Bishnupriya Manipuri camaraderie

By RK Rishikesh Sinha

A place which was once humming with activities of the persons who used to hang out now gives a different look. The place is dead. It gives a dreary look. Those who used to visit the place no more go there. But the place tells many things; it tells us about the people — what they talked about? What were their topics of discussions? Ah! It tells us the time. I am talking about Orkut, the best online hang out place for urban, suave, young Bishnupriya Manipuris few years back.

Going to the islands of Bishnupriya Manipuri ‘communities’ created in Orkut, it was a refreshing moment for me. It was a unique experience. As I flip-flop from one community to another community, I knew I am alone, nobody is looking at me. I am not sharing anything with anybody in my endeavour. I am reading people’s post and comments, what they have left behind in the passage of time. I can see their faces, their inner turmoil, their fun element, and of course their fear! And somewhere I feel nostalgic and remorseful.

Here is the list of Bishnupriya Manipuri communities in Orkut (those with more than 100 members):

# 1. Unmarried Bishnupriya Manipuri (386 members)

Created by Dhiman, created: May 1, 2007

#2. Bishnupriya Manipuris in Delhi

owner: An@m!k@, created:November 25, 2006, members:119

#3. BISHNUPRIYA MANIPURI

owner:swapan sinha, created:February 18, 2007, members:234

#4. bishnupriya manipuri

owner:supra sinha; created:May 13, 2006, members:994

#5. Bishnupriya Manipuri Youth

owner: Dhiraj Sinha, created:January 9, 2008, members:134

#6. Bishnupriya Manipuri

owner: vikash Sinha, created: March 2, 2007, members:107

#7. GANG OF BISHNUPRIYA MANIPURI

owner:U:th cult(u re) *XX**Bleeding A Luxury**XX*, created: December 20, 2007, members:122

# 8. Bishnupriya Manipuri Girls

owner: Shila Singha, April 13, 2007, members:321

I found there were 38 Bishnupriya Manipuri communities created in Orkut. And there has not been any activity by members after 2010.

What they discussed?

One can categorise their conversations into:

#1. Play

Example: Dedicated a beautiful song to the person above ya!; HIT -- or – MISS;

#2. Information sharing

Example: JAM STATION - debut album, Shri Bishnupriya Manipuri Birth Anniversary

#3. Issues and concerns

Examples: Inter caste marriage, Who was Gokulananda? Taare koigoi ningsing aosi?

#4. General (Bishnupriya Manipuri-centered)

Examples: paltoi lovers, Introduce Yourselves With Gotro And Lokei.

In my sailing, what excites me was the creativity of the members who were once greatly involved in the creation of Bishnupriya Manipuri camaraderie, which is an important part in today's time. Now, when we are away from our place and our people.

As I am leaving the place, my heart is heavy and my voice is choked as I know I will never come again, even accidentally.