39th Archives Week celebration starts
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, December 26 2018:
The 39th Archives Week Celebration cum three-day long seminar on "Manipur British War; a time line of the Khongjom Battle", began today at the premise of Manipur State Archives, Directorate of Art and Culture, Government of Manipur.
Jointly organized by Manipur State Archives, Directorate of Art and Culture, Government of Manipur, Keishampat and United Chongthas, Imphal, the inaugural function of the 39th Archives Week Celebration was graced by Moirang A/C MLA P Sharatchandra Singh and Manipur University retired Professor N Joykumar Singh as the chief guest and president respectively.
Speaking at the function, Sharatchandra contended that histories and archival materials cannot be sidelined when people discuss about civilization in the contemporary world.
He went on to remark the celebration of 39th Archives Week as an important day for the State, saying that the celebration itself is a part of the endeavour to maintain the relation between the present society and its past.
He added that a society should take into account the relation between its past and present while endeavouring for future development.
Saying that developed and powerful Nation like China always try to showcase their past assets to the, world in some way or the other, the MLA pointed out that the resilient spirit of Manipuri forefathers who fought against the mighty British shows that their spirits were much more powerful than the arms and ammunition of the Britishers.
Joykumar pointed out that the concept of archives existed since time immemorial in Manipuri society while highlighting that there are ample ancient literary texts of Manipur (Puyas).
He also underscored the importance of ancient manuscripts and records in understanding the foundation and history of the Manipur.
Noting that Manipur has unique and different cultures from the rest of the States in the country, he opined that reviving and promoting the unique identity of the State needs massive support from the Government and collective effort by all stakeholders.
Many academicians and experts will present papers and deliver speeches during the three-day seminar on the topic "Manipur British War: a discourse on the time line of the Khongjom Battle" which will begin tomorrow.