State unites in saluting motherhood on Mother's Day
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, May 13 2012: Joining other parts of the World, the International Mother's Day was widely observed in the State today.

With the theme, 'Mothers hold their children's hands for a short while, but their hearts forever,' the International Mother's Day was celebrated at Manipur Baptist Convention (MBC) Centre Church, Chingmeirong today amidst grandeur.

As a part of the celebration, Zamdei Duidang (75) of Khongnang Ani Karak, who originally hails from Ukhrul district's Grihang Village, was crowned with the 'Mother of the Year,' title.

Speaking at the occasion, Zamdei Duidang said crime against women amounts to committing matricide while referring to the ever increasing crime against women in the State in the recent past.

'Crime against women in various degrees and forms has become a frequent happening in the State in the recent past causing insecurity and panic among the fairer sex community,' Zamdei said in a chat with The Sangai Express.

Mother's Day celebration underway at MBC

She feels that killing a wife/woman is nothing different from killing one's own mother while adding that the respect and status women enjoy in the Society has diminished as is evident with the increasing crime against women.

She urged all women to make a pledge to nurture their children under their warmth and love on this occasion and influence them to respect others.

Mother of six children, Zamdei Duidang is a retired nurse while her husband Aring Duidang (83) was a contractor.

Her eldest son is now an Inspector in the Police Department, the middle one a businessman while the youngest son is a CO in the CRPF.

Two of her daughters are in Government service�the eldest being a headmistress and the middle one a teacher, while the youngest daughter is employed in a private boarding house.

At the same time, the International Mother's Day was also celebrated by CLK today.

Presentation of gift to several women of the State who lead others in every field marked the International Mother's Day celebration organised by the Chanura Lamjinglen Kangleipak (CLK) at its office located at Keishampat.

The occasion was graced by H Ibotombi, adviser of IPSA and president of CLK, Thoudam Chanu Tampakleima as the chief guest and president respectively while the guests of honour were President of Kanglamei, Y Leirik Leima; President of AMKIL, Ph Shakhi Leima and president of Poirei Leimarol, L Memchoubi Leima.

Delivering the key-note address, general secretary of CLK, Laishram Lilabati said the International Mother's Day celebration was first conceived by Anna Jarvez and the first Mother's Day was observed on May 10, 1908 at Philadelphia in the USA as a Church programme.

The occasion came to be widely celebrated all over the World following the proclamation made by the Governor of West Virginia in 1910 which was followed by a subsequent proclamation made by the then US President Woodrow Wilson in 1914 .

She said the CLK first organised the Mother's Day in 2003 and since then it has become an annual event to honour the mothers.

Stating that women of the State are leading on the front in every field and they are instrumental in lifting the State in the international arena, Lilabati called on the gatherings to contribute their might towards the protection of the State's territorial integrity.

Speaking at the occasion, Sapamcha Jadumani of FREINDS exhorted the women to take the lead role in fighting the societal evils and various degrees of crime that has soared during the last few years.

The occasion was also celebrated in various places and Churches of the State today with a simple yet meaningful gifts to the mothers.