Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, February 27, 2010:
On the second day of the 80th anniversary of Apokpa Marup being celebrated at Jaribond Laishram village in Hailakandi district of Assam rifles release of a book compiled by Naoriya Phullo and deliberation of the same during an evening academic session were held today.
As chief guest of the morning programme, Manipur Human Rights Commission Member Ng Nongyai attributed revival of the Meitei culture and traditional from certain decadence to efforts of naoriya Phullo, the founder of apokpa Marup.
Pointing out that for existence and survival of a particular community language, script and culture of that community are bare minimum essentialities, Nongyai reminded that after embracing alien culture and religious at some spefici period of time, unity among the people of Manipur waned consequently straining relationship not only among the meiteis but also affecting the age-old hill-valley cordiality.
Noting Naoriya Phullo's endeavour to restore culture and tradition of the Meitei community, he said inspite of the Meitei population considered insignificant in the context of the Indian populace, meiteis had never been a weak community.
Expressing that contribution of naoriya Phullo in the redemption of Manipuri society is compatible to that of Maharaj Gambhir Singh and Hijam Irabot among other prominent figures of Manipur, Nongyai said as birthdays of the two have been declared State holidays, similar recognition should be accorded to Naoriya Phullo.
He also revealed that when the State Government was approached on the issue of acknowledging naoriya Phullo's contribution the proposal was turned down on the ground that he was not born in manipur.
The second day session also had 12 elderly citizens and other dignitaries as the guests of honour.
HoD Philosophy (DMC Arts) Dr Kh Gokulchand, naoriya Amusana, Naoroibam Indramani of State Archives, Moirengjam Thawansana of Assam Uriyam Ghat, Goura Gobind College Lecturer K Megha and Chingsubam Bijando of Silchar spoke.