Birth anniversary of Chingsubam Akaba held
Source: Chronicle News Service
Imphal, November 09 2022:
The 78th birth anniversary of Chingsubam Akaba, who was conferred the title of Luchingpurel for his contribution in rebuilding relationship between the hills and valley, and promoting indigenous language, script, culture, tradition and religion, was held along with the 9th foundation day of evening daily Pandam at the daily 's office, Sagolband Wahengbam Leikai, here, on Wednesday.
Speaking on the occasion, former president of Meetei Eerol Eeyek Loinasillon Apunba Lup (MEELAL) Moirangthem Naokhamba stressed that the present and future generations should never forget those who dedicated their lives for the sake of upholding and promoting the indigenous identity.
He recalled how Chingsubam Akaba played crucial role in the ihtroduction of Meetei Mayek in formal education and said that he will be remembered forever for his dedications and sacrifices.
Naokhamba also recalled how the late leader founded Meetei National Front in 1979 and worked to revive the Sanamahi religion and promote it.
He was the first to organise Puya Mei Thaba observance on the 23rd day of Wakching when he observed the day at Mongba-hanba forest.
At that time, the observance faced several disturbances but today the day is observed widespread due to the relentless contribution of the late leader and many others, he said.
Chingsubam Akaba was the founding president of MEELAL, which was formed in 2003 .
Under his leadership, MEELAL carried out a mass movement and as a result, Meetei Mayek was introduced in formal education from 2006 onwards.
Today, it has replaced Bengali script in Manipuri subject up to Master level, he said and also recounted the late leader's contribution in bridging the strained relationship between hills and valley with the call of blood brotherhood and by promoting Mera Hou Chongba festival into a statewide festival.
He was a leader with a vision and his contributions will be remembered by generations to come, said Naokhamba, who is also the managing editor of Pandam.
Pandam editorial board member Namoijam Tomba said that Pandam daily was first published as a morning daily in 1981 .
However, the publication stopped in 1983-due to certain circumstances until it was revived in 2012 and started publication as evening daily in 2013.Recalling the life and works of Chingsubam Akaba, Namoijam Tomba said that even though Akaba breathed his last before achieving the target he set, it was his relentless contribution that helped in bringing the identity of Meetei community to the forefront, he said.
Pandam editorial board member Maisnam Budha also attended the function, during which floral tributes were paid to the portrait of Chingsubam Akaba.
Pandam Thapalon (calendar) for 2023 was also released on the occasion.