Making Hindi compulsory not feasible: Khaidem Mani
Source: Chronicle News Service
Imphal, May 22 2022:
Apunba Ireipakki Maheiroi Sinpanglup (AIMS) celebrated its 10th anniversary on the theme of Eikhoigi Saktam Kanjanaba Imalon Ngangsi' (Let's speak our mother tongue to save our identity) at Meipa Hall, Palace Compound, here on Sunday.
Presided over by AIMS president Saikhom Premchand, the celebration was attended by Manipur Human Rights Commission (MHRC) acting chairman Khaidem Mani as chief guest while social scientist Dr Dhanabir Laishram, Lipul president Somorendro Thokchom, ANSAM general secretary AC Thotso, AIMS former presidents Rajesh Yumnam and Khumujam Romen as guests of honour.
In his speech, Khaidem Mani remarked that it is impractical to make Hindi subject compulsory till Class X in all schools of the northeast states as it is against Article 153-A of the Constitution.
However, the union home minister made the statement in a parliamentary committee.
As this does not equate to official imposition of Hindi, it is still early to make any issue over the matter.
Providing suggestions that the bureaucrats in the state administration should be made to use Manipuri language, Mani said that government should encourage the chief secretary and officials from other states working in departments under the government of Manipur to use Manipuri.
All central schemes should also be translated into Manipuri so as to ensure the propagation of the language as well as awareness among the masses about the schemes, he added.
Regarding the MHRC, the acting chairperson said that the Commission will always be safeguarding the rights of the people.
As such, he urged people to seek the Commission's help instead of blocking roads and staging protests for any grievances.
Speaking on the occasion, Dr Dhanbir Laishram contended that Manipur's fate is at the hands of the students and the young people.
It is wrong to forget our origin, culture and tradition while engrossed in imitating the culture of others, he remarked.
AIMS president Saikhom Premchand observed that young children are somewhat becoming less fluent in their own mother tongue, owing to the assumption that ability to speak languages of Other people are sign of development.
It is the responsibility of each one of us to save our mother tongue, he asserted, while informing that AIMS will continue to monitor the different schools in the state as it has been doing so in the past.
Later, as part of the anniversary celebration, a 'Tapta Musical Night' was organised at Tiddim Ground in the evening.