Archives Week celebration begins
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, December 13 2013 :
Assuring all possible assistance for the improvement and infrastructure development of Manipur State Archives building, Deputy Chief Minister Gaikhangam called upon academicians and research scholars for in-depth perusal of Manipur's history so that the younger generation are not deprived of important facts about Manipur.
Speaking as the chief guest at the inauguration of the 34th Archives Week Celebration cum Record Exhibition at the Keishampat premises of Manipur State Archives today, Gaikhangam said the present generation need to contribute towards further enriching the history of Manipur through research and compilation of historical facts and figures.
Stating that priority for the present generation should be on understanding historical as well as prevailing socio-political environment with equal emphasis on preserving historical artifacts and documentary evidences, he reminded all concerned that without historical knowledge objective for a progressive social will remain elusive.
As past history forms an important component in tackling current problems, historians and research scholars need to ensure that Manipur's history is based on the truth rather than hearsay, said the DyCM.
Speaking at the occasion, Commissioner (Art & culture) Dr RK Nimai noted that inspite of the State Archives today piled with abundant historical documents the number of readers/historical interpreters remain awfully low in Manipur compared to other States where archives are considered invaluable and mostly remain crowded with common visitors as well as scholars.
Noting that many rare hand-written scripts as well as in audio system are available in the State Archives, he stressed that protecting these invaluable articles should be top priority of all concerned.
Former Dy CM Dr Leishangthem Chandramani in his address expressed elation that availability of documentary evidences on historical facts has technically eliminated the need for visiting archival facilities in other States as was normally associated in the 1960s.Along with inaugurating the Record Exhibition, Dy CM Gaikhangam also released an English version book on 'Cheitharol Kumbaba' .
On the opening day of the two day seminar on 'Quit Gaddi Movement' held with Manipur University's Department of History Professor Dr N Joykumar as the moderator, Padmashri RK Jhalajit deliberated on 'Through a republican Manipuri eyes: Quit Gaddi Movement', UK-based The Sangai Express columnist Dr Irengbam Mohendro Singh on 'Quit Gaddi Movement: The Gathering Storm', Prof John Parrat, formerly School of Historical Studies (Bradford, UK) on 'Purbanchal Conundrum', Head of department of Clinical Psychology (RIMS) Dr M Akshaykumar Singh on 'Quit Gaddi Movement: Former Epoch Making political agitation' and senior journalist Kangujam Madhumangol on 'Lesser known aspects of Manipur State Congress - Khwai Congress and the Yaiskul Congress' as the resource persons.