Maichou Thoukachanpa remembered
Source: Hueiyen News Service
Imphal, February 15 2013:
The 89th Birth Anniversary of Maichou Thoukachanpa, the saviour of Meetei Mayek, was observed today at the hall of Manipuri Hindi Parishad located at Old Assembly Road, Imphal.
The function was jointly organised by Kangleipak Loinasillon Apunba Marup (KLAM) and NAHAKAL.
Joint Director, Arts and Culture Sapam Bheigya and President of KLAM IC Asem graced the function as Chief Guest and President respectively.
MEELAL President S Tomba Luwang and Dr Lanchenba Meetei were also present as Guests of Honour.
Speaking on the occasion, Bheigya recalled his childhood memories of learning Meetei Mayek under Kangleipak Thousinkon during 1967-68 in which the late Thoukachanpa took active and foremost role in reviving the lost scripts.
Bheigya said that Maichou Thoukachanpa dedicated his life in reviving the Meetei Mayek which people of the state are using now.
It is an honour to remember such a personality.
Today, Meetei Mayek has gradually replaced the Bengali scripts.
In order to provide adequate reading and learning materials and references to the students, the government should establish a separate Directorate for Language and Literature.
At the same time, Arts and Culture Department has been providing grant-in-aids through schemes for promotion of literature and language.
So, people should take advantage of such schemes and help in keeping adequate references and learning materials for the students in Meetei Mayek.
MEELAL President, S Tomba said that Wakoklon Thilel Salai Amailon Pukok Puya which was in the custody of the forefathers of Thoukchanpa was bring out before the people of Manipur by the late leader.
The puya was the most important reference from which the present Meetei Mayek has approved by the Government of Manipur after recommendations by schoalrs through many seminars and workshops.
Floral tributes were paid to the photo of Thoukachanpa during the function.
Author of the first poetry book in Meetei Mayek, Unbi Leima was also honoured with certificate and shawl.
Later, a poets' meet based on Meetei Mayek was also held.