IT Desk
Myanmar is presently haunted by the worst form of political crisis after the Military Junta coup in February this year. Before the coming of the democratic form of government too, Myanmar was under dictatorial rule. But whether the country is ruled by a democratic form of government or by a dictator, it makes no difference to the peace-loving people who have settled thereafter they have been taken as war captive during the Seven Years Devastation (1819 – 1826), as they are busy trying to preserve the Vaishnavite culture and traditions as well as the language of their forefather.
The Meitei people – who were taken as war captives were allowed to settle in the periphery of the Mandalay city and villages of these Meitei people have Mandap with Hindu God and Goddesses where they perform puja every day. Some youths have forgotten to speak their mother tongue and all have dual names one a Myanmar’s name and another their traditional name.
This Meitei Hindu Community in Myanmar faced no religious persecutions, but due to loss of connectivity with the land their forefather live in, they are facing many challenges in keeping alive the Vaishnavite culture.
A webinar held today with the Meiteis of Myanmar and those from Manipur in the presence of Rajya Sabha MP Leishemba Sanajaoba and Lok Sabha MP Dr. RK Ranjan tells the story of how the Meitei Vaishnavite in Myanmar are keeping alive the Hindu traditions and culture besides all odds.
Hindu organizations, particularly the RSS (Rashtriya Shwam Sevak) and others like the ISKON or any other Hindu religious-based organization should be proud of the Meiteis who are now called as ‘Kathe’ by Myanmar for their courage in keeping alive the Hindu Culture in the land where martial laws ruled.
These national-based Hindu religious organizations should have a special interest in these Meitei Vaishnavite communities by extending all possible help to ensure that the Hindu culture shines in the neighboring country and the relationship between the two countries flourish and strengthen through this cultural bondage. After all Myanmar is a Buddhist country.
The religion-based organization like the RSS should pursue the government of India to construct a Hindu temple where all Vaishnavite meiteis, as well as other Indian communities residing in Myanmar, will have the opportunity to flourish the Vaishnavite culture.