Dr Heptulla hails contribution of freedom fighters
Source: Chronicle News Service / DIPR

Imphal, May 15 2021: Manipur Governor Dr Najma Heptulla on Saturday attended the inaugural session of Azadi Ka Amrut Mahotsav programme as chief guest through Google Meet platform at Raj Bhavan, Imphal.

Speaking at the event, Dr Heptulla inferred that the idea behind the commemoration of 75 years of Independence of India is to establish a symbiotic link between our yesterday and today so as to enthuse the future generation with a view to effectively protect our hard-earned freedom and maintain unity of our Motherland.

Recalling the invaluable contributions made by the people of Manipur to attain freedom of the country from the might of the British colonialism, she said that the role of Manipur in the field of freedom movement is well-known and hardly needs to be recounted.

The history of the freedom movement in which people from Manipur participated, dates back to 1891 when the last and decisive battle was fought at Khongjom which led to Manipur's subjugation and extension of British Empire over the state.

Though the battle was lost, sacrifices of Major General Paona Brajabashi and other heroes have been a constant source in kindling and rekindling the eternal flame of freedom in the minds of subsequent generations, the Governor noted.

She also mentioned how Manipuri women hoisted the first flag of revolt against the alien rule in 1904, known popularly as the First Nupi-lal (First Women's War) and also sheer determination and insistent strength behind the 'Quit India' movement which led to the attainment of Independence on August 15, 1947."More than seven decades have since elapsed and, today, we are poised to celebrate the 75 years of our hard-earned independence.

It is crucial that young men and women of today realize this aspect and pledge their commitment afresh to the unity and integrity of the country and also become crusaders in upholding and sustaining amity and brotherhood," said the Governor.

With reference to challenges in today's world by various fissiparous tendencies like communalism, regionalism, chauvinism and parochialism, she said: "The forces of destruction are trying their best to destabilize the nation.

The need of the hour is, therefore, to strengthen the spirit of patriotism which inspired our forefathers to fight selflessly to achieve independence and to maintain communal harmony, ensure justice, social as well as economic and thereby ensure unity and integrity of the country".

The programme was jointly organised by Dr B Ambedkar University of Social Sciences, Mhow and Heritage Society, Patna and attended by former director ICCR New Delhi Dr Neeru Misra, vice-chancellor BRAUSS Mhow, Prof Asha Shukla and director general Heritage Society Dr Anantashutosh Dwivedi.

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