Burning Bright: Irom Sharmila and the Struggle for Peace in Manipur

Name of the book: Burning Bright: Irom Sharmila and the Struggle for Peace in Manipur

Author: Deepti Priya Mehrotra

Publisher: Penguin

Pages: 219

Price: Rs 275

Even if you have nothing, you can always give a smile. When you meet somebody, give a smile to that person” — Irom Sharmila learnt this mantra from Tonsija Devi, her grandmother.

Her grandmother had told her many things — about the history of her state, women’s role in protest in ancient and medieval times, about the indomitable spirit of the meira paibies, and all later developments. A young Sharmila used to listen to those stories with amazement, and, gradually developed the spirit that helped her to be the one she is today.

Manipur will never forget the tragic incident of mowing down of 10 innocent persons by the Assam Rifles at Malom, a village near Imphal, in November 2000, which had not only shaken the state to the core but also produced a satyagrahi — indomitable and hopeful. Sharmila, then 28 years old, visited the spot and was moved by the incident. She began her fast-unto-death demanding the repeal of the “draconian” Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act and drew world attention, continuing her fast for more than a decade.

Many news articles have been written on the Iron Lady of Manipur so far, who, with her strong will, has given a new thrust to the growing anxiety and anger of the people of Manipur against the army act. But, Deepti Priya Mehrotra’s Burning Bright has dealt with the subject through all possible perspectives, including the poet inside Sharmila.

The book narrates how Sharmila, the ninth child of a veterinary attendant, imbibed moral values from age-old traditions, completed her education and worked with a human rights organisation for a brief span of time before taking up her crusade against the army act.

Reading this book, the reader will have a fair idea about the factors behind Sharmila’s protest, her steadfastness to continue her struggle amid adversity, her dreams and desires. After their first rendezvous in 2006, the writer met Sharmila many times and peered into her mind through their conversations. She has also met others who knew Sharmila closely, including her 104-year-old grandmother, Tonsija.

Mehrotra describes Sharmila’s protest as “original, uncompromising and very tough” and “her sacrifice speaks louder than words.” She says that through her determined satyagraha, Sharmila has become “a parable for our times”.

The history of Manipur as of today is a testimony of human culpability, exploitation and neglect. But Sharmila was a satyagrahi, the defiant lady and a poet. One of her poems, The road to peace, reflects her wishes: “I’ll spread the fragrance of peace/From Kanglei, my birthplace/ In the ages to come/ It will spread all over the world”.

Revolving around the life of Sharmila, the writer has recorded other significant incidents which took place in

Manipur during the last few years like the nude protest by a group of Manipuri women against rape and murder of Manorama Devi.

BISWAJIT M. MAYANK

Published on November 25, 2011