Inclusion of Manipuri in 8th Schedule recalled
Source: Hueiyen News Service

Imphal, August 20 2013: In remembrance of the day when Manipuri language was included in the 8th Schedule of the Indian Constitution, the 22nd Manipuri Language Day was observed at Iboyaima Shumang Leela Shanglen, Palace Compound here today under the joint aegis of Manipuri Language Development Committee, Manipur State Shumang Leela Council and Manipuri Naat Kanba Lup.

The observance function was attended by Padmashri RK Jhalajit and Leihaothabam Saratchandra as Chief Guest and President respectively.

Prof P Gunindro of Manipuri University and Ningthoucha Lancha, Cultural activist were also present as Guests of Honour.

Speaking on the occasion, RK Jhalajit pointed out that Manipuri language has the status of a classical language and as such it should be recognized as a classical language.

Delivering the Presidential speech, Saratchandra stated that we need to speak and write in our own language as far as possible; only then our language can be developed to the maximum.

If Manipuri language is not spoken it will ultimately lead to self destruction.

So, all the people should be made to write any official application in Manipuri language.

It may be mentioned that with the inclusion of Manipuri language in the 8th Schedule of the Indian Constitution on August 20, 1992, the Manipuri Language Development Committee has been observing Manipuri Language Day every year.

All Manipur Students Association (AMSU), which took active role in the agitation for inclusion of Manipuri language in the 8th Schedule of the Indian Constitution, also celebrated the 22nd Manipuri Language Day at THAU ground today.

The function was graced by Sagolshem Saratchandra, who was the President of AMSU in 1992 when the student body was spearheading the agitation to include Manipuri language in the 8th Schedule, and Thiyam Naresh, incumbent President of AMSU as Chief Guest and President respectively.

Y Nabachandra, President of UCM and P Premananda, ex-President of AMSU were also present as Guests of Honour.

Speaking on the occasion, Saratchandra stated that if the students do not take a decision on their own to take up Manipuri as their main subject, the fate of Manipuri language would be very grim.

So, instead of going crazy after English subject, students should consider the importance of taking Manipuri as main subject.

Instead of just celebrating inclusion of Manipuri language in the 8th Schedule of the Indian Constitution, we should all press for inclusion of Manipuri language among the classical language category, he maintained.

Patriotic Writers Forum (PWF) also celebrated the 22nd Manipuri Language Day at Manipuri Hindi Parishad here today with Dr Lokendro Arambam; Prof Jodhachandra Sanasam, President of PWF and Sogolshem Indrakumar, former President of PWF as Chief Guest, President and Guest of Honour respectively.

On the occasion, writer Yendrembam Randhirkumar was presented with the Dr Saroj Nalini Literary award; Dr Nongmaithem Pramodini with the Pacha Meetei Literary award and Kartic Maiba with R Kathing Tangkhul Literary award by PWF.

The 22nd Manipuri Language Day was also reportedly observed at Hojai in Assam by the Manipuri community settling there.

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