ICOP observes 288th Puya Mei Thaba day
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, January 20 2017:
The International Observation Committee on Puya Mei Thaba (ICOP) observed the 288th Puya Mei Thaba (burning of ancient scriptures) day at Kangla Uttra Shanglen today.
Titular king of Manipur Leishemba Sanajaoba who attended the observance as chief guest, led the gathering in paying floral tributes to the ancestors of the land.
ICOP chief convenor Namoijam Tomba, vice-chairman Moirangthem Naodalenkhomba and convenor Moirangthem Naokhomba Meetei, Tangkhul Naga Wungnaolong president Sweeten Rahing and Meitei National Front (MNF), Jiribam president Hamom Dhani Meetei, graced the observance as functional president and guests of honour respectively.
S Tomba and Sons Fish Farming's annual award Maichou Ningshing Award and Chingmi Tammi Nungshi Lipun Award for the year 2017 was also given out during the function.
Sagolsem
Ayangba Achouba, s/o late S Pakchao of Uchiwa Mamang Leikai, received the Maichou Ningshing Award while Golmei Makuchung Kabui, s/ o Golmei Maoirangjao Kabui of Langthabal Khoupum was presented with Chingmi Tammi Nungshi Lipun Award.
Both the awards that comprised of cash reward of Rs 10,000 and certificate, were presented by titular King Leishemba Sanajaoba.
In his speech, titular King Leishemba Sanajaoba spoke about the contents of the Puyas.
He said the Puya does not solely deal with the Meitei community.
It describes the lives and practices of the various communities residing in the State.
The burning of these Puyas (the ancient scriptures) during the reign of King Pamheiba under the influence of Shantidas Gosai was the most catastrophic event in the history of Manipur.
The burning of the Puyas shook the unity among the different communities, Leishemba Sanaojaoba said.
"The sole aim of observing this day is to restore the lost unity among communities", he said.
"The ongoing economic blockade has affected all the people living in the State.
Let us not blame the whole community for the wrong done by a few.
The number of people who wants good for the land exceeds the number of those plotting to break it.
Let us work together to defeat the evil so that the coming generation do not have to go undergo what we are going through today", Sanajaoba said.
The titular king will be meeting the UNC leaders in the evening today.
Tangkhul Naga Wungnaolong president Sweeten Rahing said the Puyas were written records of the lives and practices adopted by the people of the land.
The burning of these ancient scriptures under the influence of Shanti Das Gosai, was an attempt to wipe off the customs and traditions of the land.
Shumang Leela Kangleipakta 1709, was staged as a part of the observance at Iboyaima Shumang Leela Shanglen in the afternoon today.