(Prabal is a certified rock priest. He worships Black Sabbath and Dire Straits. Besides music, Prabal is also a writer and a good one, as you would discover…)
 
On every crest and trough of my life, I get a reminder from my inner self to extent my deep gratitude to all the bujons and gurujons.  There has been a drastic change from the times of gurujons, then the bujons till it reached me, and it's going to change further down the line. "Yes! You said it right- Change is the only constant". But today at this juncture, I find myself a mix of all of you, the bujons and gurujons, blended within me who completes me as an individual of strength and dignity.
 
Yes! It was you who taught me to be in my toes. Booraba, it was your unconditional love that established the faith in me that there's no bigger human act than love others. Boorima, It was your lap that I grew up, that I couldn’t forget. It was your meagre pension, Baba, that helped me get the best of the world. It was those hands that toiled in the fields and got my first pair of jeans. Ema, it was your continuous efforts in 'Bengchi' that got my first ring. Kaka, your broker cycle gave me the kicks for mechanics; Pishi, your efforts of shaping yourself up after all the hard work gave me the strength of look after myself even at the worst; Jethu, the sound of your Upaari (hukka) bears testimony of all the contentment you have in life, I wish to lead a life like yours.
 
Bujons! Gurujons!!
It is the Ishalpa in you that makes me feel richer with my culture. It is the Shongkirton after office that you attended, that explains me the importance of social bonding. It is the 'Ubba mokshir Paltoi' that gives me a sense of feeling, that's its straight from my kitchen; It is the Joidev I sang with you, that actually gave me the platform to test my vocal chords; It is the Krishna Janmasthami when you first showed to get creative with the mud; it is those kolaar paata that reminds me to stay grounded; it is the grand efforts you showed in spite of your limitations that made me witness the 'The big, fat Bishnupriya wedding'. It was the Roth-Jatra you were part of, that established the pride in me when everyone looked us awestruck. It was the Shraddho that you organized, made me respect those who left us. It was the revolutionist in you that taught me to stand up for a cause. It was your continuous effort that helped me stand today as a community, for an identity that I have. It was an unpaid appointment that I made to you, that showed my interest towards medicine. It was the teacher in you that guided me. It was the 'jawan' in you that starts his life all over again post retirement, pushed me to join the forces. It was your unemployment that helped me gear up for, get started and meet any eventuality. It was your 'adda' which inspired me to be aware of the world.
 
There are apologies that I wanted to convey but never could. My apologies for every time I went against your wish and did everything that I was not supposed to. My apologies for having pitched my voice higher assuming I've grown up. My apologies for spoiling your crop in the process of amusing myself. 'Malthepetto tor sandal haan chorkoranirka khoma chauri'. My apologies for questioning your ability when I know it is the best possible a man could have done. I have criticized you enough for all the communal problems arising today with us, but honestly, I was hiding my non-contribution in the process. I now understand my folly; If I were to have a time-machine, I would have traveled a decade or two back; just to be sure that I would have failed miserably against what you did under those circumstances. "Aaraakou aase, gelga khechuri paalit tor plate haan mi aasul dechilu taana, na souwois! Tor sougo nai!!". And many more, but I would like to cover the rest with my deeds.
 
I have this uphill task of carrying on the lineage with everything in place and even more. I understand that you're worried about the whole new social structure and value systems that are being defined. But I promise you to take your culture, your practices in my ecosystem; and pass it on with utmost sincerity that is shown by you to me.
 
I know that you are aware of my impressive words that let you down every time. But not anymore! I know you were upset to see those French wine bottles in my kitchen rack; but I'll impress you with photos of me performing TARPAN. I know you'd be wondering about the Avons of the world lying in my dressing table, but I'll show you the 'Chengi' in the bathroom as well. You'll find designer wears in my wardrobe, but have a look out side, there's a 'fichet' that's getting dry. You may be surprised by the G-String collections that I have, but you would find it overwhelming to see me clad in 'Tolophuti', attending the fests and the ethnic days in my system. I'm having sizzlers out there, but believe me; the 'ubba mokshir paltoi' triggers my taste buds like none and will continue to. I will brainstorm the new project that's up in line but will also actively participate in social causes. I will attend Paris shows but also be an ambassador to my cultural costumes wherever possible. I'll take insurance calls across globes but ensure your safety and security as well. I may enroll myself in a NUS or an ISB, but I'll also emphasize the importance on primary education of Bishnupriya Manipuri. I may poke others in orkut but shall also drive the message of being a bishnupriya among us. Above all, I'll take myself and my generation to the next level that you always wanted to and fulfill your dream.
 
Let me assure you that I have woken up, I've arrived, we’ve arrived. Aailang Ami!
 
Hoi Dufagi! Kita charai ta!!
Cheikta, digolgo oiya aamaar gurujon ebong bujon ore homa aahaan dikta!!

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