Ex-Army Officer Lt Col Manongba on Mission to Help Widows and Children Affected by Manipur Violence

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Manipur: Ex-Army officer on mission to help widows, children affected by violence.
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Retired Indian Army Lieutenant Colonel L Manongba, known for his dedication to the welfare of ex-servicemen, has turned his attention to assisting the widows and children affected by the ongoing ethnic violence in Manipur. As a key figure behind the Wings of Hope initiative, Lt Col Manongba is helping victims rebuild their lives, providing support for their livelihoods and education.

A Life Dedicated to Service

Lt Col L Manongba, a 1979 cadet of the prestigious National Defence Academy (NDA) in Pune, has always shown a deep commitment to the well-being of the people of Manipur. After his retirement from the Army, Manongba continued his service to the people of his home state by working in the corporate sector and taking charge of the Ex-Servicemen Contributory Health Scheme (ECHS) in Imphal. His work in this role involved rallying a network of ex-servicemen from remote areas, offering them assistance and guidance, a task made all the more challenging due to the region’s difficult terrain.

However, it was the violent ethnic conflict between the Meitei and Kuki communities, which broke out in May 2023, that prompted Manongba to take more drastic action. The violence devastated local communities, leaving many families in desperate need of support, and it was this urgent need that led to the creation of Wings of Hope, a charitable non-profit organization. The organization aims to provide much-needed assistance to the victims, focusing particularly on widows and children who have lost their lives’ anchors in the strife.

Wings of Hope: Empowering Widows and Supporting Education

Since its inception, Wings of Hope has worked tirelessly to address the critical issues arising from the violence in Manipur. With over 30,000 individuals currently residing in distressing conditions in relief camps, the organization has identified key areas where it could provide support. These areas include funding the education of children who are at risk of dropping out due to financial constraints and helping widows achieve financial independence.

Manongba and his colleagues have provided vital assistance to 60 children, ensuring they continue their education amidst the crisis. Every month, the organization allocates Rs 95,000 to cover the educational expenses of these children. With this support, the future of these young individuals is brighter despite the turmoil around them.

In addition to education, Manongba’s initiative also focuses on empowering widows by providing them with the tools to become financially self-sufficient. In total, 35 widows have been identified for support, and these women have been provided with soft loans to help them start small businesses. One particularly inspiring example involves a woman who was given a Rs 30,000 interest-free loan to begin a poultry business. The woman purchased 300 chicks, and within just 45 days, her stock grew to 500 kg of chickens, which were sold for Rs 50,000, providing her with a substantial income.

Other widows have taken up alternative livelihoods such as weaving muga silk and creating handmade crafts. The products made by these women, including crochet dolls, incense sticks, and handicrafts, are sold at flea markets in Kolkata and other regions. This initiative not only helps these women become financially independent but also creates a sustainable source of income for them.

Recognizing Efforts: The Veteran Achiever Award

In recognition of his efforts, Lt Col L Manongba was honored with the prestigious Veteran Achiever Award by Chief of Army Staff General Upendra Dwivedi at the Army Day Parade in Pune in January. His dedication to empowering 35 widows and supporting the education of 60 children in Manipur has earned him accolades, and he continues to inspire others to contribute to similar causes.

Subsequently, Manongba expressed his gratitude to those who had supported his mission, acknowledging the vital role played by his batchmates, friends, and colleagues who have helped in mobilizing financial resources and practical assistance for the project.

Continuing the Mission

Through Wings of Hope, Lt Col Manongba is demonstrating the power of individual action and the ability to make a tangible difference in the lives of people affected by violence. His focus on providing education and livelihood opportunities has given many victims a sense of hope, restoring some semblance of normalcy in their lives. As the situation in Manipur continues to unfold, the mission of Wings of Hope stands as a beacon of resilience, empowerment, and the unwavering spirit of solidarity.

Lt Col L Manongba’s tireless dedication to supporting widows and children affected by the violence in Manipur, alongside his Wings of Hope initiative, demonstrates the profound impact one individual can have in times of crisis. His work continues to bring relief and hope to many and serves as an inspiring model for others to follow in the fight to restore lives shattered by conflict.

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