Drug users live up to Irabot day's spirit
Source: Hueiyen News Service
Imphal, September 30 2012:
Though there always exists a sense of detachment among the drug users community by the way they are being treated by general population, yet the drug users, in their sincere endeavor to show the world that they are also a part of the society having the same rights, came out together to observed the birth anniversary of Revolutionary Icon, Hijam Irabot today.
The Recovery Alliance, an alliance initially formed by drug users to help each other in trying to come out of drug habit and join the mainstream, with the support of MNP+, organized the month-long observance of Irabot day, under the banner 'Hijam Irabot Memorial Meet' .
As a part of the Hijam Irabot Memorial Meet, different events of sports mainly for the drug users' community were held at the office of MNP+ from September 27 to 30 .
Besides, a social service camp was also conducted in and around Yaiskul yesterday to show that drug users, like all others, also care for the society and work for its upliftment and perform their duty well apart from demanding their rights.
The main part of the Hijam Irabot Memorial Meet was held today at the office of MNP+ at Yaiskul Hiruhanba Leirak.
The function was graced by L Deepak, President of MNP+ and O Romen, Vice President, Recovery Alliance as the Chief Guest and President respectively.
Ng Ratan, Project Manager, MNP+ and Boynao, executive member of Recovery Alliance were the Guests of Honour while Ningombam Pramod, Sub-Editor, Hueiyen Lanpao (English Edition) was also present as Special Guest of the function.
Speaking on the occasion, L Deepak said, it is very disheartening that as a Manipuri very few of us understand the works done by Hijam Irabot totally, but we do understand and know about Mahatma Gandhi, Jawaharlal Nehru, Subhash Chandra Bose and many other freedom fighters of India.
This is because of the fact that as school going children we were taught about these freedom fighters of India as it was included in the school syllabus.
However, since the life and works of Hijam Irabot was never included in the school syllabus of the state, the people of the state hardly understand him.
It is only a decade or more back that his life and works have caught the attention of Manipuri society.
He further informed that, with the passage of time, Recovery Alliance has also broadened its horizon.
It is in tune with the ideas and beliefs of Hijam Irabot that the observance function has been organized to create positive impacts among drug users community.
Ng Ratan also pointed out the need to organize annual sports in connection with Hijam Irabot day observance.
The winners of different events of 'Hijam Irabot Memorial Meet' were also awarded with gifts on the occasion.