Irawat remembered on his 59th death anniversary
Source: Hueiyen News Service

Imphal, September 26 2010: Hijam Irabot, the pioneer of revolutionary movement in Manipur was remembered on his 59th death anniversary with various functions, the main function being offering of floral tributes to the life size statue of the multi-faceted man at Pishumthong.

Hijam Irabot (September 30, 1896-September 26, 1951), also known as Jana Neta Hijam Irabot, was an active political and social activist during the British rule in Manipur.

He took a major role in the womens protest against British in the Second Nupilal (Women War), 1939.He died on this day in 1951 at Ango hill in Myanmar on his way back after building up a revolutionary movement against the British rule.

The offering of floral tributes to the statue at the birth place of Irabot, was led Health and Family Welfare minister, Ph Parijat.

CPI leaders and workers offering salute to Jananeta Hijam Irawat at Pishum

Many CPI leaders and followers of Irabot, Moirangthem Ibohal, chairman of CPI Control Committee, N Binoy, president, Senior Citizens of Manipur, MLA N Mangi, Langoljam Iboyaima, state secretary CPI, secretarial member B Sharma, Dr S Naran, president of Irabot Memorial Trust, Pishum were among those paying homage to the leader of yesteryear.

MLA Mangi, taking part in the floral tribute offering, said.

September month is a very important so far as the life of Irabot is concerned adding that it was during this month that Irabot was born, jailed, turned revolutionary, and died.

Irabot Memorial Trust jointly with Irabot Foundation Manipur also organized a function at Irabot ground at Keibi to mark the observation of the 59th death anniversary of Irabot.

MLA RK Anand graced chief guest of the function.

Speaking on the occasion, RK Anand said "if we are unable to take the path of Irabot, we must agree that we are not Manipuris".

It is unique such a genius was born in this land surrounded by hills.

He will be among the world's famous persons if he were born in another part of the world.

He was man with vision.

He had paved the future of the state.

The present chaotic situation in the state has been created by "us" .

The observance function was marked by offering salutes to Irabot by march past contingents, offering of floral tributes at Keibi hill where Irabot took shelter when he became sub rosa.

IMT president, Ningthoukhongjam Rashi, AFM vice president, AC Sidam and its general secretary, Sengoi Luwang were among the dignitaries present in the function.

All Manipur Progressive Farmer Association also remembered Irabot as the leader of the peasants and the weaker sections of the society with a function under the theme "Not Depend on Others for Food" held at Iboyaima Shumang Leela Shanglen.

Agriculture Director, L Phalandro, who graced the function as chief guest recalled Irabot's efforts for the upliftment of farmers of the state and that he (Irabot) knew that the society needed economic independence to march ahead in development.

He exhorted the farmer present in the function to gain self sufficiency in food grain production and said that with the increase of population, food production also needs to be enhanced.

For enhancing production, farmer should apply latest technical knowhow, and his department is always ready to help them in the application of scientific methods of farming.

This will be the true tribute we can give to Irabot, he added.

The Irabot Birth Anniversary Celebration Committee also organised a state level painting competition for students.

Hundreds of students from various schools across the state took part in the competition held at GP Women College, Imphal.