What is your keyword?

G. Malsawm Kipgen

You can find any definition and meaning in Google. What is interesting to note is that Google can find its own definition in Google. It is the world most popular search engine and can search itself. Isnt it fascinating? From geography to science and technology, definition and details are available. Any men who are not in the field of medical science can learn few simple medical terms. Same is the case with other fields. Information on news and events are just a type and click away. Back in 1990s, there were computers but not attractive, colourful and user friendly as it is today. These computers were installed in some schools but its commands and functions were very limited. At the dawn of 21st century, some changes were seen and there used to have an email and yahoo messenger for chatting. More or less, those things cant compete with the latest innovation of today.  Youths today who are in high and higher secondary school, college and even university level are very fortunate to have this era of Smartphone, internet and Google to aid them in their studies. 

Google as you know is powerful and useful. All you need to do is to handle it with care. It can also be destructive for you if you are not careful and control your mind. It is like a horse which works according to your command. It goes where you want to take it, the direction of the keyword you type in Google search box. What keyword do you often type in that rectangular box? What do you read, see and hear on internet? Is it about study materials, inspirational words or about indecent things? Do you waste your time typing ephemeral words in the white empty space to see your desires while leaving your future bleak? Or do you use it wisely to upgrade your knowledge of the world and for your spiritual growth? Many I believe type the keywords for Korean boy/girl bands, American pop stars, football stars, models, hollywood stars etc in a search engine box. I have a bad feeling that the amount of search for worldly pleasure surpasses the amount of search for constructive things. Google I think must be burdened by the amount of rushing requests for worldly pleasure things. One preacher said to a youngster, You admire and love Cristiano Ronaldo so much but he doesnt know that you exist on earth. But the Lord your God can even count the number of hair strands on your head. Is it not a vain to search for someone, study his likes and dislikes who doesnt even know you exist, forget about care? Why would you not search for God instead who loves you so much? Oh! how folly is he who can't see farther beyond a temporal bliss. What a waste to chase degradable pleasures!

If you type the right keywords with a right intention, you are in the right place. One may find it hard to recall the story and the characters involved or remember the verse which touches you as you continue to read the bible. As has been said, Google can help you. There is a summary or clear explanation in short and simple for every Book of bible. In seconds, you can find the verse you are looking for. Cross check it with a printed one for certainty. If you are looking for words as salvation, courage in times of trouble, peace of mind, wisdom, overcoming doubt, blessing, advice, hope, relationship or trust, they are all there in bible and Google is at your service to simplify your search for answers. All you have to do is to type the right keyword. Blessed are those who keep his statutes and seek Him with all their heart---- Ps 119:2. 

THINK FOR HER  

       Malsawm Kipgen           

                                                     

According to Bible, God made Adam (first man on earth) after He created Heaven and Earth, and all animal kingdoms, to rule over them. He saw His creation and was happy. However, He saw one void in His creation. He saw Adam was lonely. Therefore, He created Eve to be Adam’s companion. Both were under the same law of the God. The Bible clearly states that Eve was created for Adam’s companion and she was not his subordination. None was greater than another was.

J.S Mill, the political thinker who perceived Utilitarian Principle and the champion of women cause, rightly said that disparity between men and women prevailed because of men interested in women’s subordination. Mill claimed that since all women were brought up from childhood to believe- “that their ideal of character is the very opposite to that of men; not self-will, and government by self-control, but submission and yielding to the control of others.” Mill’s referent for the legal subordination of women was the mid 19^th Century English law of the marriage contract. By this law, married Englishwomen could hold no property in their own name, and even if their parents gifted them any property that too belonged to their husbands. Unless a woman was legally separated from her husband, (a difficult and expensive process) even if she lived away from him, her earnings belonged officially to him. By law, only the father and not the mother was the guardian of a couple’s children. Mill also cited the absence of laws on marital rape to prove the inequality suffered by the Englishwomen of that time. Another ardent supporter of the rights of women, Feminism, ascribes women subordination to ‘patriarchal system of society’. It is a system of social structures and practices through which men dominate and exploit women. It is present in different institutions and structures from family to state to international relations.

Feminist scholars show that power relations are organized based on gender. The unequal struggle for power through history, where men established control led to the subordination of women because of their reproductive role. A socially constructed masculine experience is shown to be a universal experience and imposed on women and society as a whole. This preserves male privilege and reinforces social practices in the private and public spheres. Feminists see war not just as the impact on women approach, but as a system where the gender stereotypes are re-enforced and gender relations restructured. Women are concerned with war because women and children are victims of policies that they did not plan or execute. It is men who participate in and define public life, and take decisions about war and militarization. Even today, there are less than ten percent of women in most parliaments. In the Vietnam War, which devastated eighty percent of the vegetation, studies showed that it was the peasant women who bore the burden of finding wood for fuel and growing food. So feminist in International Relations do not argue for women’s equal rights to be part of the military or for the right to dominate. But they want the right to speak for peace and be in position where they can put this point of view.

The year that follows India’s independence, the status of Indian women was no better. The then government of Free India passed several Acts such as the Widow Remarriage Act, the Special Marriage Act (1954), the Hindu Succession Act (1956), the Hindu Marriage Act (1955), and the Dowry Prohibition Act etc to empower Indian women. The National Commission for Women was set up as statutory body in January 1992 under the National Commission for Women Act, 1990 (Act No. 20 of 1990 of Govt. of India) to : (1)Review the Constitutional and Legal safeguards for women; (2)Facilitate redressal of grievances; and (3)Advise the Government on all policy matters affecting women. In theory, all these Acts look appealing, but when it comes to practice nothing-concrete result is visible. Still, Indian women reeled under the impact of rigid Hindu cultural tradition and its unwanted dowry system. The status of Christian or Muslim women in India is no better.

In our society, how far has the equal status between different sexes is visible? Though we believe and somehow true that the status of Manipur women is far better than the rest of Indian women, there are instances where parent prefers to have male child than female one. If a son came late, the reason is demanded and if the reason is not logical, he is taught and excused him. But if a daughter came late, the parent would immediately throw an inconsiderate words without finding facts. This small thing brings a psychosomatic effect to the young women. I never like the fact that some parents ordered their daughters to stay indoor most of the time. No doubt, staying indoors has some advantages, as she would not listen to the useless gossip of her friends. She would learn culture, manner, develop the art of running family and others.

We should not forget that when women met, they not only gossip, they also discussed important issues pertaining to society and future career. Being together teaches them the importance of coordination. It trains them to be tough in order to survive in this male dominated world.  Sharing their thoughts heartens them.

Most of the time it is found that daughter is found far better than son. From a very tender age, she does household things thus easing her mother burden. Before marriage, she provides a financial support to the family as working women. Even after marriage, she has innumerable concerned for her family unlike son.

Why cant we have a vibrant women IPS officer amidst our society? Are we stopping our beloved because we do not have faith in her to endure such mannish job? or does our society not sanction a women to do such job that are considered a men job?

Dear parents, give her more space and encouragement, and the support she needs to overcome doubts.

Manipur hills as tourist destination

Malsawm Kipgen

Cuddling inside a lush green corner of North East India lies lesser known hills in a tiny 'Jeweled Land' called Manipur. The Manipur hills or Manipur thinglhang gam as is called in local Thadou dialect is an authentic delight on the globe where Mother Nature has been unstinting in her gratuity. Blessed with a hygienic climate, famed for its all your own edifying prototype and its lush picturesque splendor, endow the nature lover a temptation to stopover in the hills of Manipur. Intact and purely untouched, Manipur hills vows to be the grand discovery for the vacationers. It offers the nature lovers an awe striking sight which can keep one imagining. It is a priceless land on earth which remains unblemished and unearth. Manipur hills are enclosed by Nagaland in the north, Mizoram in the south, Myanmar in the east and Cachar of Assam in the west.

Nature greets you if you are travelling to a hill district of Ukhrul. It is a land beautifully decorated by the presence of a colourful Tangkhul Naga tribe in supplement to its beautifully crafted nature. The district headquarter is 85 km from the state capital Imphal. Ukhrul town is the highest as well as a very beautiful hill station of Manipur. It is a land of mountains combined by folksongs and instruments echoing with the rhythms of breeze and rich wild life. This virgin land has enchanting calls to people who love to spend time in tranquility. Besides the serene environment, the ways of life of the simple and friendly Tangkhuls who have been known for generations for their honesty and integrity leave one spellbound.

There is a numerous Mother Natures beauty offered by this district. Such are the beauty of Shiroi/Shirui Lily and Shirui Hill, and Hungdung village. Shirui lily is a state flower. Not just stunning in appearance, it has its unique characteristic which is you cant plant this flower in any part of the world other than Shirui hill. Shirui hill, also known as Shirui Kashong in local Tangkhul dialect is an idle place for climbing and trekking in summer time. One can have a full view of the beautiful nature of flowers, mysterious plants, and landscape from atop the hill. Not very far from Shirui hill lies Phangrei hill, another magnificent God's creation, best suited for trekking and adventure. The breathtaking Shirui Kashong is about 18km away from district headquarter and can be reached by either Winger or Sumo. Khangkhui cave is also a popular place which can keep you awe struck for it is filled with unexplored mysteries. One cannot miss it if touring Ukhrul district.                                                           

Pix: A. Kutter

The Dzuko Valley, also known as the Valley of the Flowers of the North East, is perhaps one of the biggest secrets of India. Sauntering through the Dzuko Valley- beautiful plains with lush greenery and the loveliest flowers growing on them, passing over the brisk passing streams of crystal clear water that you wish to drink straight away, getting lost in the melodies of the cooing birds, surrounded by thick forests- for tourists its one of the best experiences that they are ever likely to have. To get to the Dzuko Valley, one can travel to Mao (the best spot for climbing) by winger or sumo which is 105 km from Imphal in the National Highway 2.  Makhel is an old and sacred place for many Naga ethnic tribal groups where they settled and had migrated long time ago. There are many historical monuments such as the sacred Banyan trees,, the farewell monolith, the triomonolith and the hailstorm stone etc.[senapati.nic.in]

Sadu Chiru waterfall in south-west of Kangpokpi (Kanggui) district has been one of the loved destinations of the people from every corner of Manipur. It is a potential site seeing location yet to make use of by visitors from outside state. The magnificent water falls from the mystery thick forest is a breathtaking site. It is a well known picnicking setting for family and friends. A visitor can come along with wife and children for some real adventure of eating meal in open space by applying the old way of cooking with woods. It is one of the best sightseeing locations in Manipur because it offers you two different sights i.e. waterfall and greenery garden (Agape Garden). Agape Garden is within the vicinity of Sadu Chiru waterfall. Agape Garden is big, well maintained, clean, and nature's paradise. It is one of the best locations to release one's stress and anxiety. Sadu Chiru is about 29 km from Imphal. One can reach the place by road. 

Haipi village in Kangpokpi district is another Gods gift which can leave the visitors keep on extolling its beauty. The beautiful and clean village is inhabited by Thadou tribe. The village is lush with serene and the arts of beautifully planted flowers and greenish lawn. It is about 20 km from Kanggui (Kangpokpi) town and about 65 kms from capital Imphal. Hengbung village on NH2 is also another clean and attractive village of the district which can offer you the chance to see the natural beauties of a village. Koubru hill, the holy place for the Meiteis and the second highest hill in Manipur is in this district. The highest point of Koubru is in Sapermeina village. One can also spend a good quality time in the river water of Koubru Leikha on NH2 which is nearby the village.    

Pix: Pentidin

Tamenglong district is famous for caves and orange farming. It is the land of the three Rongmei, Liangmei and Zemei or combinely Zeliangrong tribes. The famous Tharon cave is located about 27 kms from Tamenglong town and about 188 kms from Imphal city. Nature bound Tamenglong district is blessed with greenery forests and mountains, exotic orchids, rare and eye-catching flowers, and wildlife. One cannot miss enjoying the natures beauty of legendary Zeilard lake at Makoi (Atengba).

Moreh is the only border town of Manipur. The uniqueness about Moreh is its presence of Tamils who are South Indians by origin. Moreh is famous for its business establishment. One can meet the people of the other side of the fence i.e. to say the Myanmarese or one can visit Tamu which is about 5 Km from Moreh town. To get to Moreh, one can board hired van or car from Imphal. It is about 110 km from Imphal. On the way to Moreh, a visitor can take a recreation in Tengnoupal village on NH, headquarter of a newly created Tengnoupal district. The inimitable splendor about Tengnoupal is that the cold clouds hover around even in the mid warm season of a year.

Churachandpur town or preferably called by locals as Lamka town is the most developed town in the whole hill districts of Manipur. It is rightly called a metropolitan town or in other words the mini Manipur for it holds an assortment of ethnic tribes who belong to Chin-Kuki-Mizo group. A visitor can have the opportunity to witness the vibrant traditions and cultures of the town. The colourful traditional gown weave by womenfolk and the church going women wearing the traditional ponve/ puanve (womens wear) are the attraction of the town. Not far from the town is a village called Mata. From here a visitor can view the magnificently built Khuga dam or locally Tuithapi (killer water) encased all around by small hillocks. Ngaloi waterfall is another mind and soul attraction of the district.

TOGETHER AS ONE

T.L Kipgen

Rongmei tribe (Kabui as it is known to many) is a proud Naga but the irony is that they are denied tribe recognition by their own brethren in Nagaland. How shameful it is for a tribe who yell out their lungs proclaiming the name Naga proudly is denied recognition by none other than Nagas themselves. How pitiful it is to think that tribes like Tangkhul and Rongmei who extended the popularity of the name Naga to the whole of India through the mechanism of bandhs and blockades are not welcome as a recognized tribe by the Naga tribes of Nagaland.

It is beyond my understanding on why these tribal people wish to be known by that name despite no due recognition is bestowed upon them in Nagaland, a home State of the Nagas. The latest conversion of some sections of Aimol tribe to Naga fold makes me to wonder if becoming Naga can give someone a political, social and most importantly an economic power. If tribes like Chothe and Aimol get better education, their buying capacity is increasing, their standard of living is improving and their villages and roads are developing by being under Naga, there can be no objection of their choice of Naga over Chin-Kuki-Mizo. But their claim of born Naga should be discarded for future understanding.

While many tribes are rushing to become Naga just as the present queues in banks and ATMs, we the Chin-Kuki-Mizo people are fighting each other to become the finest opposing group. How disgraceful it is for some Eimi tribes of Ccpur to not only deny but ridicule Mizos who are open minded enough to give recognition to our tribes in Mizoram State. By googling the ST list of Mizoram, you (Ccpur people) will find your tribe’s name in the ST recognized list of Mizoram State. How fortunate are we the denial of Mizo get recognition in Mizoram state, in contrast to the Naga supporter (Rongmeis) who gets no recognition in Nagaland?

Why are we in a denial mode? What good does it bring to deny among each other? Is it not fallout of our denial for brotherhood as one in Chikim that forced us to take help from Naga in the name of tribal unity? Is Naga community showing any sign of tribal unity as it claimed? ‘Together as one unit in Chikim’ can be much better than the already failed tribal unity.

 

Unlike single Naga nomenclature, we have three known nomenclatures the solidarity and unity of which can be maintained by accepting each other nomenclature. Major tribe like Lai will call themselves Chin in Chin State whereas Lai of Mizoram side will call themselves Mizo people. If one Lai family of Mizoram visits Chin State for a short period, people there will like to address them as Chin irrespective of which Chikim nomenclature they may belong to. It is where the word ‘Acceptance’ becomes very important. Not just Lai people there are many sub tribes who are found each in Chin, Kuki or Mizo nomenclature. These many sub tribes have to cultivate the essence of acceptance for each nomenclature as theirs.

In metropolitan cities, people may want to know our identity. They may ask, are you Kuki or Naga, or Mizo or Naga? The best answer I could give for question like, ‘are you Mizo or Naga’ is: - ‘I am known as Kuki in my State but Mizos are my blood brothers and we are addressed as Mizo in Mizoram. So, in part I’m Mizo’.

The focal point of this write-up is that we the Chikim people desperately need to understand one another instead of opposing and denying which only benefits our sly neighbours. We need to showcase our support for one another so that neighbours do not take advantage of our dissimilar views and opinions. We need to show more of our similarities than differences so that communities like Meiteis and Nagas have some respect for us.

Let us resolve to do away with our old habits of distrusting one another, extraneous pride and preoccupied tiny mindset. Together as Chikim we are mightier than Nagas. Long live Chikim family.        

MANIPUR AS A TOURIST DESTINATION

Malsawm Kipgen

Cuddling inside a lush green corner of North East India lies a tiny Shangri La called Manipur. Literally which means - ‘A Jeweled Land’ this diminutive area is an authentic delight on the globe where Mother Nature has been unstinting in her gratuity. Blessed with a hygienic climate, famed for its all your own edifying prototype and its lush picturesque splendor, endow the tourists a temptation to stopover at Manipur.

Intact and purely untouched Manipur vows to be the grand discovery for the vacationers. An oval shaped dale surrounded by the God’s crafted green hills, prosperous in art and custom has stimulated similes as the "Switzerland of the East" with its garrulous torrents, beautiful blooming of one of the rarest flora on earth, lethargic lakes and nibbling rivers.

Manipur is a mini India. It is a land of diversity. From the smallest group Tarao tribe to the largest community Meitei, there is diversity in religion, food habits, gown and language. The beautiful thing about Manipur however though is that the indigenous people belong to Tibeto-Burman group which means they originated from the same place or are from the same ancestor. The dale state of Manipur is enclosed by Nagaland in the north, Mizoram in the south, Myanmar in the east and Cachar of Assam in the west.

Manipur offers the tourists or the nature lovers an awe striking sight which can keep one imagining. No precious thing comes in big package. Like a small diamond buried underneath, Manipur is a petite but priceless land on earth which remain unblemished and unearth.

Nature greets you if you are travelling to hill districts of Manipur. Ukhrul district is the land of the Tangkhul Nagas. The district headquarter is 85 km from the state capital Imphal. Ukhrul town is the highest as well as the most beautiful hill station of Manipur. It is a land of mountains combined by folksongs and instruments echoing with the rhythms of breeze and rich wild life. This virgin land has enchanting calls to people who love to spend time in tranquility. Besides the serene environment, the ways of life of the simple and friendly Tangkhuls who have been known for generations for their honesty and integrity leave one spellbound. There is numerous Mother Nature’s beauty offered by this district. Such are the beauty of Shiroi/Shirui Lily and Shirui Hill, and Hungdung village. Shirui lily is a state flower. Not just stunning in appearance, it has its unique characteristic which is you can’t plant this flower in any part of the world other than Sirui hill. Khangkhui cave is another attraction one cannot afford to miss. One can reach this district by Winger and Sumo.

The Dzuko Valley, also known as the “Valley of the Flowers of the North East”, is perhaps one of the biggest secrets of India. Sauntering through the Dzuko Valley- beautiful plains with lush greenery and the loveliest flowers growing on them, passing over the brisk passing streams of crystal clear water that you wish to drink straight away, getting lost in the melodies of the cooing birds, surrounded by thick forests- for tourists it’s one of the best experiences that they are ever likely to have. To get to the Dzuko Valley, one can travel to Mao (the best spot for climbing) by Winger or Sumo which is 105 km from Imphal in the National Highway 39.

Sadu Chiru Waterfall in south-west of Kangpokpi (Kanggui) district has recently witnessed the influx of tourists from every corner of Manipur. It is a potential site seeing location yet to make use of by visitors from outside state. The magnificent water falls from the mystery thick forest is a breathtaking site. It is well known picnicking setting for family and friends. A visitor can come along with wife and children for some real adventure of eating meal in open space by applying the old way of cooking with woods. It is one of the best sightseeing locations in Manipur because it offers you two different sights i.e waterfall and greenery garden (Agape Garden). Agape Garden is within the vicinity of Sadu Chiru waterfall. Agape Garden is big, well maintained, clean, nature's paradise. It is one of the best locations to release one's stress and anxiety. Sadu Chiru is 29 km from Imphal. One can reach the place by road. Haipi village in Kangpokpi district is another God’s gift which can leave the visitors keep on extolling its beauty. The beautiful village is inhabited by Thadou tribe. The village is lush with serene and the arts of beautifully planted flowers and greenish lawn. It is about 20 km from Kanggui (Kangpokpi) town and about 65 kms from capital Imphal. Hengbung village is also another clean and attractive village of the district.    

Tamenglong district is famous for caves and orange farming. It is the land of the three Rongmei, Liangmei and Zemei or combinely Zeliangrong tribes. The famous Tharon cave is located about 27 kms from Tamenglong town and about 188 kms from Imphal city. Nature bound Tamenglong district is blessed with greenery forests and mountains, exotic orchids, rare and eye-catching flowers, and wildlife. One cannot miss enjoying the nature’s beauty of legendary Zeilard lake at Makoi (Atengba).

Moreh is the only border town of Manipur. The uniqueness about Moreh is its presence of Tamils who are South Indians. Moreh is famous for its business establishment. One can meet the people of the other side of the fence i.e. to say the Myanmarese or one can visit Tamu which is about 5 Km from Moreh town. To get to Moreh, one can board van or car from Imphal. It is about 110 km from Imphal. On the way to Moreh, a visitor can take recreation in Tengnoupal town, the highest point of Chandel district. The inimitable splendor about Tengnoupal is that the clouds hover around even in the warm May month.

Churachandpur town or preferably called by locals as Lamka town is the most developed town in the whole hill districts of Manipur. It is rightly called a metropolitan town or in other words the mini Manipur for it holds an assortment of ethnic tribes who belong to Chin-Kuki-Mizo group. A visitor can have the opportunity to witness the vibrant traditions and cultures of the town. The colourful traditional gown weave by womenfolk and the church going women wearing the traditional ponve/ puanve (women’s wear) are the attraction of the town. Not far from the town is a village called Mata. From here a visitor can view the magnificently built Khuga dam or locally Tuithapi (killer water) encased all by small hillocks. Ngaloi waterfall is another mind and soul attraction of the district.

Your visit to Manipur is incomplete if you don’t take a step further to valleys of Manipur. It has a thing to offer which you will not want to ignore. You will not see anywhere on earth what you can see in Ima Market. Ima Market is the only market in the world which is exclusive for the womenfolk. Varieties of items are sold here. One can enjoy seeing the womenfolk selling their goods some of which are not available in any other place. The Manipur State Museum in the hearts of Imphal exhibits numerous mores, nature, art forms and the past of the state. The Museum has urbanized currently into an adaptable source and boasts of proficiency in diverse arms. The galleries illustrated unusual facets of the state through illumination upon nearly every feature viz. Ethnology, Natural History, Art work and Handicraft, Archeology etc. 

A small village situated near the east of Imphal, Andro is a small hamlet and is popularly known for its pottery. This village is home to the Andro Gramshang Museum, which comprises different varieties of traditional pots namely, Pudond Makhong, Walom, Ngangkha and Yukhum. Along with pots, the women also make vases, piggy banks and lamps. Apart from pottery, Andro is also famous for a Doll House, which showcases dolls belonging to 29 popular Manipuri tribes. Travelers can easily avail buses, cycles, auto-rickshaws and taxis to access different locations. It is also famous for its nicely maintained park. The suitable time to visit Andro is from the months of October to February, when the climate is pleasant. The village is 25 km from Imphal city.

Others worth mentioning popular site seeing include Loktak Lake, the largest freshwater lake in the whole of North East. Loktak Lake and in its nearby Sendra Park are located in Bishenpur district which is about 25 km from Imphal. Eco Park and Rose Garden are a best place for recreation and studying the beauty of flowers.

DEAR YOUTHS' BEHAVE WELL INSIDE CHURCH

            Imagine that you have a visitor or a guest. He came in and went straight to your refrigerator without your consent; ate all the stuff you put inside the fridge. He spat on all the clothes put inside your wardrobe. He then went to your bedroom and slept on your bed. How would you feel about the careless attitude of your visitor? Happy? Definitely not. You would want the visitor/guest to behave well and respect your home.

            If a mortal human like you demand respect and manner from a visitor inside your home, then why do you not think that our Almighty God also wants the same from you when you are inside His home. Why do you misbehave and disrespect the sanctity of Church by Whatsapping, Facebooking or playing App Games inside Church when our main purpose for coming to Church is to worship Him only and nothing else. When you get bored, satan starts to play his devilish policy to divert you from God. But by possessing mobile you are making it easier for satan to conquer your mind and body.

            If you have a strong faith like young Joseph (read Genesis 39: 6-23) who was not easily tempted, there is no harm in bringing mobile with you in the church. But it would be better if you not all bring the mobile inside the church. No mobile no temptation. No mobile no trouble. Church service is just 2-3 hours. Can't you bear the pain of separating from your mobile  for just a short duration for Him? I wonder how much it will affect those who do not spare church if angels say no permission to playing of facebook, whatsapp and all types of social media in heaven.        

FEARLESS MEN OF FAITH

When King Nebuchadnezzar of Babylonia attacked Jerusalem, he took some prisoners with him in the land of Babylon. Among them were Daniel and his friends Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego who were chosen to serve in the royal court. These four friends ate pure vegetables and drank water only. It might be tempting for them to try foreign foods like wine and meat but they resisted them by their strong fate. Put yourself in their shoes and imagine what you might do. You are away from your home. Alcohol, women and all kinds of stuffs are at your service. Will you resist or try it? The good friends were not only faithful but fearless. When King Nebuchadnezzar ordered every soul in the province of Babylon to bow down before the gold statue made by himself, Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego did not flinch a bit from their stand of bowing down to their living God only. (Daniel 3: 18). Will you sell your faith at the face of challenges or be brave like these friends no matter what?