Meeteis urged to unite, uphold culture
Source: Chronicle News Service

Imphal, May 09 2024: The Khwai Lamphelpat branch of Meitei Huyen Lalorig Shintam Shanglen, Satjal Academy has been established at Naorem thong Khumanthem Leikai near NG College under the Kadangband battalion of the academy, on Thursday.

Speaking as chief guest of branch inauguration programme organised under the aegis of Universal Friendship Organisation (UFO) formerly Satjal, Horticulture and Soil Conservation Department director K Debadutta Sharma noted that the Meetei community is not only courageous but also highly disciplined, adhering to societal norms since time immemorial.

Expressing that if united, there is nothing the Meeteis cannot accomplish, he pointed out that the Meeteis used to be held in high esteem in the entire northeast, which, however, seem to have declined due to failure to uphold unique characteristics and traditional values consequently leading to Manipur presently confronted with the challenge of safeguard its emotional and territorial integrity.

Emphasising on strengthening social and political structures of the Meetei community for a progressive Manipur, he said that when Meeteis reside in a society that takes pride in its identity, it is believed that the community can collectively revive its values and culture.

While stating that the UFO is a well organised entity, Debadutta said it has been serving as a platform for imbibing self-discipline, respecting and following the guidance of leaders and fostering unity among its members.

Hence, there is the need to adhere to Satjal's principles to enable Meeteis embrace and uphold their cultural values.

He also said that there are numerous lessons to be learned from Satjal, particularly their adeptness at fostering peaceful coexistence through unity.

Satjal's ability to establish numerous units across the state underscores their capacity to unite and collaborate transparently, devoid of ulterior motives, thereby exemplifying the core ideas in building a firm and vibrant Meetei society.

Despite all these, there is always the need for funds and to build source of income generation while trying to lead forward towards development, he said while adding that if at all the government provides land to the organisation it could be developed into integrated farming for generating income.

The income earned from the integrated farming could be deposited into the UFO's fund to aid management of the organisation, stressed the chief guest, and assured to extend all possible help from personal level as well as from the side of the department.

Presided over by cultural activist Makhonmani Mongshaba, the function was also attended by advocate Kh Kanta Khanganba, RIMS associate professor Dr S Gojendra and N Singhajit as guests of honour.

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