India, a nation, a continent or beyond that? Manipur speaks for India's depth

India is so diverse, it will not be wrong if it is called a universe (not just a continent) on its own. Look at it Geographically, it has everything. The HimaLAYAs, Thar desert and the ocean. The features of people vary so differently when we look at them from North East to North West and Kashmir to Kanyakumari. To maintain an account of all those languages/dialects prevailing would probably an impossible task for a commoner's brain.

Here I am giving a brief introduction of one of the states in India, Manipur (a state in the North Eastern India) which on its own will speak volumes for the large and diverse nation that we are – INDIA.

Manipur with an area of 22327 sq kms and a population of less than 2.4 million is a miniscule in comparison to the huge population of over a 1000 million. Yet the state has over 25 tribes excluding the majority Meiteis besides the Muslims. Just to name a few tribes and languages Aimol, Anal, Angami, Chiru, Chothe, Gangte, Hmar, Kabui, Puimei, Rongmei, Kacha Naga, Zemei, Liangmei, Koirao, Koireng, Kom, Lamkang, Mao, Maram, Maring, Mizo (Lushai) tribes, Monsang, Moyon, Paite, Purum, Ralte, Sema, Simte, Sukte, Tangkhul, Thadou, Vaiphei, Zou, The state is dominated by the Meiteis. This is for a state of population less than 2.5 million. Each of them have their own culture and practise which are unique to them. They all have their own identity but, never look down upon any others.

They have practises which shows equality in practise. They adopt certain model code which communicates itself. For example, Meiteis wear their dresses in specific pattern to denote that they are on mourning, celebration, attending a wedding, on their way to discuss a marriage proposal etc. For a given occasion a dress code is fixed thus preventing any possibility of inequality where in there is no question of display of riches or the poor getting intimidated.

This is the story of one Great State of this Great Nation. India has many such daughters who are all unique in there own way.

My experiences, the love and affection shown by the people of Manipur and more about their vividity will be shared in another story.