their support financially and in other things. Manipur times give gift package for the elders, Dr Nelson sponsor gift for the elders too. Laihui feats Luwangngambi (one of the upcoming folk song artist) perform without any charges. RK Nepolean sponsor lunch for on the first day of the tour. Blooming Manipur sponsor lunch on the last day of the tour. Longjam Joshep and Deepak Ningthouja sponsor the breakfast on the morning of the last day tour. Sapam Shyamananda donated and help in fund raising and Rajeshwor Yumnam organised the program with the help and funding from his friends and love ones whose name are in a long list.    
To reach out the occasion to the entire people of the state and across the state, Kangla online, news and media website, financially support with its camera crew for coverage of the entire journey from beginning to end.