Zodawn Footprints

Feb 2, 2026

Union Budget 2026 and the Scheduled Tribes

The Union Budget 2026–27 places Scheduled Tribes (STs) at the centre of India’s inclusive growth agenda by strengthening investments in education, livelihoods, entrepreneurship and tribal area development. With a total allocation of about ₹15,422 crore for the Ministry of Tribal Affairs, the Budget reinforces long-term structural support through flagship interventions such as Eklavya Model Residential Schools (EMRS), expanded pre- and post-matric scholarships, the Pradhan Mantri Janjatiya Vikas Mission (PMJVM) for livelihoods, and targeted entrepreneurship support, including the Venture Capital Fund for STs. Major village-level initiatives like the Dharti Aaba Janjatiya Gram Utkarsh Abhiyan and constitutional grants under Article 275(1) further aim to bridge infrastructure and service gaps in Scheduled Areas. Overall, Budget 2026 signals a shift from welfare-only approaches towards empowerment, capability building and sustainable economic participation of tribal communities in the national development process.

ATSUM — The Divided Tribal Student Forum and Its Impact on Safeguarding Tribal Rights and Interests in Manipur

 Abstract

The All Tribal Students’ Union Manipur (ATSUM) has emerged as a central socio-political actor in the multi-ethnic landscape of Manipur, advocating for tribal rights, constitutional safeguards, and protection of indigenous interests. This paper examines ATSUM’s historical evolution, major mobilisations, strategies, and consequences on tribal protection, autonomy movements, and inter-community relations in the state. Through a review of secondary sources, news reports, and existing academic insights, this study highlights ATSUM’s role both in constructive advocacy for tribal constitutional rights and in intensifying ethnic tensions during key political controversies, particularly surrounding the Meitei demand for Scheduled Tribe (ST) status.

Jan 30, 2026

Prospect of Popular Government in Manipur

Manipur today stands at a defining crossroads. The promise of popular government - a system rooted in the will of the people, inclusive representation, and accountable governance - faces its gravest test in decades. The scars left by prolonged ethnic conflict, political instability, and administrative paralysis have shaken public faith in democratic institutions. Yet, amid these challenges, the aspiration for a truly representative and people-centric government remains resilient.

Jan 27, 2026

Root Causes of Kuki–Meitei–Naga Differences - A Roadmap for Permanent Peace & Harmony

The root causes of Manipur’s tri-community differences among Meiteis, Nagas, and Kukis are not ancient or inevitable, but largely shaped by historical disruptions, colonial divisions, post-independence politics, and socio-economic inequalities. A deeper inquiry shows how rigid identity classifications, unequal development between hills and valley, competition over land and political power, and long-standing perceptions of marginalisation have gradually transformed cultural diversity into political fault lines. Genuine curiosity helps move beyond blame, fostering understanding, empathy, and dialogue, which are essential for building lasting peace, justice, and harmony in Manipur.

 “When brothers fight, outsiders gain.” - This reality tragically applies to Manipur.

Jan 24, 2026

Success Stories of Monetising a Blogspot Blog and the Steps

For many aspiring writers, blogging begins as a passion - a space to express ideas, document experiences, or raise social awareness. Over time, however, several bloggers have successfully transformed their Blogspot platforms into sustainable sources of income. These success stories demonstrate that monetisation is not limited to large websites or professional portals; with consistency, quality content, and patience, a Blogspot blog can also generate meaningful revenue.

Jan 21, 2026

Structural Roots of Kuki–Zo and Meitei Violence (1972–2026): An Academic Analysis with District-Level Illustrations from Manipur

Abstract: This paper traces the structural causes of sustained inter-ethnic violence between Meitei (valley) and Kuki-Zo (hill) communities in Manipur from statehood (1972) through 2026. It argues that colonial-era administrative divisions, constitutional asymmetries (land and Scheduled Tribe protections), competing territorial imaginaries, long-term militarisation, and governance deficits created a layered grievance architecture that crystallised into episodic and large-scale violence. The analysis is localised through district-level examples (Imphal East/West, Bishnupur, Churachandpur, Senapati, Tamenglong, Chandel and Kangpokpi) and is accompanied by a timeline (1972–2026) of major political, legal and violent episodes. Policy implications for trust-building, legal clarity, and devolved governance are offered.

Jan 18, 2026

Monetisation Steps of Facebook Posts (Clear & Practical Guide)

Earn while enjoying socialising on Facebook by simply being yourself and sharing what matters to you. Every post becomes a conversation, every interaction builds a community, and over time, those connections turn into opportunities. When your stories, ideas, and creativity start generating income, Facebook feels less like a platform and more like a place where connection and earning grow together naturally.

The joy of monetising Facebook posts lies in turning your voice into value. What begins as sharing ideas, stories, or community updates slowly transforms into recognition, reach, and reward. Each like, comment, and share becomes more than engagement - it becomes encouragement that your content matters. When earnings follow impact, monetisation feels less like money-making and more like purpose-finding sustainability.

Jan 17, 2026

Step-by-step guide to publish a new article on Blogspot

Blogging is the quiet joy of turning thoughts into words and sharing them with the world. It gives our ideas a home, our voices a space, and our stories a life beyond ourselves. Through blogging, we connect, reflect, and grow - one post at a time. 

In recent times, several friends who aspire to preserve and showcase their writings have approached me seeking guidance on how to create their own blogs. Earlier, on October 29, 2007, I had shared a detailed post outlining the steps for creating a blog. Building on that, the following is a clear, step-by-step guide to publishing a new article on Blogspot (Blogger), designed especially for beginners and first-time users.

Lamka Urgently Needs a Placement-Oriented Training Institute

Lamka (Churachandpur), the cultural and educational heart of southern Manipur, stands at a critical crossroads. Despite having a vibrant youth population, strong social institutions, and a long tradition of adaptability and service, the town continues to suffer from one glaring gap: the absence of a professional, placement-oriented training institute capable of connecting local youth to well-established institutions and reputed hotels in India’s metro cities.

Dec 28, 2025

Looking Back at 2025: A Year That Tested Manipur

The year 2025 will be remembered in Manipur not for its calm, but for its courage. It was a year that continued to test the soul of the land - its people, its relationships, and its future - yet it also revealed a quiet, enduring resilience that refuses to be erased.

For Manipur, 2025 unfolded in the long shadow of unrest that began in May 2023. The wounds—physical, emotional, and communal—did not heal easily. Displacement remained a painful reality for thousands. Trust between communities stayed fragile, often strained by fear, misinformation, and memories of loss. Normal life—schools, markets, movement—resumed only in fragments, reminding everyone that peace is more than the absence of violence; it is the presence of dignity and security.