Puya Meithaba
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, January 27 2013 :
The 284th anniversary of Puya Meithaba (burning of holy scriptures) would be at different places of the State as well as at Montreal, Canada on February 4 .
Forceful proselytization of the people of Manipur created divisions among the people.
Manipur can be a very strong nation if the hill people and plain people are united, said former Minister RV Mingthing.
Speaking to media persons today, RV Mingthing who is also chairman of the International Observation Committee on Puya Meithaba stated that what Bible and Quran are to Christians and Muslims, Puyas are to the Meiteis.
Puyas are the way of life and also guide for the future, he asserted.
Saying that Manipur badly needs a social reformation, Mingthing called upon youngsters to take the pivotal role.
Chief convenor of the committee N Tomba said that the committee would organise this year's observation in collaboration with the Manipur State Shumang Leela Council and the All Manipur Recognised Private Schools Welfare Association.
As a part of the Puya Meithaba observation, school students would wear black badges starting with the students of Sacred Heart School, Porompat from February 2 .
A painting competition for students would be held at Jiribam Higher Secondary School as a part of the commemorative function which would also be organised at Moreh.
At Imphal, the function would be held at Kangla Uttra Mamang at 8 am of February 4 .
After paying floral tributes to the pundits/scholars of the past, a public meeting would be held at Iboyaima Shumang Leela Shanglen starting from 10 am.
For this year, the Maichou Ningshing Mana would be conferred on Sanabam Khamba for his remarkable contribution in the Meitei revivalist movement and the Chingmi Tammi Nungshi Lipun Mana to the Maram Khullen Namdi Village Authority Council secretary Joshua Luikang Maram.
The two awards carry a cash prize of Rs 10,000 and citation each.
A special play named Kangleipakta 1709 would be staged at the Shumang Leela Shanglen at 3 pm of February 4 .
The chief convenor sought public support and participation in the commemorative function and also not to call blockade or bandh on the day.
A wall poster related with the commemorative function of the Puya Meithaba eveny was also released today during the press meet.