"Samarendra's life story will help bring unity"
Source: Chronicle News Service
Imphal, June 10 2022:
Social Standard Club (SSC), Khurai Nandeibam Leikai, Imphal East observed the 22nd Arambam Samarendra Martyrdom Memorial Day at the Club's complex here on Friday, Similar observance functions were also held in different parts of the state by civil society organisations.
The observance at Khurai Nandeibam Leikai was held with pradhan Yumnam Chitra as chief guest and SSC vice president Ranabala Thokchom as president, while SSC advisor Salam Ibopishak, All Manipur Reformation and Development Association president Thokchom Ramani, Apunba Manipur Kanba Ima Lup president Lourembam Ngangbi Devi and Khurai Khunphamlen Leimarel Sintha Kanglup secretary Salam Muktabali as guests of honour.
Speaking on the occasion, Yumnam Chitra urged the present generation to follow in the footsteps of Aramabam Samarendra, adding that his works continue to guide the masses and act as the glue uniting the different communities of the state.
His various works are increasingly becoming a reflection of contemporary society, she said and invited all to utilise his ideas and efforts towards building a united Manipur.
Club advisor Salam Sa-mungo Meitei recounted that a seminar of All Manipur Shumang Leela was organised under the supervision of Samarendra at Kangjabi Meitei Chanu Artistes cum Association in 2000, which was attended by many writers and artistes of the state.
Around 10.40 am, one Rajen Toijam was presenting his paper, when a man shot at Samarendra, thereby killing him.
SSC then joined hands with Arambam Samarendra Trust and began constructing the memorial the same year and completed it in early 2003.The observance is followed annually by a Moirang Parva performance by Kangjabi Meitei Chanu Artistes cum Association, he added.
As part of the observance, floral tributes were offered to the portrait of the deceased litterateur.
Patriotic Writers' Forum (PAWF), Manipur also observed the 22nd death anniversary of Arambam Samarendra at Manipur Press Club here on Friday.
The observance was attended by Film Forum Manipur (FFM) chairman Laimayum Surja-kanta Sharma as chief guest; PAWF president Naoroibam Khamba Luwang as president, Forum patron member Dr S Manaoton as guest of honour, and Forum Tripura Branch president Gurumayum Biplab Sharma as special guest.
Delivering the keynote address, PAWF, Manipur secretary Rakesh Naorem said that the Forum recognises Samarendra as a true patriot of Manipur.
His play, 'Leipaklei' won the Sahitya Akademi Award in 1995 and he was also a renowned teacher of Thang-Ta.
In addition, late Samarendra worked for empowering women of Manipur and it is ironic that he was shot dead by a man during a discussion to uplift women artistes and directors.
Arambam Samarendra is also a pioneer writer of Manipuri films, he stated.
Meanwhile, in connection with the 22nd death anniversary of Arambam Samarendra, Ningol Club and Youth Brilliant Club (YBC) jointly organised one-day Mukna (wrestling) competition at the community hall of Heirok Part-11 Ngarouthel on Friday.
The competition was attended by Ningol Club president Sophiya Khundongbam, Heirok Part-III GP pradhan Ningthoujam Tangba, Heirok Part-II GP nominee pradhan Thokchom Premjit and Heirok Part-I GP pradhan Laishram Khamba Singh as presidium members.
CADA vice-president Dipanjit Ningthoujam, Lamjing Lup vice presidents Ningthoujam Chalamba Meitei, Khaidem Ratan and Sugnu Apunba Lup president Khaidem Ibomcha were special invitees and invitee respectively.
In all, 14 players participated in the competition.