Fitting tributes paid to Lamyanba Irabot
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, September 30 2014 : The 118th birth anniversary of Lamyanba Hijam Irabot was observed today across the State and beyond.

The main function was held at Iboyaima Shumang Leela Shanglen, Palace Compound.

The commemorative function started from Irabot Bhavan from where a portrait of Hijam Irabot was taken to Palace Compound amidst a large procession by members of the Irabot Celebration Committee and Nupi Marup members of different blocks.

With a band party of 1st Bn Manipur Rifles playing tunes of Hijam Irabot's different popular songs, the procession was quite lively and impressive.

The procession passed through BT Road towards Khoyathong PCTC.

After that the procession moved towards Minuthong and Checkon before it wound up at Palace Compound Sumang Leela Gate where the portrait of Hijam Irabot was kept.

There rich floral tributes were paid to the popular leader by CPI comrades and others who attended the commemorative function.

People paying tributes to Hijam Irabot

This was followed by a march past parade which was participated by around 58 contingents.

All the contingents offered salutes to the portrait of Hijam Irabot.

After the march past parade was over, the birth anniversary function proceeded at Iboyaima Shumang Leela Sanglen.

Eminent writer late Nongthombam Kunjamohan was honoured with the Lamyanba Hijam Irabot Award today during the 118th birth anniversary function.

Moirangthem Ibohal veteran CPI leader presided the function as the President of the function.

Ex-MLA Comrade M Nara Secretary Manipur State Council CPI, ex-MLA comrade N Mangi, Chairman Irabot Celebration Committee, ex-MLA comrade P Parijat, Comrade B Sharma Secretariat member, Comrade Langol Iboyaima Secretariat member and comrade A Lala, Secretariat member were also seated on the dais.

During the function, eminent writer of the State Late Nongthombam Kunjamohan was awarded with the Hijam Irabot Award 2014.The award carries Rs 20,000 in cash, a shawl and a citation.

Thiyam Meghachandra Journalist award 2014 was awarded to Ningombam Hemanta, Editor Huiyen Lanpao Manipuri edition, Hijam Achouba Shinmee Award was awarded to Athokpam Ibomcha Meetei (Yum Shaba) and the newly instituted award in the name of Late Thokchom Achouba, former CPI MLA from Khangabok AC was handed over to the Y Ebeni Devi, president Manipur Keithel Nupi Marup.

During the function, a book comprising of 123 songs based on Lamyanba Jananeta Hijam Irabot was released by veteran CPI leader comrade M Ibohal.

The song book also contains 13 songs penned by Irabot.

Speaking on the occasion, Dr M Nara said that the function is a part of the month long 118 birth anniversary celebration of Jananeta Hijam Irabot held in different parts of the State.

He further said that the people of the State need to follow the ideology of Jananeta Hijam Irabot.

He lamented that there is no capable leader like Irabot in contemporary Manipur which is drifting like a rudderless ship.

Commenting on the large number of people who came out to attend the birth anniversary celebration, Dr Nara noted that Hijam Irabot has a place in the hearts of every people of Manipur.

N Mangi said that Jananeta Hijam Irabot was the one who had opposed the Central Government's decision to make a Purvanchal State by merging some States of the North East.

Irabot opposed this political manoeuvre in order to protect the identity and culture of Manipuri people.

Irabot was a versatile personality who made his mark as a writer, politician, journalist and a true revolutionary.

People of the State need to stand united so as to protect the identity and culture, and bring peace and development in the State.

Later a prize distribution ceremony of various competitions held earlier was held.

Ningombam Biramangol was awarded with "Chingtham Manohar Singh Award 2014" for 2nd State Level Irabot Seitha Eshei Mayek Changdamnaba and Th Luchingpubi Chanu was adjudged best singer in the junior category.

One such observance was held at MDU Hall under the aegis of the Jananeta Hijam Irabot Birthday Celebration Committee (JHIBCC).

The function was opened with offering of floral tributes to the photograph of Irabot and presentation of paeans in memory of the late leader.

Manipur Pollution Control Board Chairman Dr Ng Bijoy and JHIBCC chairman Meitram Shamu attended the function as chief guest and president respectively.

Speaking on the occasion, Dr Ng Bijoy said that Hijam Irabot was a freedom fighter, social reformer, an economist and a politician, all rolled into one.

Irabot, born on September 30, 1896, stood up boldly and fought relentlessly against all kinds of exploitation prevalent during the period.

Even though Manipur, at the time, produced abundant quantities of paddy there was little other industrial units.

The kingdom was economically backward.

Economic alleviation was one of the many aspects of Irabot's struggle.

He was convinced that Manipuri people would remain bonded until and unless there is economic independence.

Economic self reliance was one prior agenda of Irabot.

Irabot also campaigned for the welfare of women and youth.

As a politician, he struggled to create and promote social harmony, Dr Bijoy remarked.

One extraordinary feat of Irabot was the sacrifice of his entire life for the cause of the suffering mass.

Throughout his life, Irabot struggled for socio-political upliftment of Manipur.

Installation of statues and busts of such a respected leader at all odd places is not desirable, Dr Bijoy said.

He further proposed replacement of the epithet 'Jananeta' which is a foreign language with an appropriate Manipuri word.

CPI(M) Manipur Secretary Sarat Salam claimed that Irabot's politics was beyond any party politics.

Emulation of Irabot and his works, principles and ideologies should not be restricted or blighted by parochial party politics.

Irabot was the father of modern Manipur and he was the most influential leader of his time.

Many other people also spoke at the gathering.

The birth anniversary of Lamyanba Hijam Irabot was also observed at Ima Khunthokhanbi Shanglen, Thangmeiband College Gate under the aegis of the Lamyanba Irabot Ningshing Thouram Observation Committee (LINTOC) .

LINTOC convenor Joy Nongmaithemcha, co-convenors Kh Rishikanta and S Dilip Meitei attended the function as chief guest, president and guest of honour respectively.

Dr W Nabakumar of MU Anthropology Department, Dr Aheibam Kripmala, MB College Assistant Professor Dr Homen Thangjam and Damdei Christian College Associate Professor Dr Priyadarshini M Gangte spoke on Irabot and his works as resource persons.

The Patriotic Writers' Forum too observed the birth anniversary of Lamyanba Hijam Irabot at New Checkon.

At Langjing Achouba community hall, the commemorative function was jointly organised by the Western Star Club, Langjing Achouba and Langjing Achouba Women's Welfare Association.

Patsoi Zilla Parishad Member Thokchom Sumanta, Western Star Club vice president Irengbam Jilangamba, Langjing Achouba Development Committee president Moirangthem Bokulei and Longjam Lairembi Lai Committee president P Tikendrajit attended the function as presidium members.