Man behind ‘Save Nambul’

Neigailiu Gonmei
 Recently the All Manipur Working Journalists’ Union (AMWJU) and the Editor’s Guild of Manipur took part in an awareness campaign on ‘SAVE NAMBUL’  where a boat carrying journalists at Thong Nambonbi used loud speakers to appeal to people  living in villages along the river not to dump trash on its bank.
Tracing the root it was an honour to express that it was the great and influential work of Professor Kshetri Rajendra Singh Department of Sociology of Manipur University who penned down 100 poems  on ‘Cry of a Dying River’ for over two years.  It was published on every Sunday starting from September 17-2017 to November 2019 on The Sangai Express ( English Version)  which talked about the  radical impact of man’s vagaries on Nambul River which is a magnificent work in tackling environmental issues.
His passionate work on ‘Cry of a Dying River’ has touched life both great and small, sans poetic license or the utopian sense of a poetry but based on political tone where he ceaselessly sought for the recovery of the river at any cost. His aspiration is pure as he is not inspired by any writer or social thinker as such by his childhood memories is the lone motivation and the love of environment. Professor Rajendra relentless effort was to bring back what once was a beauty of our State. His poems clearly depicted the pain that Nambul has been subjected to by the dirt and pollutants thrown in nonchalantly by the people. His series of poem was also unending call to everyone to be  heard so that something could be done for the river which is a unique feature of Manipur . Folks were urged to be conscious of what had been,what we are and what will be.
To be sure the series of poems must have impacted on the consciousness of the people and this was clearly manifested in the Save Nambul River campaign. Professor Rajendra’s gigantic work has changed people’s mindset for a better environment as we can see the initiative taken up by the people and the Manipur Government. The pain and anguish of the ‘Cry of a Dying River’, must have pricked the conscience of the people. The Save Nambul River campaign will go a long way in saving mother nature to and bring ecological balance. And educate how nature and human are interdependent on each other. Professor Rajendra’s persistent and enthusiastic work has played a vital role in awakening the mindset of the people and helped all take the first step in safeguarding the river. And we can say that what we are now is because of his efforts in voicing the cry of a dying river.
The AMWJU and the Directorate of Environment and Climate Change have joined hands to save the river and it time we all follow the footstep shown to us and bring back the bygone beauty. Safeguard our ecosystem and bring ecological balance to our Mother nature.
Professor Kshetri Rajendra’s great work is an example of inspiring young minds and in one way or the other this is the theme behind the ‘Save Nambul’ campaign. I’m so proud and honoured to have distinguished minds and dynamic personality as my teacher and a cornerstone  in saving Nambul River.
 Bravo! To you sir.
PS. Explore the Cry of a Dying River which is available online at best price on amazon.in