EMA organises annual get-together at Margate
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, September 05 2011: The annual general meeting and social gathering of the European Manipur Association (EMA) was recently held from August 26 to 28 at Margate, one of the most popular seaside holiday resorts on the eastern coast of Kent, United Kingdom.

Many individuals and families of Manipur origin who are currently staying in Europe attended the annual social gathering, the event has become one of the most significant yearly event of the EMA members to come together on a common platform and share a memorable weekend of discussing current issues, enjoying cultural activities, savouring traditional culinary thereby creating a sense of togetherness, said an e-mailed press release.

It added, continuing EMA's effort to share and promote authentic local dishes from various parts of Manipur, the attending members brought home-made delicacies of different varieties on the first evening of the get-together.

Members also shared authentic traditional Manipuri herbs and vegetables grown lovingly at their gardens in Europe.

The evening came to an end after a series of mini meetings and gatherings of members, exchanging greeting, views and ideas on different issues ranging from personal to current burning topics of Manipur.

The general body meeting of the association was inaugurated by the outgoing Chairperson, Dr Shamurailatpam Krishnananda Sharma on the morning of August 27, followed by organisational reporting from the outgoing General Secretary, Santosh Sougrakpam, Treasurer, Guneshwar Mayanglambam and Information Secreatry, Shanjoy Mairembam respectively, to update members on the various projects, activities and achievements of EMA during the previous year.

A heart-warming farewell was given to the outgoing committee, followed by the election of new committee members for the period 2011-2013 .

Okram Bishwajit and Khangembam Somorendro have been elected as Chairperson and General Secretary respectively.

As part of promoting cultural activities especially among the young members, five-year-old Marina Yaiphabi Mayanglambam performed a mesmerising Thoibi jagoi (Thoibi dance) in full traditional attire, followed by brief information on the symbols and meaning behind the Meitei jagoi (Meitei dance).

The spirit of culture was followed by the indispensable Manipuri sports spirit Football, Thouri-Chingnabi and Chaphu-Thugaibi.

Finally the day was concluded with an intellectual and thought provoking book exhibition hosted by Elangbam Bishwajeet, displaying rare collections of medieval Meiteilon literature and books related to World War II in Manipur.

On behalf of the Association, the new EMA committee requests all the people of Manipur origin living across Europe, of any belief, ideology and ethnicity, to be part of the EMA family and support EMA in achieving its goal.

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