100 years of Manipuri drama observed
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, September 30 2025: The Critics Forum Manipur today celebrated 100 years of Manipuri drama at JN Manipur Dance Academy auditorium.

Speaking at the function, Rajya Sabha Member and titular king Leishemba Sanajaoba said that the past generations of Manipur worked by keeping Manipur or the National interest in the forefront while the present generation do everything with selfish motives or in personal interest.

"Given the present situation of Manipur, we need to study and understand the life stories of Manipuri heroes like Maharaj Narasingh", Sanajaoba said.

"If we can imbibe just 10 per cent of the sense of Nationalism which ran through the veins of Lamyanba Irabot, Narasingh Maharaj, Gambhir Singh Maharaj, Tikendrajit, Thangal General and Paona Brajabashi, we can save Manipur from its current state of affairs and lead the State in the right direction to some extent", the titular king said.

Manipur is now abound with problems and issues.

In order to resolve these problems and issues, it is imperative to instill a strong sense of Nationalism among all the youngsters, he said.

To instill a strong sense of Nationalism, the history of Manipur and the life stories of its heroes must be taught to the youngsters, Sanajaoba said.

Nationalism and patriotism should not be limited to martyrs' anniversaries or anniversaries of historical events.

Nationalism and patriotism should be manifested in every profession or vocation, he said.

Former HoD, Manipuri Department Dr Thokchom Ibohanbi and former Director, EMRC, MU and Critics Forum president Dr Nongthombam Premchand attended the function as guest of honour and president respectively.

A play "Narasingh: Awa Ngamba" written by late Lairenmayum Ibungohal Singh was also staged as a part of the function.

Comment