Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, August 06:
In remembrance of the mass destruction caused in the US-bombing of Japan during the Second World War, the 62nd Hiroshima Day was observed under the aegis of Indo-Japan Friendship Association, Manipur at Nupi Lan complex here today.
Speaker of Manipur Legislative Assembly Dr S Budhichandra Singh and president of Indo-Japan Friendship Association S Rajmani Sharma were respectively chief guest and president of the function which was also attended by MLA M Munindro Singh and vice president of the Association N Ibomcha Singh as guests of honour.
In his address, Dr Budhichandra said despite the devastation caused to Japanese cities of Hiroshima and Nagashaki and the loss suffered in term of human lives and public properties during the Second World War, Japanese has emerged as one of the most developed and powerful countries in the world today.
This is mainly due to the hard working, patriotism, sacrificial spirit and discipline of the Japanese.
Manipuris should also emulate such qualities of the Japanese so that Manipur can develop at par with other Indian States.
In his presidential address, Rajmani Sharma observed that a strong sense of integrity among its people was the main deciding factor for emergence of Japan as a developed and powerful country from the ruins of the destruction it suffered.
Manipur can also become a developed State if there is such integrity among its people, he said, adding that it is to spread this message and inculcate the spirit patriotism and integrity among the people that the Hiroshima Day is being observed.
Joint secy of Indo-Japan Friendship Association, Manipur I Mangang who also spoke at the occasion presented a detailed account on the extent of destruction suffered in the after-math of bombing of Hiroshima city on August 6, 1985.From the day of the bombing till December of the same year, 40,000 people have been killed while many others maimed for life, he said.
Nilababu Oinam, another speaker, said Hiroshima has become a peace memorial city today.
Prizes were distributed among the winners of the painting competition organised in connection with the commemorative event at the occasion.