Imphal, September 01 2010: Apunba Laininghal Ningshing Thourang Lup organised the 122nd birth anniversary of Naoriya Phullo at GM Hall today.

Paying floral tribute to the photograph of Naoriya Phullo and hoisting of flag marked the occasion.

Naoriya Phullo was born on August 29 (second day of Thawan in Manipuri lunar calendar), 1888 at Laishram Khun Mayai Leikai, Jaribon, Cachhar, Assam.

He brought back 36 indigenous alphabets of Meitei Mayek in 1936 at a time when Meitei custom, tradition and religion were weakened by Hindu traditions.

After making various efforts to regain the lost tradition of Meitei community and writing many books in this regard, Phullo breathed his last in 1941 .

Education Minister L Jayantakumar, IFCD Minister N Biren, Deputy Speaker Th Lokeshwar, PDA Chairman Kh Loken, MLA Salam Joy were presidium members of today's function.

Speaking at the occasion, Minister L Jayantakumar remembered Naoriya Phullo as a person who rekindled the Meitei philosophy, custom, tradition and religion.

Saying that Phollu sacrificed his life in evoking Meitei philosophy in the minds of the general public the Minister called on the gathering to follow his path.

Maintaining that people must not divide themselves on the lines of Meetei or Meitei and Kangleipak and Meitrabak, Jayantakumar exhorted to unite in order to propagate Meitei philosophy further.

Remembering Naoriya Phullo as the first Meitei who rediscovered the tradition of Meitei people, Dr Khwairakpam Loken said that there are still lot to do in finding out the lost tradition of the community.

Konsam Ibochou and Angom Silhenba Meetei also spoke in the function.

The birth anniversary of Naoriya phullo was also celebrated at MEELAL office today with offering of floral tribute and recounting his contribution in the preservation of Meitei art and cultural being the highlight of the day-long event. Prizes were also distributed on the occasion by dignitaries to position winners of a Meitei Mayek competition held on May 18 .

Considered a Meitei nationalist, Naoriya Phullo is held in high esteem by the majority community for his tireless effort in the preservation of Meitei tradition.

Renowned traditional medical practitioner and Padma Shree awardee Laishram Nabakishore and MEELAL president Moirangthem Naodalen-khomba graced the occasion as the chief guest and functional president respectively.

Delivering the key-note address MEELAL vice president M Naokhomba Meetei refreshed that upto the reign of king Pamheiba in about 1709 AD the then Manipuri society were under the influence of alien culture, tradition, religion and even language.

However, from 1730 AD due to perseverance of Naoriya phullo there had been revival of the ancient Meitei tradition and culture which till date is being sustained.

In 1930 Naoriya Phullo's endeavour subsequently led to the establishment of Malemgi Apokpa under which the Meitei tradition and belief are being preserved, Naokhomba maintained.

The pioneer figure, who also wrote several books on culture and tradition of the Meiteis is informed to have stressed that 'if we can't speak our own language then there is no hope of survival as a distinct community'.

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