Fitting homage paid to Lamyanba Irabot
Source: The Sangai Express / DIPR

Imphal, September 30 2020: The 124th birth anniversary of Hijam Irabot was observed extensively in the State today with people from different walks of life turning to poay homage to the departed leader.

Chief Minister N Biren Singh led others in paying floral tributes to the statue of Hijam Irawat at Irawat Square, Lilashing Khong-nangkhong, Thangmeiband, Imphal today.

Deputy Chief Minister Y Joykumar, Cabinet Ministers, MLAs, Chief Secretary, DGP and various high ranking officials also offered their tributes to Jananeta Irawat.

Speaking to media persons, the Chief Minister said that people should not forget the contribution of the great leader who selflessly dedicated his life for the welfare of the society.

Let us follow his ideals, thoughts and work towards inclusive development in the State, he added.

Fitting homage paid to Lamyanba Irabot

It may be mentioned that the 124th Birth Anniversary of Hijam Irawat (Irawat Day) is being celebrated across the State and various parts of North East India by different organizations.

CPI, Manipur State Council in collaboration with Roop Raga, Manipur and Manipur State Shumang Leela Council observed the day at Iboyaima Shumang Leela Shanglen, Palace Compound.

Unlike previous observations, there was no march past competition this year due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

During the programme, veteran comrades of CPI, artist of Roop Raag and Shumang leela paid floral tributes at the statue of Irawat.

The artistes present performed a play, sang songs in honour of Hijam Irawat.

On the occasion, State secretary of CPI, MSC, L Sotinkumar said that Hijam Irawat, a visionary leader, was born on September 30, 1896 .

Apart from many noble things, Irawat also started a movement to ensure girl education, Sotinkumar said, asserting the Jananeta also advocated promoting Manipuri language and literature in the State and beyond.

Saying that Manipur is scarce of leaders like Irawat today, Sotinkumar claimed that only corrupt individuals and drug dealers have come out to represent the public today.

Irawat Celebration Committee chairman, Dr Nara said that the State today is far from what Irawat had envisioned as wrongdoers are often protected.

A State which is free from oppression, and gives equal opportunity to one and all is what Irawat had dreamt of, he added.

Naba Wareppa stated that today's generation has much to learn from Irawat and expressed a desire for students to research on him so as to spread his ideology further.

Awards were also conferred on 11 individuals including Dr Th Uthan, Psychiatrist Dr RK Lenin, TOM TV Editor Jit Ningomba, social worker Nekhothang Haokip etc.

Under the aegis of the Protection and Preservation Committee Manipur (PPCM), Lamyanba Irabot Ningshing Thouram Observation Committee (LINTOC) observed the 124th birth anniversary of Lamyanba Hijam Irabot at the head office of All Manipur Students' Union (AMSU) at DM College complex.

A press release issued by LINTOC said that people from different parts of the State paid tributes at the statue of the Lamyanba, today.

Comprehending that observing this anniversary is important to make it more meaningful, the committee said observing the birth anniversary of the great leader just as a calendar programme would be wrong.

It stated that the Lamyanba launched many agitations against the then King of Manipur and the British for violating the rights of fellow Manipuris during his lifetime.

Irabot also encouraged many who were oppressed by the then ruler of the State and the British political agents to fight for their freedom, the statement continued.

Irabot firmly believed in agriculture and its potential to be the backbone of the State's economy, it continued adding that studying the works and vision of the leader is the need of the hour.

LINTOC asserted that Irabot was a man of many talents and his contribution in the field of arts, sports and journalism will be remembered for years.

Saying that Manipur needs a leader like him who was loved and supported by the masses, the committee maintained that the State is lagging behind in terms of development as leaders today only criticise others without introspection.

Following the footsteps of Irabot is imperative to take the State forward, it added.

PPCM convenor, Jitendra Ningomba; LINTOC, convenor, S Ratankumar and finance sub-committee, convenor, Kh Gope Luwang attended the programme as presidium members.