CM unveils statue, honours artistes, commends Andro villagers
Source: Chronicle News Service / DIPR

Imphal, June 15 2022: Chief minister N Biren Singh unveiled a statue of Meidingu Narasingh at Kangla Western Gate on Wednesday and said that as small as Manipur is, it is necessary for the present generation to remember and honour the sacrifices made by our forefathers in building the land and follow in their footsteps.

This is why today, the government is constructing memorials of our forefathers at different locations, the chief minister said during at a function held at the Kangla Hall wherein artistes of the state were also felicitated under the Chief Ministergi Artistessingi Tengbang (CMAT) Scheme 2022 .

He further explained that earlier there was a statue of only Maharaj Gambhir Singh at Maharaj Gambhir Singh Samadhi Complex, Canchipur, but in remembrance of the Seven Years Devastation, statues of Meidingu Narasingh and Sana Herachandra were installed and honoured.

The chief minister also said that he has held meetings with Manipuri Filmmaker Romi Meetei and discussed to make films on the life of Maharaj Kullachandra to celebrate his courageous spirit, and Seven years Devastation.

"We have to remember and celebrate our forefathers because without them we would not have existed", the chief minister said.

Referring to Russia's observance of 'Victory Day' in commemoration of the two world wars, the CM stressed the need for the present generation to remember the sacrifices and contributions made by our forefathers in defending Manipur.

Keeping this in mind, memorial sites in the name of the martyrs have been set up and efforts are on to retell the stories of Maharaj Kulachandra and Maharaj Narsing.

He continued: "Manipur was once an independent sovereign kingdom.

However, it did not exist in the maps 1891 1826 when it experienced the Seven Years Devastation, as depicted at the museum in Kangla.

It is of huge concern whether the future generation will forget that our ancestors fought to save the land from being wipe out forever.

Thus, the BJP-led state government has been working to save the state and society from drug menace and maintain its sanity.

"The government believes that the art and culture and sporting talents of the state have brought international recognition.

As such, it has already been looking after sportspersons.

However, it is undeniable that artistes have suffered neglect for a long time.

Thus, the BJP government introduced the CMAT scheme to extend aid to artistes, in addition to launching pension scheme for artistes", he conveyed.

Maintaining that the artistes are the ones helping to promote the state's prestige and identity, the CM, however, lamented the government's inability to assist artistes who want to open schools owing to the state's economic condition.

Biren said that if the state's economic growth trajectory becomes a success, the cash incentive for awards will increase accordingly.

Keeping the state's history in mind, it will help instil the spirit of patriotism and unity.

He then assured of extending all possible assistances to artistes in need, adding that the government will always work alongside the people.

As part of the function, cash prizes of Rs 50,000 were presented to artistes who won national awards in the held of art and culture.

Regarding the implementation of the CMAT Scheme, CM Biren said, "We have neglected the state's artistes for long although we always say our art and culture and sports put us on the world map.

The government has launched the CMAT and pension scheme to recognise the renowned artistes and encourage them".

He also assured all possible assistance to the artistes of the state and said that a society cannot have its identity without maintaining and preserving its culture and tradition.

On the other-hand, CM Biren inaugurated the Infrastructure Development for Preservation of Panam Ningthou Immortal Fire and different Historical Monuments in and around Andro.

Speaking on the occasion, he appreciated the people of Andro for preserving and protecting the age old culture, tradition and valuable artefacts of Meitei community, further stating that most communities in valley areas seem to neglect their own traditions and culture.

The CM stressed on the need for all communities of the state to preserve and protect their own traditions and culture.

He also expressed happiness on seeing the lush green forest cover of Nongmaiching arid further appreciated the people of Andro for protecting and preserving the forest cover.

Showing his appreciation, he assured to construct a work-shed for the Andro pottery at the earliest and asked the village chief to provide a site for the same.

Commenting on an inscribed stone erected by a Manipuri King during the catastrophic Seven years devastation at Andro, CM Biren said it is a valuable artefact which needs proper preservation.

He also apprised the officials of Art and Culture department and Manipur Tribal Development Corporation Ltd to take up steps to preserve the same.

The chief minister also asserted the need to renovate 'Shanglen' where immortal fire of Andro burns.

Further regarding the issue of non-inclusion of certain surnames due to misspelling of surnames in the official gazette, he urged the village authorities to submit the details through local MLA and said he will take up the issue with the ministry concerned.

Explaining the benefits of health related schemes, Biren stated that he would direct the Health directorate to set up camp for two days at Andro to provide the benefit of Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PMJAY) and Chief Minister-gi Hakshelgi Tengbang (CMHT) by issuing card to eligible beneficiaries.

He appealed to the people of Andro to avail the benefits of various people centric schemes of the government.

He also assured construction of a new Ima Market in the area and stressed the need for opening a bank branch at Andro for availing benefits under certain welfare schemes and assured to look into the matter.

He also expressed his desire to install statues of 'Maichou Taret' atop Nongmaiching Hill further expressing that it would attract a lot of tourists.

Among others, the functions were also attended by ministers Thongam Biswajit Singh, Yumnam Khemchand, Govindas Konthoujam, Nemcha Kipgen, Kashim Vashum, L Susindro Meitei, Rajya Sabha MP Maharaj Leishemba Sanajaoba, MLAs Th Shyamkumar Singh, Sapam Kunjakeswor Singh, Usham Deben Singh, Kh Ibomcha and Thongam Shanti Singh.

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