Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, August 28 2009:
The awakening march (yakai khongchat) set off on August 13, the 122nd birth anniversary of Laininghal Naoriya Phullo under theme 'Let us identify our forefathers' wound up at Thongju Pheija Leitong today.
The concluding function was jointly organised by the International Asiatic Meetei Cultural Youth Organisation which is a subordinate organisation of the Apokpa Marup and Students Welfare Committee, Thongju Pheija Leitong.
The marchers coming from Tripura, Silchar, Sylhet, Cachar, Rongpur, Hojai, Lanka and Jaribon were accorded a warm reception during the concluding function.
Release of souvenir and cultural programmes were the main features of the function.
Naoriya Phundrei (Phullo) was a pioneer revivalist of the Meitei indigenous cult, religion and tradition.
He is widely regarded as a religious leader and also a philosopher who put a new life to then dying Manipuri indigenous religion and culture in the face of the Hinduism which has started taking firm roots in the then Manipuri society.
He established the Apokpa Marup in 1930, an article in the souvenir mentioned.
The awakening march was flagged off from Yumnam Huidrom on August 13 .
They were received at Nambol Khoriphaba on August 16 and Konthoujam on August 20 .
The concluding function held at Thongju Pheija Leitong today was graced by Dean of Central Agricultural University Prof Naorem Iboton, senior citizen Nepram Mohondas and SWC Pheija Leitong advisor Thingujam Gokulchand as chief guest, president and guest of honour respectively.
Editor of the Naharolgi Thoudang daily Khoirom Loyalakpa, retired teacher from Tripura, Yumnam Gopika, Haobam Shantikumar of Jaribon, lecturer of South East Manipur College Ningombam Amuba and Headmaster of Sishu Milan School Kangujam Nganba spoke on the occasion.