Puya Meithaba event revisited
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, December 08 2011:
Meitei National Front Kangleipak (MNFK) is going to observed 283rd anniversary of Puya Meithaba (Burning of Ancient Manipuri Scriptures) observation from January 2 to 16 .
Addressing in a press conference held at Manipur press club today, the chief convenor of International observation committee on Puya Meithaba, Namoijam Tomba Meitei mentioned that MNFK has been organising the observation since 1978 .
By highlighting important events of the 15 day observation, the chief convenor said that the organising committee, in collaboration with All Manipur Recognised Private School Welfare Association, would launch the remembrance with a black day observation from January 2 to 7 by tagging black badges among school students.
He added that on January 8, a State level painting competition based on the theme "Puya Meithaba" for upto class X will be conducted at Ideal Club, Tera.
A discussion on Puya Meithabada Meeyamgi Wakhallon (People's view on burning of ancient Manipuri scriptures) will also be organised from January 9 to 12 .
The convenor further mentioned that, on January 13, Hoong Sidaba Dramatic Union, Thambalkhong will present a play "Kangla Phambalda Thambal" written by (L) Ningombam Angouton Meitei.
As part of the observation, a book on Puya Meithaba written by Dr W Romesh, Lecturer GP Women College would also be released on January 14 .
The main observation function of the 283 year observation would be organised with cultural and ritual function at 8 am of January 16 at Kangla Uttra Shanglen.
A public meeting would also be convened at Iboyaima Sumang Lilla Shanglen and the committee would give awards such as "Maichou Ningsing Mana" and "Chingmee Tammee Nungshi Leepun Mana" to prominent writer Chana Lukhoi and tribal folk singer guru Rewben Mashangva.
As closing ceremony, a play "Kangleipak ta 1709" written by Chana Lukhoi would be staged at Iboyaima Shanglen.
Further, the organising committee urged authority concerned to announce the day as State holiday and also took iniatiative to include the historical incident as a topic in the school curriculum.
The convenor has also appealed the civil society organisations, NGOs and public not to call any bandh or strikes during the observation.