The Literal Translation of the term MEIRA PAIBI is women torch bearer. The official origin of the term was from Kakching under Thoubal district in 1977. Meira Paibis are groups of like-minded women, philanthropic in nature with no formal sources of funding. Their work reflects that they are instrumental in bringing about social change, through social advocacy and social action. Manipur was earlier known to be a male dominated society, where women had no say in the family. During the developmental stages, the Manipuri society, has witnessed different trends. Over the years, the womenfolk of the society became empowered. Within the umbrella of the Meira Paibis, the womenfolk stood together to fight against like Alcoholism, Drug Abuse etc., where the use of these was considered fashionable. Women in the family now have the courage to counter their husband if they came home drunk. They are present even in the smallest of locality in Manipur. After the success stories are learnt from certain localities, it mushroomed all over the state. The initial agenda of controlling Alcoholism graduated to controlling drug abuse, looking after the law and order in an informal way and for the development of the society at large. As one can see in newspaper and various journals, for a Manipuri society every new day comes with fresh agenda for survival negotiation. Coping of fear and management has been every day dinner table discussion for a household. The imposition of Arm Forces Special Power Act 1958, an Act which gives right to police and army personnel to shoot an individual on mere suspicion, truly it is a draconian act. The popularity of Meira Paibis gained momentum after this Act has been imposed as police and Army personnel are constantly raiding ones house. During these course of action the Meira Paibis would stand together to protect those members who are innocent. The paper will focus on the contribution made in various ways to the society by citing relevant examples and case study conducted. It will also cover on the various aspects of women empowerment. “The Manipuri story indicates that active participation by women in public affairs can and does contribute to better conditions for children and society at large” - UNICEF 

Keywords: Torch bearer,Philanthropic,Alcoholism, Drug Abuse,Negotiation.