Maharaj a Narasingh was a distinguished king who unified the lulls and the valley: Dy CM
Source: The Sangai Express / DIPR
Imphal, May 06 2018:
The 226th birth anniversary of Maharaja Narasingh was observed at the birthplace of the departed Maharaja at Sagolband Mabudhou Mantri Leikai, Imphal today.
Chief guest of the ceremony, Deputy Chief Minister Yumnam Joykumar Singh led the people to pay floral tribute to the portrait of the Maharaja.
Jalakeli was also sung in honour of the Maharaja during the observation.
The ceremony was organised by Maharaja Narasingh Memorial Committee, Imphal in association with Shri Shri Gopinath Temple Board, Purana Rajbari, Imphal.
Speaking at the function, Deputy Chief Minister said that Maharaja Narasingh was one of the most distinguished leaders in the history of Manipur.
He said, the Maharaja not only tried to reconcile those people who dispersed as a result of the Seven Years Devastation (Chahi Taret Khuntakpa) but also endeavoured to unify the hills and the valley people.
Recalling that Seven Years Devastation was the darkest days in the history of Manipur, Deputy CM said that Maharaja Narasingh took significant roles in wiping out Awa from the soil of Manipur.
During his reign, Maharaja Narasingh (1844-1850) worked for the welfare of the people by maintaining unity in diversity.
It is believed that Mera Hou Chongba was first initiated by the Maharaja to unify among people in the hills and valley.
Urging people not to look into the history for glorification only, Deputy Chief Minister said, "We should also look into the administration, philosophy, culture and tradition of that time and learn the ideals of peaceful coexistence among different communities which is much more relevant today" .
Joykumar Singh also distributed Maharaja Narasingh Birth Anniversary Celebration Awards to distinguished personalities in various fields including culture, sports and public service.
Sahitya Academy Awardee and president of Maharaja Narasingh Memorial Committee E Sonamani Singh said that a lot of research is due to explore and learn the life and works of the late Maharaja.
His ideals have to be imbibed and propagated so that younger generations can understand the late Maharaja, he added.