Manipuri Meiteis’ soft power attributes such as traditional attires (varieties of ‘phi’ and ‘fanek’), indigenous cuisines, ornaments, dance forms, martial arts, folk songs, language (Meiteilon), festivals and celebrations, sports, etc., can play a pivotal role in attracting and influencing people across the globe. Manipur’s classical dance form such as ‘Ras Leela’, martial art form like ‘Thang Ta’, traditional attires, and cuisines are so popular in the world. Manipuri diasporas are often seen utilising such unique soft power attributes of Manipur to preserve their unique cultural identity. In doing so, they somehow promote the unique culture and traditions of Manipur in their host countries.
In today’s interconnected global village, YouTube content creators are somehow playing a crucial role in imparting and influencing peoples’ choices and aspirations using soft power attributes. Manipuri diasporas are also doing their part here. There are many Manipuri diasporas who are YouTube content creators. There are dedicated Manipuri diasporas’ programme of All India Radio Imphal (AIR Imphal) (namely ‘Chinglon Mapalgi Wangmadagi’) and Doordarshan (DD) Manipur TV programme (namely ‘Chinglon Mapal Wangmadagi, Reconnecting the Global Manipuri Diaspora)’ where the host interviews different Manipuri diasporas. These programmes are quite interesting and the interviewees/diasporas share lots of information, knowledge and experiences about themselves in their host countries. This paper seeks to study Manipuri diasporas of the 21st century in association with Manipur’s soft power attributes using the above mentioned radio and TV programmes of the Manipuri diasporas as well as contents of YouTube channels created by the Manipuri diasporas.
International Journal of History
