Samarendra remembered on his death anniversary
Source: Hueiyen News Service

Imphal, June 10 2012: The 12th death anniversary of late Arambam Samarendra, who was not only a playwright and lyricist but also fought for upliftment of women, equality of farmers and for unity and integrity of Manipur, was observed throughout the state and beyond by several organizations today.

As a part of the observation, Coalition Against Drugs and Alcohol (CADA) organized a Patriotic Song Competition at Shri Shri Bal Mukunda Dev Government Music College, Palace Compound today.

Speaking on the occasion, S Bheigya, Joint Director of Department of Arts and Culture, Government of Manipur, hailed Arambam Samarendra as a great social activist of Manipur with worthy ideas.

He also informed that the Department of Arts and Culture is preparing to appoint an instructor for all government schools.

B Jayentakumar Sharma, retired Asst Director, AIR, Imphal, appreciated the effort of CADA in organizing such an event and said that it is an act of encouragement to the artists which will promote a sense of patriotism in the minds of the people.

People paying floral tributes to the memorial of Arambam Samarendra at Khurai Salanthong on the occasion of his 12th death anniversary

Recalling his acquaintance with Samarendra, Jayentakumar said Samarendra had keen interest in Arts and Culture as he believed that art and culture is the platform through which we can identify ourselves.

However, Samarendra regretted over not being able to live freely.

His true sense of patriotism can be seen from his plays, songs and works. Manipur State Shumang Leela Council also observed the Death Anniversary of Arambam Samarendra at Iboyaima Shumang Leela Shanglen, Palace Compound today.

The function was graced by Dr M Nara, Chief Advisor of Manipur State Shumag Leela Council and Ph Gunachandra Sharma, President of Manipur State Shuma Leela Council as Chief Guest and President respectively.

Padmashri G Gourakishwor Sahrma, who is also the Director of Huyel Lallong Manipur Thang-Ta Association and Naba Wareppa, President of Theatre Mirror were also present as Guests of Honour.

Speaking on the occasion, Dr Nara said that the Shumang Leela artists of Manipur should try their level best to uplift and promote the unique art form throughout the world.

Narendra Ningomba renowned artist and Prof N Aruna of MU were also among those who spoke at the occasion.

The 12th death anniversary of Arambam Samarendra was also observed under the aegis of Patriotic Writers' Forum Manipur at its New Checkon, JN Hospital road office today.

Prof IS Khaidem, who was present at the occasion, said that Arambam Samarendra is one of the rare stars in Manipur which can be compared to Hijam Irabot.

His writings and expressions are very unique while comparing with other writers of Manipur.

A book entitled "History and Culture of Manipur" written jointly by Dr Saroj, N Arambam and John Parratt was also released to mark the occasion.

Floral tributes were also paid to the photo of late Samarendra.

On the other hand, the 12th Death Anniversary of late of Arambam Samarendra was observed under the joint auspices of Arambam Samarendra Trust and Social Standard Club at the memorial complex of Arambam Samarendra located at Khurai Nandeibam Leikai.

"Chaikhre Ngasi", the famous song written by Arambam Samarendra was sung along with the offering of floral tributes to the departed soul.

A "Moirang Parva" play was also presented by Kangjabi Meitei Chanu Artist Cum Drama Association.

Later in the evening, the 7th Arambam Samarendra Memorial Lecture was held at GM Hall.

"The assertions of ethnic groups in the North East India region are more valid and legitimate than India's assertion on its nationhood," asserted hard talking writer Kaka D Iralu of Nagaland.

Speaking on the 7th Arambam Somorendra Memorial Lecture at JNMDA in Imphal today, Kaka D Iralu said no one has the right to tell the Nagas over their lands.

"We are the master of our lands and India has no rights over them," he asserted.

Noted journalist Subhir Bhaumik in his lecture entitled, "Northeast: A thousand assertive ethnicities," expressed that with India spreading its diplomatic tentacles to all its neighbouring countries has made these nations to act in favour of New Delhi and that as a result, there lies ahead a hard choice for the insurgent groups based in these neighbouring countries to make.

Subhir Bhaumik said these militant organisations of the northeast have three options--joining a dialogue with India, seeking and getting Chinese support and sanctuary, or returning to fight within their own state like the Maoists do and risk military and political annihilation.

"For the last captains of the Northeastern rebellions, there is not much time before they have to make a difficult choice," Subhir Bhaumik said. Subhir Bhaumik, who is the editor of Seven Sisters Post, dwelt at length on the insurgency issue of the region and said that due to the absence of 'institutional memory', the government continues to repeat the past mistakes.

He said if the government has an 'institutional memory' the numerous mistakes committed by the government in the past would not be repeated.

Human rights defender Babloo Loitangbam while giving his observation on the occasion dwelt on the various international conclaves related to self determination.

Earlier in the morning, a formal function was held at Salanthong Khurai marking the 12th death anniversary of Arambam Somorendra, the first general secretary of United National Liberation Front (UNLF) formed in 1964 .

On Monday, a public interaction programme on the 'Self Determination Struggles of Northeast India will be held at Manipur Press Club where The Sangai Express (English) editor Hijam Rajesh, Witoubou of Newmai News Network, Iboungochoubi of Manipur Mail, Irengbam Arun of Imphal Free Press, Subhir Bhaumik of Seven Sisters Post and writer Kaka D Iralu will be the panel speakers.

AMWJU president A Mobi will grace the programme.