TODAY -

Manipuris in the 27th South Asian Friendship Conference, 2021

Salam Rupachandra Singh *



Punjab has produced freedom fighters like Sahid Bhagat Singh, Lala Lajpat Rai, etc., A personality named Satya Paul is from Punjab who has been indulging in social activities since early days of life till in his late nineties at the National & South Asian level.

He puts in his book "My journey of social life' that he joined a couple of great men of India like Jaya Prakash Narayan, Sant Vinoba Bhave, Lal Bahadur Shastri etc., from his young age. He has been motivated by great souls like Baba Amte, Binola Thakkar etc. Yes, people are generally guided by the acts, deeds and thinking of extraordinary people.

Satya Paul who is basically a social activist once active in the two knit India Cycle Marches launched decades back led by the giant social worker and humanitarian Baba Amte. The Marches were from Kanyakumari to Kashmir & from Arunachal Pradesh to Gujarat wherein participants from Manipur did not fail to join. He is synonymous with the organization called "servants of the people Society" i.e.,"Lok Sewak Mandal" in Hindi which has various activities in some cities, towns & villages of India.

After taking much inspiration from Baba Amte, he hatched an idea of common thought for south Asian people to which the then vice President of India- Shri Krishant Kant, Prime Minister-Atal Behari Bajapyee, IK Gujarat extended the fullest help towards his dream venture.

He met difficulty in not getting support from the Government gradually, however, he has not stopped his mission of holding South Asian Friendship Conference which was first held in the year 1990. At his ripe age also, he dares to continue for his firmly obsessed Mission.

People in their own time have found great personalities of India.we could not meet & see Sant Vinoba Bhave or Jaya Prakash Narayan in our time but could interact, mingle and associate with great personalities like, Dr. S.N. SubbaRao (Bhaiji) who recently expired at the age of 92, Baba Amteetc, who crossed the Nation with follower cyclists to enhance and affirm for Indian integrity and peace mission and Satya Paul himself, who dreams for a cordial relationship and common prosperity among the south Asian countries & being developed in mutual understanding.

Many Manipuris participated in the South Asian Friendship Conference starting from the early part of its inception and in the latest one held at Gandhi Peace Foundation, New Delhi. Five Manipuris attended the same.

Nationals from Afghanistan, Nepal, Bhutan, Bangladesh along with from other states of India including from Manipur had their roles in the conference topics related to violation of human rights, status of women in Afghanistan, Bangladesh etc.

Along with the discussion, staging a cultural programme in the evening enriched the friendship programme wherein Gujarati, Kathakali, Manipuri, Odissi, Mohiniyattam dances were performed. Among the dancers Guinness world record holders were there.

The very important feature of the conference was that of publication ofa souvenir and significantly of releasing the autobiography of Shri Satya Paul. Over and above as his birthday falls on 8th November, the delegates fondly greeted him. His eighty four year old better half was also on the occasion.

The so called south Asian Fraternity Conference, as it was held changing from place to place the demand and decision taken by the delegates or organisers is that Manipur ought to hold it once as the place itself is very deserving to be visited by all.

The associates of Manipur chapter of South Asian Fraternity already tried to host a Conference in Manipur, however, due to 2nd wave of Covid-19, it could not be held in Manipur. Still the organisers/ delegates desire the next Conference to be held in Manipur in the year 2022.

A young man of 88 years old as termed by others, the energy and will power of this Punjabi National, we may know who this man is from the preface of his book One can analyse and assess. A part of the preface of him quotes:-

"I saw the Gobar gas plant and solar cooker box in the exhibition at Delhi. When I started working at Dhudike I requested Dr. Gopi Chand Bhargav, Finance Minister Punjab and Vice Chairman of Lajpat Rai birthplace Memorial Committee to get the Solar cooker box for me, and get Gobar gas plant constructed at the birth place. He helped to get both the things in 1963. Proudly showed these things to the Ministers of the Union/ state Government. But they did not show any interest. If they took proper interest to develop biogas and Solar energy, the Nation could save millions of rupees."

"I brought from Canada the bricks made out of the waste tyres of cars/trucks etc and showed them to the government department DR&D but they adopted the design and not the material. It could help to reduce the pollution. I saw how Dr Vikas Amte has produced the bricks out of the waste plastic. He has constructed the houses, which has lowered the cost. But the government did not pay any heed."

"The owner of EXCEL company produced manure out of the garbage of Bombay. Bombaites refused to use the manure. He lifted the manure to his native area—Kutch, where a grain of grass was not grown. With that manure he converted 12000 acres of land into lush green fields. The government paid no heed, but made noise for pollution generated by the garbage.I have seen scavenging/followed by washing of the roads by vehicles in China.

After my visit I wrote in the newspapers. But it was not noticed. The sweepers throw the waste after sweeping the roads into the drains, which choke the drain, We engage the staff to clean the underground drains before every rainy season. But we never think about its permanent solution.There is provision for constructing plants in every industry/ municipality to treat their waste water, but nobody implements it, and no authorities check it."

"A lot of unauthorised construction is going on every day. Nobody checks it. Even if somebody brings it to the notice of the authorities nobody pays attention. God may enthuse the patriots to wake and shackel the sleeping authorities."

Distribution of Certificates for association in SAF Conference brings forth the sharp memory of such conferences. A delegate from Orissa had announced donating a sum of Rupees One Crore for the Organisationand decisions were taken to carry on the goodwill mission of SAF in the future too.

Manipuris are Manipuris in a sense. The team ventured to introduce and feed delegates with the rice pudding of chakhao, the aromatic rice of Manipur. Presentation of Manipur Dances to the delegates and dignitaries with traditional lengyan was a part of warm hospitality of the Manipuris.

The uniqueness of Manipuri dances with costumes of Thougal Jagoi, Raas & Maibi were shown to the delegates. As the Conference was behind the spirit of Shri Satya Paul, many Punjabis who attended it amused the cultural programme with their popular Bhangra.


* Salam Rupachandra Singh wrote this article for The Sangai Express
This article was webcasted on December 09 2021.



* Comments posted by users in this discussion thread and other parts of this site are opinions of the individuals posting them (whose user ID is displayed alongside) and not the views of e-pao.net. We strongly recommend that users exercise responsibility, sensitivity and caution over language while writing your opinions which will be seen and read by other users. Please read a complete Guideline on using comments on this website.




LATEST IN E-PAO.NET
  • Colonial Knowledge Production in NE #8
  • Violence in Manipur 2023-2025 : Timeline
  • The fight for survival in Manipur
  • A call for unity from displaced voices
  • COVID-19: Update 08 July 2025 : Manipur
  • Dogs Are Staying on the Ground :: Poem
  • Football Tournament at Heinoukhongnembi
  • Condemns Kuki Inpi's Directive
  • Installation Ceremony of Lions Club, Imphal
  • All that can go wrong has gone wrong
  • Manipur peaceful from Delhi's perspective
  • Bashanta Ras @Govindaji #2 : Gallery
  • Hypocrisy & the betrayal of sovereignty
  • Healing with Art for children concluded
  • Manipur : Champions 24th Junior Natl Wushu
  • Path to Becoming a Leader Who Inspires
  • Van Mahotsav 2025, festival of life
  • The Flavours of Life :: Poem
  • Assault on sensibilities of the media
  • Revival of MPP after years of bitter disputes
  • Ougri Lirol :: Part 2 : Ooba Video
  • Jianreilung, Chingamba, Masounii : eMing
  • How Jessami conservation of Nongin
  • Shija Hospitals turns 40
  • COVID-19: Update 06 July 2025 : Manipur
  • The Indomitable Young Souls :: Poem
  • Growing network of drug dealers in country
  • Politics of SoO pact since 2008
  • No takers for disturbance-free education
  • 31st Governor Cup Polo Tournament : Gallery
  • PM welcome to Manipur: Feel the reality
  • Kainkhol wins best Social Message Film Award
  • Distortion of facts: Manipur sports movement
  • Govt services reach Manipur's tribal villages
  • 134th Durand Cup Trophies Flag Off
  • COVID-19: Update 05 July 2025 : Manipur
  • How to take care of oily skin in monsoon
  • First-Ever Tripura Esports Championship
  • Konung Kang Chingba #1 : Gallery
  • Manipur Iskcon's 25th Ratha Yatra 2025
  • Native Threshing machine made for farmers
  • COVID-19: Update 04 July 2025 : Manipur
  • Riso Ejang: Youth-led Transformation
  • Include males too in addressing HPV
  • Whispers from the past :: Poem
  • LPU opens permanent outreach centre
  • Raj Bhavan moving on the right track
  • Speculations over PM Modi's visit to state
  • Colonial Knowledge Production in NE #7
  • Make Yourself Visible to Opportunity
  • Orange bowl: tradition with ecological wisdom
  • 10 ways to keep a kitchen garden disease free
  • Between PR, military mandates & AFSPA
  • Allocation fund for MLALAD Fund during PR
  • Denounces Killing of KNA Deputy C-in-C
  • COVID-19: Update 03 July 2025 : Manipur
  • Cases of fake Aadhaar cards
  • Sincere dealing must for stricter Aadhaar
  • Archaeology: Culture of Manipur : Booklet
  • Wanna be a singer? Get Botox
  • A Central institute in Manipur
  • Nagging in the name of love
  • COVID-19: Update 02 July 2025 : Manipur
  • 'Benefits' of Indira's Emergency
  • Social Stigma :: Poem
  • Inking a peace pact: Why, how: SoO quagmire
  • Van Mahotsav under shadow of declining forest
  • 11th Th Kishan Memorial Lecture : Gallery
  • Manipur crisis & the Left media's blind spot
  • COVID-19: Update 01 July 2025 : Manipur
  • Bombom RK : Musclemania Universe NYC
  • The Grief :: Poem
  • Music Concert & Quiz (MCQ) 2.0
  • SoO agreement unlikely to be scrapped
  • Regulating use of plastic carry bags
  • Mera Houchongba @Kangla #4 : Gallery
  • International Day of Yoga @JNMDA : Gallery
  • BD Behring: The inimitable Gentleman I knew
  • Violence in the name of patriotism : Misguided
  • Daily oral vs long-acting injectable for HIV
  • COVID-19: Update 30 June 2025 : Manipur
  • Smile :: Poem
  • Why was President's Rule imposed ?
  • BJP under pressure to forge unity
  • Kang @Leikai in Imphal : Gallery
  • July Calendar for Year 2025 : Tools
  • COVID-19 : A recurring crisis in Manipur
  • DC Kaith and Forestry in Manipur : Book
  • COVID-19: Update 29 June 2025 : Manipur
  • Longing for Peace :: Poem
  • Black badge, slogan protest by peeved scribes
  • Present the true picture before Delhi
  • Pung-Cholom @ Polo Tournament : Gallery
  • Life: A Journey Through Thought & Being
  • Khongjai Hills & Kuki claim to indigeneity
  • Master Time by Managing Information
  • COVID-19: Update 28 June 2025 : Manipur
  • Pride & patriotism in CCpur's army families
  • The Power of Poppy - 87 :: Poem
  • World Decarbonisation Day: green environment
  • Welcome Home - Nganthoi #2 : Gallery
  • Loss of two precious lives from Manipur
  • Balancing civil liberties with public safety
  • COVID-19: Update 27 June 2025 : Manipur
  • Gender equality & human rights are indivisible
  • Stay hydrated this summer season
  • Silent Half of the Sun :: Poem
  • Connecting the dots in the wishlist
  • Assembly record tampering claims by ex-CM
  • The immortal legacy of Pukhramba Kajao
  • International Day against Drug Abuse 2025
  • COVID-19: Update 26 June 2025 : Manipur
  • Black pottery from Ukhrul - tribal heritage
  • Program on "Mission-Drug Free Campus"
  • Play makes a better world
  • Urgent Appeal to the Honourable MLAs
  • Tribal Empowerment Campaign at CCpur
  • Talk doing the round: PM to come
  • 'Emergency' relief for under-fire BJP
  • Golden Jubilee Art Fair @Imphal : Gallery
  • Declaration: Meetei People Convention, Delhi
  • A Flower Among the Rocks :: Review
  • Book Donation Campaign
  • Improved road connectivity boosts livelihoods
  • To Have Great Dreams :: Poem
  • COVID-19: Update 25 June 2025 : Manipur
  • Regret vs Sorry: Technical & moral insight
  • Cocktail of inept Govt, selfish people
  • State trailing others in cleanliness
  • Colonial Knowledge in NE India #6
  • UHI effect & rising temperatures in Manipur
  • Frequent road blockades cripple economy
  • COVID-19: Update 24 June 2025 : Manipur
  • Unite Health with Community health services
  • NSU, Imphal, tops IIRF Ranking 2025
  • Endless conflict :: Poem
  • Pak nobel pish prize for Trump
  • May 3, 2023 - June 24, 2025: Failure of Delhi
  • Hotter days, sudden rainfall no more a rarity
  • "The Great June Uprising" #2 : Gallery
  • How to Build a Career, Lead with Purpose
  • 2nd Foundation Day- Karnataka Meitei Assn
  • COVID-19: Update 23 June 2025 : Manipur
  • NSCN-IM Amnesty threatens to isolate it
  • Sunset :: Poem
  • Intl Yoga Day for a healthier environment
  • Of clogged drains and plastics
  • Poor roads testify Govt indifference
  • Welcome Home - Nganthoi #1 : Gallery
  • The Silent Erosion of Manipuri Language
  • Design health services around people
  • Serene Hills Host Inspiring Int'l Yoga Day
  • COVID-19: Update 22 June 2025 : Manipur
  • Chopper services between Senapati & Imphal
  • High Court Judges interacted with convicts
  • Redyeing the Fabric :: Poem
  • Differences yet to be resolved stand
  • Border fencing rage as solution eludes
  • Radio E-pao: 14 new songs updated
  • Climate Adaptive Agroforestry
  • Manipur overlooked demographic shifts
  • Young designers shine on Fashion Stage
  • COVID-19: Update 21 June 2025 : Manipur
  • International Day of Yoga at Lamphelpat
  • International Day of Yoga at JNMDA
  • The Power of Poppy - 86 :: Poem
  • Keishampat Lairembi Haraoba #1 : Gallery
  • Crisis in Manipur's Contemporary Education
  • Best 8 Performances in Manipuri Cinema
  • Identity: Caught between China & India ?
  • COVID-19: Update 20 June 2025 : Manipur
  • To The Father Who Listens :: Poem
  • How does net suspension affect youths ?
  • Targeting farmers to cripple state's economy
  • The virus is back and spreading
  • Who is afraid of Manipur ?
  • A threatened lily growing at Shirui Hills
  • World Environment Day in Manipur : Gallery
  • Ambubachi Mela at Maa Kamakhya
  • COVID-19: Update 19 June 2025 : Manipur
  • Dolls made from repurposed vegetable refuse
  • Condemns Attack on Farmer & Killing
  • Abhorrent politics of SoO
  • Police arrogance on harmless drivers
  • "The Great June Uprising" #1 : Gallery
  • UK Meetei diaspora run for Myanmar : Gallery
  • Thang-Ta Day @Khuman Lampak #3 : Gallery
  • 50 years of Pebet #2 : Gallery
  • Indo-Naga Talks (From 2012) :: Timeline
  • Protest @Checkon -AT arrest [Jun 9] : Gallery
  • Protests - AT arrest [Jun 8 night] : Gallery
  • Aftermath of flooding @ Khurai #1 : Gallery
  • /li>
  • Flooding at JNIMS Hospital #2 : Gallery
  • North East NSS Festival @ MU : Gallery
  • Trump's tariff legacy & its global echo
  • Flooding Imphal East [31 May] #3 : Gallery
  • Flooding Imphal East [31 May] #2 : Gallery
  • Flooding Imphal East [31 May] #1 : Gallery
  • S Nirupama @Miss Universe : Gallery
  • Protesters to Raj Bhavan [May 25]: Gallery
  • Human Chain @Airport road [May 26]: Gallery
  • Miss Shirui Pageant Contestant: Gallery
  • 48 hrs Bandh: protest security forces: Gallery
  • Protest Rally: Journalist harassment: Gallery
  • HSLC 2025: Full Result (Check Roll No)
  • HSLC 2025: Important Info & Grading System
  • HSLC 2025 : Compartmental candidates
  • HSLC 2025 : Comparative Statement
  • HSLC 2025 : Statistical Abstract
  • HSLC 2025 : District Pass Percentage
  • HSLC 2025 : Govt School Pass %
  • HSLC 2025 : Aided School Pass %
  • HSLC 2025 : Private School Pass %
  • People's Convention on 3rd May #2 : Gallery
  • Featured Front Page Photo 2025 #2: Gallery
  • Riya Khwairakpam : HSE Science Topper
  • Keisham Hannah : HSE Arts Topper
  • Warepam Lidia : HSE Commerce Topper
  • HSE 2025 Result : Science Full Result
  • HSE 2025 Result : Arts Full Result
  • HSE 2025 Result : Commerce Full Result
  • HSE 2025 Information / Abbreviation
  • HSE 2025 Topper : Science
  • HSE 2025 Topper : Arts
  • HSE 2025 Topper : Commerce
  • HSE 2025 : Pass Percentage
  • HSE 2025 : Result Abstract
  • HSE 2025 : Candidates with Highest Marks
  • President's Rule in Manipur : 1967 - 2025
  • Downloadable Manipuri Calendar :: 2025