Meetei Mayek (Manipuri Script) Summer Camp launched in Kolkata to Promote Manipuri Heritage
- May 24 to June 8, 2025 :: Manipuri in Kolkata (MIK) -

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Meetei Mayek Summer Camp Kicks Off with Enthusiasm MIK, Kolkata Organized by Manipuri in Kolkata (MIK), the camp runs from May 24 to June 8, 2025, on weekends (Saturdays and Sundays) from 8:00 PM to 9:00 PM IST via Zoom/Google Meet (links shared upon registration). Open to all ages above 5 years - children, adults, everyone!

The sessions feature expert faculty including Dr. Lukram Ingocha Meetei and Ms. Aribam Eliza (Babyrani), along with invited Meetei Mayek specialists through MEELAL. Participants will learn the ancient script, connect with Manipuri heritage, and engage in interactive activities such as quizzes, writing practice, and cultural stories.

The program aims to spread knowledge and promote community growth with zero fees. The much-anticipated Meetei Mayek Summer Camp commenced on Saturday, May 24, 2025, promising an enriching week dedicated to the promotion and preservation of Meetei Mayek (Manipuri script).

The inaugural event was held in the evening with a warm welcome note by MIK President, Shri Laishram Gopeshwor Meitei, followed by an insightful speech on the objectives of the 2025 Summer Camp by Secretary General Mr. Keisham Rojit Singh.

The first day featured an engaging class on Meetei Mayek led by Dr. Lukram Ingocha Meetei, the Course Coordinator for the camp. During his presentation, he provided a brief overview of the gradual process of introducing Meitei Mayek into the school curriculum in Manipur.

While the script was officially approved in 1980, complete implementation in schools took several milestones: in 1983, "Meetei Mayek Tamnaba Mapi Lairik" was introduced as a textbook for Class VI, and in 2005, the Manipur government, under pressure from MEELAL (Meetei Erol Eyek Loinasillol Apunba Lup), issued an order to implement the 27-letter Meitei script system for classes 1 and 2 starting in 2006.

Today, Meetei Mayek is fully integrated into schools and universities across Manipur. Notably, in 2022, the first batch of students who learned Meitei Mayek in school began their master's degrees, marking a significant milestone.

Dr. Lukram highlighted the importance of making Meetei Mayek more accessible and emphasized ongoing efforts, including the demand by Manipur's MP to include Meetei Mayek as a main subject in UPSC exams, given that it is a scheduled language. He also mentioned that a transliteration/publication committee has been formed to convert books written in Bengali script into Meetei Mayek.

Manipur University has set up a committee to facilitate the transliteration of 101 textbooks for MA (Manipuri) into Meetei Mayek, aiming to refer materials more accessible to students. In addition, the presentation touched on technological advancements, including the development of fonts for computers and mobile apps, keyboard layouts for digital devices, integration with Google translate, and the potential for AI-based tools to promote Meetei Mayek literacy and usage.

The camp aims to promote pride and knowledge of Meetei Mayek among youth and cultural enthusiasts, ensuring its continued vitality and relevance in modern times. Participants and attendees expressed great enthusiasm for the upcoming sessions, eager to deepen their understanding of Manipuri heritage. A valedictory class with a test and certificate will conclude the camp, emphasizing the importance of preserving roots and mastering the script. Join us to embrace your identity, from Kangla to Kolkata. Please rewrite for TV news and newspaper

Meetei Mayek (Manipuri Script) Summer Camp Launches in Kolkata to Promote Manipuri Heritage

The Meetei Mayek Summer Camp, organized by Manipuri in Kolkata (MIK), officially kicked off this weekend with great enthusiasm. The two-week camp, running from May 24 to June 8, is held on weekends (Saturdays and Sundays) from 8:00 PM to 9:00 PM IST via Zoom and Google Meet, with links shared upon registration. Open to all age groups above five years - including children and adults - the program aims to foster pride in Manipuri culture and language.

The inaugural event featured warm welcomes from MIK President Shri Laishram Gopesh or Meitei and Secretary General Mr. Keisham Rojit Singh. Participants participated in engaging sessions led by renowned experts such as Dr. Lukram Ingocha Meetei and Ms. Aribam Eliza (Babyrani), along with invited Meetei Mayek specialists from MEELAL. Attendees are learning the ancient Manipuri script through interactive activities including quizzes, writing exercises, and storytelling.

During the first day, Dr. Lukram provided an insightful overview of the history and development of Meetei Mayek, highlighting its integration into schools across Manipur since the 1980s and milestones such as the introduction of textbooks and government initiatives. He also discussed ongoing efforts to make the script more accessible through technology, including computer fonts, mobile apps, and AI tools.

The camp aims to inspire youth and cultural enthusiasts to connect with their roots and ensure the script's vitality in modern times. The program will culminate with a valedictory session featuring a test and certification, emphasizing the importance of preserving Manipuri heritage.

Participants and organizers expressed excitement about deepening their knowledge and promoting Meetei Mayek among future generations. The event underscores a collective effort to celebrate and preserve Manipuri language and culture beyond borders, from Kangla to Kolkata.