New Delhi, January 03 2010: Manipuri Diaspora Association, Delhi, (MDA) a secular and non-profit organization of Manipuris settled in and around Delhi celebrated its "4th Foundation Day cum Social service" on 3th January 2010 (Sunday) at 11.00AM at "Manipur Institute of Performing Arts" located at Plot No.88, Sector-18, Gurgaon, Haryana.

Dr.Thokchom Meinya, Hon'ble MP(LS) from Manipur was the Chief Guest of the function.

Konsam Khomei, Retired Engineer was the Guest of Honour.

The foundation day celebration was presided over by RK Brajachand, President of the association.

A large number of Manipuris settled in and around Delhi including MPs, many senior officers/elderly persons attended.

Some of the senior officers who attended the function are Brigadier K.Himalaya, Brigadier L.Nishikanta, Lt.Col.(Retd.) R.K.Pakasana, Col.(Retd.) B.B.Sinha, N Manithoi, SP in CBI, Lt.Col.N Romeo, Lt.Col..NHemachandra, Maj.

(Retd.) Y.Sanajaoba, Maj.

(Retd.) Y Angamba, Dr Tongbram Homeshwor, Capt.

(Retd.) Ng Subadani Devi, the actress of yesteryears in Manipuri cinema, and many others.

Y Rajendra, Under Secretary in Central Govt.and also General Secretary of the association highlighted the activities carried out by the association during the past one year briefly.

Some of these are- " Observation of Patriot's Day in the National Capital Territory of Delhi at the National/Union Minister level.

" Publication of a Souvenir in commemoration of the Heroes of 1891 Anglo- Manipur war.

" MDA took active part in the discussion for betterment of North East people particularly Manipuris with Govt.officials.

One of our senior members and advisor Lt.Col.(Retd.) R.K.Pakasana represented Manipur State in the discussion held with Prime Minister of India, Dr.Manmohan Singh, The role played by MDA in these discussions speaks the growing signs of MDA as an umbrella organization of NE in the NCR.

" Celebration of Christmas 2009 by MDA to bring communal harmony amongst ourselves.

" Publication of MDA Calendar 2010 and Telephone Directory of MDA members.

The secretarial report was followed by speeches/suggestions from the senior members attended.

Lt.Col.(Retd.) R.K.Pakasana made appeals to the Govt.of Manipur to please come up with a huge project to develop the Gurgaon plot.

Such project should include construction of a Dharamshala, institute of performing arts, working ladies hostel, etc.

Construction of a Dharamshala will provide proper living facilities for those elderly persons who come to Delhi for Vrindaban darshan/treatments in Delhi as Manipur Bhawans in Delhi can no longer accommodate all those who come to Delhi for such purposes.

The Govt.should also plan in such a manner that the basement should be made parking spaces.

Brigadier K Himalaya said that we must strive to do something which would set iconic trend to the youths of today.

He cited the examples of Maj.

(Retd.) Y.Sanajaoba as very hard working & rising person among ourselves.

Brigadier L.Nishikanta stressed on the need to work together to achieve the objectives of the association to construct a guest house and a Manipuri School in Delhi.

The President gave a detailed background of the plot and its present position vis-�-vis earmarking of funds by the Govt.for this plot.

The Chief Guest Dr.Meinya assured that the views shared by the members would be appropriately put across to the concerned officials of the State Govt.for taking up right steps to develop the Gurgaon plot.

He also suggested that in future concerned Minister in charge or the Chief Minister of Manipur should be invited to attend such functions of Diaspora to air the views directly to them.

The majority of the persons present expressed the need to develop the plot urgently.

The celebration of the foundation day at Gurgaon made many Manipuris living in the NCR aware of the existence of the plot.

A social service was also carried out.

A lunch prepared in the indigenous Manipuri style was served which was followed by games of "Tambola".

The spirits of the MDA members were not dampened by the foggy and chilly weathers of Delhi after all such opportunities come once in a year.

Last but not the least, we once again appeal to the Govt.of Manipur to kindly develop this plot on priority basis in the interest of Manipuris.

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