Location: Imphal, Manipur, India

“When in Rome, do as the Romans do”. Born and brought up in Uttar Pradesh and of Goan ethnicity, Madam Irene Salam, retired Professor from Manipur University, shares her account of coming to Manipur for the very first time in the 70’s and getting adjusted to the conditions in the state. It was a moment of total transformation and rejuvenation as everything was a firsthand experience for her, including the food, culture and society of her newly embraced home. Madam Irene recollects her experience on how she got adjusted and settled to the conditions even though she had never seen or heard about Manipur. She also talks about how she patiently overcame the difficulties she faced in teaching the students at Manipur University in the early days because of the language barrier.

We also got to know her view on the impact of frequent bandhs, blockades and curfews on education and about students of the state getting involved in numerous protests. She also talks about how the teachers in the University manage the schedule and examinations despite the disturbances and unpredictable situations.

Madam Irene also shares about a workshop on Historical Research Methodology and starting a project, which was aimed at collecting various historical essays written by different faculty members including her and a number of research scholars.