Imphal, September 01 2010: The 114th birth anniversary of Hijam Irabot was observed widespread in the state today with the main function at Imphal Maphal Kangjeibung which was organized by the 'Irabot Month Celebration Committee'.

Offering of floral tributes to the statues of Irabot, lighting of torches and candles on the streets in the night marked the observance of the day in most parts of the state, under the guidance of local clubs and civil organizations.

At Imphal Mapal Kangjeibung where the main function was held.

Health and Family Welfare minister, Ph Parijat and leaders of CPI, Manipur State Council led the people in paying homage Irabot, also known as Jana Neta Hijam Irabot.

Irabot was born to awake the people of the state.

He was the leader of the peasants, the poor and the weaker sections of society.

He was atorch bearer of the Manipuri society, and a symbol of sacrifice, said Parijat speaking on the occasion.

The health minister recalled the strong opposition of Irabot to the move of the central government to form 'Purbachal' by amalgamating states in the northeastern region and said that it was due to his strong opposition that Manipur exists as it is today.

MLA N Mangi, CPI state secretary L Iboyaima, film maker A Shyam Sharma and renowned singer Dr Hamom Naba, Khollao Editor B Sharma, Y Ibeni, president of All Manipur Nupi Marup, chairman of the CPI Control Committee, Moirangthem Ibohal were other dignitaries who attended the observance function and recalled the life of Irabot as social reformer, politician and journalist.

The Janneta Birth Anniversary Committee also organized a function to mark Irabot's 114th anniversary at MDU Hall.

Former MP Nurul Hooda graced the function as chief guest.

He stressed the need for a thorough research on the life and works of Irabot stating that he was a multi-faceted man and a true leader of modern Manipur.

The Janneta Hijam Irabot Memorial Charitable Trust and Lamyanba Irabot Khongul Tung-inba Lup also observed the day at Pishumthong, the birth place of Irabot.

Education minister L Jayentakumar, chairman of Manipur State Women Corporation, AK Meerabai attended the function as chief guest and president respectively.

On the occasion, the Hijam Irabot Education Activist Award was conferred on Doren Khanganba.

The Hijam Irabot Memorial Best Teacher Award 2009-10 was conferred on assistant teacher Khuraijam Mala and best student award to Hijam Santibala, a student of standard-IX and Nongmaithem Osina Chanu.

Naharol Sahitya premee observed the day with president of Cultural Forum Manipur, Ng Nabachandra as chief guest.

The day was also observed at various places by different organizations, like All Manipur Young Pioneers Organisation, Yairipok branch, Students Cultural Committee, Nehru Yuba Kendra, Imphal, Youth and Environmental Welfare Association (YAEWA), Naorem Awang Leikai Rising Club, Naorem, Arapti Leikai Social Club, Patriotic Writers' Forum, Manipur, Manipur Pradesh Trinamool Congress, etc.

At Jiribam the day was observed by the Janneta Irabot Memorial Trust.

ADC Jiribam, Y Iboyaima, graced the function as chief guest which has presided over by the president of the organizing body.

In Moreh Irabot was remembered in an observance function held at Kondong Lairembi ground with participation of leaders of various communities residing in the border town.

SDC, Moreh, Ph Ibohal graced the function as chief guest which was presided over by additional SP, Moreh Y Ashokumar.

Presidents of MCM N Phunindro, ACODOM RK Sanayaima, MMCM, Md Huissain, KNAN Kh Keina, secretary of NKCLL Ahsarani, secretary of Tamil Sangam Ravichandra attended as guests of honour.

The Aimol Village Development Committee, Manipur (AVDC) observed the day at Kha Aimol village, Loktak Project with headman Khoisir Aimol and chairman of AVDC Awar Aimol as chief guest and president of the function.

The observance function was held under the joint initiative of Aimol Khullen Youth Organisation, Chandel district, Kha Aimol Youth Club, Churachandpur, Unapal Sporting Association, Chandel district, Aimol Satu Youth Sporting Cultural Organisation, Chandel district, United Kumbirei Pioneer Club, Chandel district, Aimol Chingnung Sporting Association, Chandel district, Aimol Khodamphai Youth Club, Chandel district, Ngairong Youth Club, Chandel, Chandonpokpi Youth Club, Chandel, Austere Sporting and Cultural Orgnanisation etc.

Presentation of songs written by Irabot, planting of tree saplings in Aimol villages and discussions on the life of Irabot marked the occasion.

In Ukhrul district, the 114th birth anniversary of Hijam Irabot was observed at Shotun (Somthar) village with mass participation by the villagers.

The function was organized by the Centre for Manipur Foundation in association with Somthar Village Authority.

Presentation of cultural dances of different tribes settling in and around Somdar village, and talks on the life of Irabot by resource persons marked the observance function which was graced as chief guest by L Subash, general secretary of CMF and presided over by chief of Somdar village P Thangmi.

Headman of Ringpham village, Yartio attended the function as guest of honour.

Speaking as chief guest Subash said that Irabot had not struggled for the upliftment of a particular community but all communities residing in the state.

At the concluding part of the function, cultural dances of Tangkhul, Maring and other tribes were presented.

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