Kakching Khunou is a small township about 65 km from Imphal along the Imphal-Sugnu road. It is characterized by a well-planned cluster of Leikais with perpendicularly crossing lanes and bye-lanes. Due to the geographical distance from the state capital, development in all spheres have lagged behind. People are hardworking and keen to leap towards progress however, lack of guidance and exposure to opportunities remain a bottleneck for growth. Individuals who manage to come up and hold a position in the Government/private sector and the financially capable ones have settled down in the capital city, Imphal for obvious reasons.

Like a kite – no matter how high it flies, it does not last long unless anchored to the ground, Individuals who have managed to rise in life should not forget their roots and be attached to their birthplace else they will fade away like a loose kite.

In my case, no matter what, I never forget my roots and the place I have come from. Kakching Khunou holds an important place in my life and it shall ever remain the same. I, having married to a security force officer, roam the length and breadth of the country and mostly stay away from home. But whenever we come on leave, I always make it a point to visit Kakching Khunou. The following is some of my observations to bring Kakching Khunou on the path to future progress.

  • Education: It is the most powerful weapon which can change the world. With education the very nature of our existence change – the way we think, the way we look at things and situations, the way we act, the way we behave, the way we live. Education raises our existence to a new height. Hence, bringing about an educational revolution amongst the growing generation of children and youngsters is the weapon for uplifting the community. Kakching Khunou, however, lacks good schools. Voluntary contributions by the educated youths in the form of free coaching during vacation etc. shall go a long way. Every giant leap starts with a small step.
  • Playgrounds: A healthy body houses a healthy mind. Sports teaches us camaraderie, discipline, dedication, and healthy competition, and it should form an essential part of our growth. Adequate playgrounds should, therefore, be developed which caters to every age group.
  • Spirituality must be an important part of education. By spirituality, what I mean is the age-old values that have always sustained and nourished our society and life on earth. These values serve as the very foundation of the harmonious existence between humans and all of nature including the plant and animal kingdom.
  • Community Hygiene: Education on hygiene will prevent us from communicable diseases. Practicing good hygiene is also a behavioral change. Everyone, whether rich or poor, young or old, educated or not can make a difference with a little change in hygiene and sanitation practices. Kakching Khunou is a small township wherein we can achieve our hygiene and sanitation goal with some self-discipline and a systematic way of waste disposal. We can and should strive to attain the “cleanest township” in the state, region and the country.
  • Plantation of flower in every household, streets (leikais) will help the environment. It would enhance the beauty of the town too.
  • Psychological counseling of different age groups is also needed. Career counseling, especially for students of Class XII and above is very much necessary as students are the pillars of our society.

In today’s Manipur, getting a state govt. job is a very costly affair. The reason which we all know well. We, therefore, should encourage young and educated ones not to chase for state government jobs only and lose valuable time. On the contrary, we should encourage them to opt for self-employment programs/projects.

Kakching Khunou as we all know is an agricultural township and has a good potential in pisciculture and watermelon & pineapple farming. They are some of the established income generating avenues. Other new ventures need to be explored for self-employment and sustainable income generation. Some suggested programs are:

  • Dairy farming with good breed jersey cows and buffaloes.
  • Poultry farming
  • Weaving industries by employing womenfolk
  • Floriculture
  • Handicrafts (Wood/bamboo/stone etc.)

Another important aspect is to uplift young talents in the field of art and culture. Excelling in art and culture not only provides a means of livelihood but also will bring laurels to the community. It really warms my heart that the Kakching Khunou Educational Forum is coming out with voluntary initiatives such as bringing out this magazine.

Rome was not built in a day so shall Kakching Khunou be.

Mayanglambam Helena Devi , M.Sc. , B.Ed.
Helena is an ardent supporter of KKEF. She currently lives in Itanagar, Arunachal Pradesh with her family.