Jana Neta Irawat birth anniversary observed
Call to follow in his footsteps resound
Source: Hueiyen News Service

Imphal, September 30 2011: The 115th Birth Anniversary of Jana Neta Hijam Irawat was celebrated statewide today with the offering of floral tributes to the statues of Irawat as a mark of respect to the departed soul.

Lighting of torches and candles on the streets at night marked the observance of the day in most parts of the state with active participation of local clubs and civil organizations.

The main function was held at Imphal Mapal Kangjeibung organized by the Irawat Celebration Committee where floral tributes were also offered to the life-size portrait of Hijam Irawat.

As a part of the function 89 mass past contingents from different parts of the state gave salute to the portrait of Hijam Irawat.

Prior to the function held at Mapal Kangjeibung, the life size portrait of Hijam Irawat was brought from Irwat Bhawan to Mapal Kangjeibung in the form of a rally.

Editor of Sangai Express, Khogendra Khomdram was conferred the Meghachandra Journalist award, 2011 by the Irawat Celebration Committee on the occasion.

Speaking on the occasion Agriculture Minister, Ph Parijat said that Jana Neta Hijam Irawat was a true leader of the peasants, the poor and the weaker sections of society.

He was a torch bearer of the Manipuri society, and a symbol of sacrifice.

A contingent of girls taking part in the march past as part of the Lamyanba Irawat birth anniversary observation

The Health Minister also recalled the strong opposition of Irawat to the move of the central government to form 'Purbanchal' by amalgamating states in the northeastern for which he was declared an Underground.

It was due to his strong opposition that Manipur exists as it is today.

He further went on to say that there is need to break the spirit of all those who are trying to shatter the bond of love and brotherhood among the people of the hills and the plains.

There is also the need to for self sacrificing leader like Hijam Irawat who worked for the poor and the downtrodden and for the upliftment of women in the society.

MLA N Mangi on the occasion said that Hijam Irawat was a leader who had left no stone unturned for the welfare of the people.

He worked for the basic rights of the people.

The Communist party which was established by him is the only party who can save the state from all menace.

The function was also attended by L Iboyaima Chairman, Control Commission, CPI, Manipur State Council, State Secretary, Comrade Dr M Nara, Proff IS Khaidem, retired VC, MU, AK Seram, President, Bangladesh Manipuri Sahitya Parishad, S Sorojini, President, All Manipur Nupi Marup and S Sakhi, VP of National Federation of Indian Women as presidium members.

The Jana Neta Hijam Irawat Memorial Charitable Trust also observed the day at Pishumthong Oinam Leikai, the birth place of Irabot.

The function was graced by Speaker, I Hemochandra, Health Minister L Jayentakumar and L Lukhoi as the Chief Guest, President and Guest of Honour respectively.

On the occasion, the Hijam Irawat Memorial International Award was conferred to AK Seram.

Speaking on the occasion Speaker I Hemochandra said that Hijam Irawat was a leader who showed the future generation what a true leader should be like.

The leaders of today should follow the paths of Hijam Irawat and proceed further.

He further went on to say that discussing the works of Hijam Irawat will last a lifetime.

He had hoped and worked to create a society where everyone is equal.

Minister L Jayentakumar said that the government declaring the Birth Anniversary of HIjam Irawat as a state holidy is not meant to forget all worries and celebrate.

It is meant to discuss minutely the life and works of Irawat and worked together as one.

The day was also observed by the Irawat Foundation with a one day training programme for the farmers at Iram Siphai Dramatic Hall, Iram Siphai Mayai Leikai.

The function was graced by L Palendro, Agriculture Director, Th Iboyaima, President of Irawat Foundation and Kh Lairen, oldest person in the locality as the Chief Guest, President and Guest of Honour respectively.

The 115th Birth Anniversary of Jana Neta Hijam Irawat was also observed at various places by different organizations like Youths' Club, Keishamthong Top Leirak, LYDA, Kwakeithel Leimakhujam Leikai, Kongpal Chanam Leikai Development Organisation, Imphal East United Clubs Organisation, Social United Clubs Organisation, Khurai, South bEastern United Clubs Organisation, Kongba, North Imphal United Clubs and Meira Paibi Organisation, Heingang Khabam Leikai, Singjamei to Lilong United Clubs Organisation, Lamyanba Irawat Celebration Committee, Kyamgei, Irawat Research and commemoration committee Manipur, Western all Clubs Association, Kyamgei Khagemba Youth Club, Pangal students organization, Manipur, All Manipur Students Union, Khonghampat branch, Naoriya Pakhanglakpa Kendra clubs' Co Ordinating Committee and Pakhangba cultural club, Mayaikoibi and Wide Angle Manipur, Moirang hanuba Leirak.

Meanwhile, volunteers of the Women Multi Development Association, Khurai Thangjam Leikai Tomal Makhong and Chaokhat Thourang Kanglup, Sega Road Thouba Bhabok Leikai organized social service camps at their respective places as a part of the observation.