'Kanglasha', freedom of speech and ideas

Free Thinker *

Removal of Kaba Khanba from mouth of Kanglasha inside Kangla, Imphal on June 18 2021 :: Pix - Shankar Khangembam

When someone called Khushwant Singh, the then Editor of Hindustan Times 'bastard', he did not mind, rather he was trying to eulogize it; to me that was the beauty of free speech, tolerance and democracy. We know, everyone is not Khushwant Singh but we must be tolerant enough to face the slur and slander from others.

Once again in a function where both Khushwant Singh and LK Advani were present, Khushwant Singh referring to Advani ji, he said, "people are dangerous who do not drink and womanize". Everyone present was laughing including Advani ji himself.

'Kanglasha', our State emblem, whether it is a lion or lioness or a dragon, nobody can be so sure. But it is certain that it is a revered beast associated with our ancient culture and heritage.

Whether 'Kanglasha' had teeth or not, nobody knows whether 'khabaks' were teeth or architectural supports ? The literature and images that we have pertaining to 'Kanglasha' is only a few centuries old.

Whereas 'Kanglasha' and our civilization is more than 2000 years old. This beast seems to have been in our tradition since time immemorial. Our oral tradition, mythology and Chronicles refer to 'Kanglasha and Nongshaba' as if they were with us from the very beginning. My point is that our present-day information can't define and ascertain the realities of our revered "Kanglasha".

So, we can't say who is right or who is wrong. All the views and ideas must be entertained as long as we can withstand and incorporate. You know the size of the Oxford dictionary is increasing day by day.

It has become more enriching and elaborate. So, the best part could have been to find a broad consensus. Until and unless we have some concert discoveries like the Harappan seals or Ptolemy's map, our 'Kangla' and 'Kanglasha' would be in the realm of myth and mystery.

We must have intellectual freedom, rather we must encourage it. Whether you agree with the contention or not, you should have the courage and patience to listen to others. Even if they are cursing you and dismantling your views you must respect their ideas and viewpoints.

That is the beauty of democracy and freedom of ideas and speech. I am not preaching it, we all know it, but sometimes we forget to practice it. The language expressed may be itching for some but that should not lead to protest or violence.

Intellectual liberty is also as good as journalistic freedom. Democracy and a free society deserve freedom of speech and ideas. Dr RK Nimai has put forward a very strong argument or opinion on 'Kanglasha'.

We must appreciate that and there is nothing wrong with pondering over it. I strongly believe that he is also a well-wisher of the State and the people. Instead of politicizing the issue we must try to find the most acceptable format culturally and historically for both 'Kangla' and 'Kanglasha' .

Let the scholars, academicians, thinkers, journos etc. express their views freely. Enough space must be given for them to deliver and maneuver otherwise we shall not grow intellectually; that is what a civilized society longs for; everyone ought to be given the liberty to express their views without fear.

However, the language should be Parliamentary and presentable. In a beautiful way you may ask someone to go to hell. That is how diplomats communicate; we are not diplomats, still we must use fine language to run down others. This is a difficult art, but we must learn.

If I argue that our 'Kanglasha' was a unicorn, will you squeeze me or will you try to convince me otherwise accordingly ? Existence of unicorns in every ancient civilization is quite evident.

I was a student of History dealing with the Ancient World. Once I thought that I must do serious research on 'Kanglasha'. As food and existence became more important, I could not do research. Instead, I concentrated on my own existence . After getting a livelihood I started thinking of doing something about 'Kangla', 'Kanglasha' etc., but unfortunately I'm still thinking ?

When I was reading the Indus Valley civilization or the Harappan civilization we could see the pictures and images of Harappan seals. In many of the seals we could find the images of bulls and unicorns. And surprisingly the unicorns are very common in ancient civilizations. There is a bonding between ancient civilizations and unicorns.

If you ask me what your opinion is about 'Kanglasha', I would like to say that it was a unicorn – all the ancient civilizations of the world were associated with unicorns (single horned horse or dragon or lion or bull or rhino). The Harappans, the Chinese, the Mesopotamians, Egyptians and the Greeks – all had unicorns.

I believe our 'Kanglasha' would be a unicorn of a lioness (not a lion). Let us encourage research on the subject; is there anyone or an institution which can sponsor a research on 'Kanglasha'?

Mark Twain once said, "we have three unspeakable precious things: freedom of speech, freedom of conscience and prudence of never to practice either".