Puya Mei Thaba: Black Day observation begins
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, January 10 2015 :
A com-memorative function on Puya Mei Thaba (mass burning of Puyas or chronicles cum sacred texts) was kick-started today at Standard Robarth Higher Secondary School, Canchipur under the aegis of the Inter-national Observation Com- mittee on Puya Mei Thaba (ICOP) .
The inaugural session of the commemorative function being held under the theme 'Remember, Review and Revive for Love, Peace and Integrity' was attended by Keirao A/C MLA Karam Thamarjit, All Manipur Recognised Private School Welfare Association president Ph Landhoni, IUCB Limited president Dr Th Dilip and COHSEM Secretary Saran-gajit Khundrakpam.
ICOP convenor N Tomba and Meihourol Inat Kanba Apunba Lup (MIKAL) advisor Thokchom Ibungohal were also seated on the dais as special guests.
Puyas which were fountainhead of wisdom and knowledge for Manipuri people were burnt enmasse by an order of the king at the behest of Hindu preachers.
The Puyas were burnt with an intention to exterminate the very soul of Manipuri nation, said one of the speakers.
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ICOP convenor N Tomba said that it's time for Manipuris to wake up and do intensive research works on several Puyas.
This would go a long way in ascertaining the origin of Manipuri people.
Karam Thamarjit said that any genuine research work on any of the Puyas would definitely benefit all the people of Manipur.
Sarangajit Khundrakpham said, "Our sentiments get deeply wounded when anybody mention about Puya Mei Thaba" .
This was one most unfortunate event in the entire history of Manipur.
"To know ourselves, we need to analyse all Puyas from all perspectives and we should strive to be erudite readers", he said.
The present generation should not waste time lamenting on the historic fait accompli.
Rather all the people need to work collectively with perseverance in order to enhance the State's human resources pool.
Dr Th Dilip underscored the importance of renewed and intensive research works on Puyas.
Meanwhile, the All Manipur Recognised Private School Welfare Association has decided to ask the concerned authority to include chapters on Puya Mei Thaba in the syllabi of classes I to XII.
The commemorative function observed as Black Day was also held at different private schools across the State and students wore black badges.