World's Indigenous Peoples Day observed widely
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, August 09 2022: International Day of the World's Indigenous Peoples was observed today by different organisations in the State under the theme 'The role of indigenous women in the preservation and transmission of traditional knowledge'.

Vice Chancellor of DM University, Professor N Rajmuhon Singh has categorically stated that the indigenous people play a big role to preserve and safeguard the environment and biodiversity while speaking at the observation of the day held at LMS Law College, Chingmeirong today.

He further stated that it is the responsibility of everyone to protect one's culture, history, language, geographical area and so on which are of utmost significance for the progress of a society.

When such elements are at risk, it will eventually endanger the existence of the indigenous people, he added.

In connection with the theme of this year's observation of World's Indigenous Peoples Day, he maintained that indigenous women are the backbone of one's communities and they make significant contributions in preserving the ancestral knowledge and passing it on to the future generations.

Presenting the keynote address, Assistant Professor, Chongtham Momon said that the day is observed to protect the unique culture and traditions of the indigenous people and to safeguard their existence.

He also highlighted the importance of preserving one's indigenous languages.

The programme was also attended by former member of Manipur Human Rights Commission, Ng Nongyai and Principal, LMS Law College, Md Salatur Rahman as the presidium members while Assistant Professor, Department of Political Science and Human Rights, IGNTU, Regional campus, Manipur, Dr Homen Thangjam spoke as the resource person.

Kabui Union Manipur Kabui Union, Manipur; the All Manipur Kabul Women's Organisation; the All Manipur Kabui Students' Union and Kabul Customary Council jointly observed the day at the Kabui Union office.

Achungpuilu, General Secretary, AMKWO; Pou K Gangmumei Kabui, president of Kabui Customary Council; Dr K Heera Kabui, president of Kabul Union, Manipur graced the occasion as the presidium members.

MSA, MU
Meetei Students' Association, Manipur University (MSA, MU) in association with Manipur University Students' Union (MUSU) observed the International Day of the World's Indigenous Peoples at the conference hall of MIMS.

The programme was graced by Wangkhei AC MLA, Thangjam Arunkumar; president of MSA, MU, Haobijam Nikel; Head of Department of English and Cultural Studies, Professor Thounaojam Ratankumar; Head of Department of Education, Dr Premlata Maisnam and president of MUSU, Sanasam Steven as the presidium members, said a press release by MSA, MU.

Eenat Yokhat Lup Extending best wishes to the indigenous communities, Eenat Yokhat Lup (EYL) called for collective efforts to protect the dying culture and traditions of the indigenous communities in the State.

EYL in a press release also emphasized the need to promote the traditional attires, art forms etc by organising cultural meet to sensitize the youths and students ih particular to ensure the identity and distinctiveness is retained.

Further EYL appealed to all not to pose any form of harm to the historical and sacred places.

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