Meitei diaspora from Myanmar feted
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, December 04 2015 :
Meitei diaspora of Myanmar who came here to participate in the Manipur Sangai Festival 2015 were felicitated by different civil society organisations of the State today.
At a solemn function held at Khuman Youth Hostel under the aegis of AMUCO, the Meitei diasporas were presented token gifts and they shared dinner with civil society members of the State.
Speaking at the gathering, K Sundergopal (78), one of the senior Meitei diaspora from Myanmar said that people of Myanmar can no longer speak Manipuri (Meiteilon) and most of them have embraced Buddhism.
He expressed keen desire to teach traditional Manipur dance and music to the Meitei diaspora of Myanmar so that the present and future generations can understand their genealogy.
AMUCO president Dr Y Mani Khuman remarked that it was rare a opportunity to interact with the Manipuri diaspora who share close filial relationship with the people of Manipur.
Although it was earlier reported that there were around one lakh Meitei people in Myanmar, the figure has now shrunk to just around 10,000 .
He then underscored the importance of preserving and promoting Manipur traditions and culture in Myanmar.
He also expressed keen desire to organise annual conventions with Manipuri diaspora/emigrants who have settled in different countries.
Earlier today at Wangkhei Hijam Leirak today, six women Meitei of Myanmar were presented Chakhum Phi, Leikai Phi, Lamjao Phi and three Meitei men from Myanmar were presented traditional Manipuri pheijoms.
Speaking at the gathering, K Sundergopal said that there are around 10,000 Meiteis in Myanmar including 5000 Meitei Bamons.
He also expressed keen desire to forge closer ties and facilitate regular interaction between Meiteis of Myanmar and Manipur.