Descendants of Anglo-Manipuri war heroes honoured
Source: Chronicle News Service

Imphal, January 24 2022: Chief of Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), Dr Mohan Bhagwat on Sunday honoured the descendants of Anglo-Manipuri war heroes during a book release function held at Rajarshi Bhagyachandra Skill Development Centre (RBSDC), Haraorou, Imphal East.

While calling the event a proud moment for all Indians, the RSS chief honoured the descendants of the war heroes by presenting a memento and a shawl each. "The country has completed 75 years of independence because of the sacrifices made by our forefathers.

Many Manipuris participated in the freedom struggle and some of them were sentenced to death, even Maharaja Kulachandra Singh of Manipur with 22 others were sent to Kalapani.

The people of Manipur have also contributed the same as other states did in the freedom struggle of the country and it should be made known to all," Mohan Bhagwat said.

India is not based on religion but on dharma.

The freedom fighters not only fought for freedom, but also for dharma.

The sacrificing spirit of our forefathers is in our blood and their contribution made the whole country strong, he said.

"Making India a material and spiritually prosperous nation would be our befitting tribute to them.

But, to lead the world as vishwaguru we need to change our strategy," said the RSS chief while citing the dedication of Israelis in establishing Israel as a nation and becoming one of the most powerful nations.

He also suggested translation of the book into Manipuri and other Indian languages so that everyone can read and understand the contribution of Manipur in the freedom struggle.

The book entitled 'Unsung Anglo-Manipuri War Heroes at Kalapani' was released by the RSS chief and titular king of Manipur Leishemba Sanajaoba, who is also a Member of Rajya Sabha.

Earlier in the morning at RBSDC, Mohan Bhagwat paid floral tribute to Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose on his 125th birth anniversary on the third day of his four-day visit to Manipur.

Co-author of the book, Hanjabam Sukhdev Sharma said that even in difficult times the war heroes of Manipur protested against the food provided for them while they were imprisoned at Mount Manipur (earlier Mount Harriet) as the type of food provided was against the Vaishnavite culture.

They cooked their own food and continued to survive with strong Vaishnavism, he added.

When the Manipuri war heroes were not allowed to return home, they decided to rest till their last breath at holy pilgrimages like Nabadwip, Radhakund and Vrindavan.

Maharaja Bhagyachandra died at Nabadwip, while Maharaja Kullachandra died at Radhakund, Sukhdev Sharma further said while urging the government to preserve and promote the heritage.

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