Source: Hueiyen News Service
Imphal, March 20 2010:
State education Minister, L Jayentakumar today expressed shame over the people (Meeteis) avoid going openly for worship at the Lainingthou Sanamahi Temple at Haying Khongbal at 1st Battalion Manipur Rifles even though they worship the almighty by keeping a place (Sanamahi Kachin) in their respective homes.
It is a shameful thing when they fear to go openly to the temple (Lainingthou) despite they worship the almighty in their respective homes at Sanamahi Kachin, minister Jayanta speaking that the Pioneer's Commemoration Day at the Lainingthou Sanamahi Shanglen, 1st MR complex, organised by the Kangleipak Puwariliba Apunlup (KPA).
The minister further observed that Hinduism is one of the highest philosophies in the globe is agreed and accepted by all.
But, Meetei should be proud of having its own philosophy which has no connection at all in any way with the Hindu philosophy.
People of this state surrounded by hills in all direction should be proud of having such a separate philosophy of its own, entirely different from other part of the globe, kept by the forefather, he said.
India is a country believed in secularism.
There is no restriction in following a religion of his/her choice.
As a people of this soil, everybody should try to push up the religion which was followed by the forefathers so as to preserve from vanishing.
Once it vanishes, the identity of the community will be lost forever, Jayantakumar concerned.
On the occasion, dignitaries led by the chief guest offered homage to the expired leaders of the Puwariliba like Sarungbam Kala of Salungbam, Chongtham Hera of Malom, Ayam Bidhu of Lamlong, Athokpam Thoiba of Nongmeibung and Thangjam Ibotombi of Yumlembam Makha Leikai with rich floral tributes.
Release of syllabus of Kangleipak Academy of Narrative Arts (KANA) founded by KPA and oath taking to the new officer bearers of the KPA for next term by the chief guest marked the occasion.
Among others the new officer bearers who took oath today included Sanasam Mani of Khundrakpam as president, Nongthonbam Mera of Kangla Chingarel Chingkhong as vice-president and Namoi Tomba of Porompat Chuthek Soibam Leikai as secretary.
The function was presided over by president of the Lainingthou Sanamahi Temple Board, Irengbam Lukhoi.
President of the Ereibak Enath Kanba Lup, Tokpam Thawanlemba and Yaiskulakpa of Sanakonung, Elangbam Mitngamba attended as guests of honour.