State to set up panel to 'verify' books
Source: The Sangai Express / DIPR

Imphal, August 20 2022: Chief Minister N Biren has stated that a State level committee would be set up under Education Department to check and regulate books published in the State, specially those related to history.

He was speaking at the 31st Manipuri Language Day observation held today at Maharaj Chandrakirti Auditorium, Palace Compound.

The observation was organized by the Manipuri Language Day State Level Celebration Committee in collaboration with the Department of Art & Culture and Directorate of Language Planning and Implementation.

Lamenting that many books have been published distorting history of the land, the Chief Minister informed that a State level committee would be set up under the Education Department to check and regulate books published in the State specially those related to history.

N Biren paid his respect to all those who were involved in the movement for inclusion of the Manipuri language in the 8th Schedule.

"There are not many good published works on our history and our forefathers' struggle", Biren said and appealed to intellectuals, scholars, historians, etc of the land to do the needed research and publish their works based on truth and facts.

Stressing on the need to protect what has been left by the ancestors, he said "We have to protect our land, identity and language".

Biren emphasised the need to educate the younger and future generations on history, nationalism, concepts of nation-building and the obstacles faced by the forefathers.

The Chief Minister proposed a three-month course for those willing to study the dialects and languages of different communities of the State.

This will encourage interaction amongst the people and help in building unity and nationalism, he observed.

The Chief Minister also proposed schemes to develop local language dictionaries and help in developing and protecting the languages and dialects.

Education Minister and Manipuri Language Day State Level Celebration Committee chairman Th Basanta Kumar Singh said that today is a significant day for the State as the Manipuri language was included in the 8th Schedule on this day in 1992.The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) has classified all languages of the world and categorized the Manipuri language under vulnerable classification, he said, expressing the importance of promoting and preserving the language.

The Minister further stated that under the leadership and advice of Chief Minister N Biren, efforts are on seeking recognition of the Manipuri language as the 7th classical language of India.

PWD Minister Govindas Konthoujam and Rajya Sabha MP Leishemba Sanajaoba also attended the observation.

Altogether 17 organisations which are parts of the Manipuri Language Day State Level Celebration Committee were also handed certificates of appreciation.

It may be mentioned that Konkani, Manipuri and Nepali were added in the 8th Schedule by the 71st Amendment Act of 1992 .

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