Source: Hueiyen News Service
Imphal, September 22 2009:
The European Manipuri Association (EMA)Annual Social Gathering, 2009, was held at the serene and idyllic village of Ingleton, Lancashire, UK from August 21 to August 23, 2009 .
The gathering commenced with the general body meeting which was conducted smoothly on the morning of 22nd August.
Following Manipuri traditions the meeting commenced with prayers for a peaceful and prosperous Manipur.
New EMA members were introduced and were warmly welcomed by the committee, Santosh Sougrakpam, General Secretary, EMA informed.
A minute's silence was observed as a mark of respect in memory of late Dr.Saroj Nalini Arambam Parratt who passed away in December 2008.She was a true Manipuri patriot of international repute who had made us all proud through her enormous contributions towards a better Manipur.
She had taken EMA to an entirely new level while serving as the Chairperson of EMA.
The new committee members elected were Dr.Samurailatpam Krishnananda Sharma (Chairperson), Santosh Sougrakpam (General Secretary), Yaiphabi Thoudam (Treasurer), and Shanjoy Mairembam (Information Secretary).
This year's gathering was a memorable one, as special emphasis was given on outdoor activities and healthy lifestyle.
The excitement grew even more in the evening with a football tournament held in the hostel premise.
The exhausted yet excited members were later given refreshments of authentic Manipuri Bora, Cha and Kelichana followed by an English barbeque.
Members were reminded of 'Home' as authentic and mouth watering Manipuri dishes were laid out on the table.
The menu consisted of Sareng- thongba, Ooti-thongba, Iromba, Rou-thongba, Nga-ataoba, Thambou-shingju and many more.
The amusement continued throughout the night as members basked in the warmth of the bonfire complemented perfectly with exquisite Fagi- Jogai.
Another inspiring aspect of the gathering was the initiation of the concept "Be Manipuri Grow Manipuri" where EMA members shared rare indigenous herbs and plants (toningkhok, Shougri, Maroinapakpi, Komprek, Peruk, Tulsi�).
Members had painstakingly brought these herbs and plants from various sources in the UK and have grown them with love and care in their own gardens, thereby keeping the spirit of creating "A Home away from Home," Santosh informed.