Manipur joins nation in celebrating 79th I-Day
Source: Chronicle News Service / DIPR

Imphal, August 16 2025: Manipur joined the rest of the nation in celebrating the 79th Independence Day on Friday, with the state-level function held at the 1st Manipur Rifles Parade Ground in Imphal.

Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla hoisted the National Flag, inspected the guard of honour, and took salute from 33 marching contingents led by parade commander 4th IRB commandant Pramesh Arambam.

In his address, the Governor said that the day was not only a commemoration of India's hard-won freedom but also a reminder of every citizen's responsibilities in a free, united, and democratic nation.

He recalled Manipur's role in the freedom movement, citing the Anglo-Manipur War of 1891 and the Nupi Lal uprisings of 1904 and 1939, and lauded the historic contributions of Manipuri women.

Manipur joins nation in celebrating 79th I-Day

He noted that since Independence, India had transformed from the shadows of Partition and poverty into the world's largest democracy and one of the fastest-growing economies.

Manipur, he said, had also progressed in social welfare, infrastructure, and economic empowerment.

Citing initiatives like the 'Hunar Se Rozgar' scheme, skill training for internally displaced persons, expanded border fencing, and campaigns under the Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan, the Governor said that these were aimed at building an inclusive and resilient future.

He added that the government had set a clear timeline for the safe and dignified return of IDPs to their homes, operationalised 11 IT centres in violence-affected districts, and carried out awareness drives under PM-DAJGUA programme for sustainable tribal development.

He also highlighted the newly launched Rs 1 lakh crore PM Viksit Bharat Rozgar Yojana as a transformative step for the nation's youth, urging Manipuri youth to seize the opportunity.

Pointing to the Union government's allocation of more than Rs 2,800 crore for Manipur, he called for unity, peace, and brotherhood, stressing that the best way to honour past sacrifices was to build a stable, dignified, and opportunity-filled future for all.

The parade featured contingents from JAKLI, Assam Rifles, BSF, CRPF, Manipur Rifles, IRB (male and female), Assam armed police, combined civil police, jail department, forest department, home guard, VDF, fire service, traffic police, NCC, NCC Air Wing, Sainik School, and various schools.

Bands from CRPF, Manipur Rifles, IRB, Home Guard, IW VDF, and Sainik School accompanied the march past.

On the occasion, the President's Medal for Distinguished Service was presented to retired MPS Elangbam Bhubaneshwor Singh.

The Police Medal for Meritorious Service, announced on Republic Day 2024, was awarded to IPS officer Kabib K, Inspector CID (SB) Oinam Premananda Singh, and Ukhrul Police ASI Laishram Ramkumar Singh.

Police Medals for Meritorious Service announced on Independence Day 2024 were presented to 1st IRB Jemadar Maibam Somorjit Singh, Senapati police ASI Chalamba Singh Ngangom, 8th MR Havildar Ashok Singh Oinam, 6th IRB Havildar Bonomali Singh Khangem-bam, 10th IRB Havildar Rojen Singh Mayanglambam, 4th IRB rifleman Nongthombam Biseswor Singh, 6th IRB rifleman Premjit Singh Potshangbam, and 6th MR rifleman Rinkahao Ruivah.

The celebration concluded with cultural performances showcasing the state's diverse traditions and heritage.

Apart from the state-level celebrations in Imphal, districts across the state also celebrated the 79th Independence Day with colourful parades, cultural performances and distribution of awards recognising service and achievement.

In Imphal East, the celebration at the DC's office complex, Porompat, was led by DC Dr Nivedita Lairenlakpam, who hoisted the National Flag, inspected the parade and highlighted the significance of the day while urging citizens to work for peace, progress and unity.

Certificates of appreciation were presented to individuals and organisations, including participants of Rangoli and Rakhi Making competitions under Har Ghar Tiranga Campaign.

Noney district's programme at Longmai III Public Ground saw DC Dr Sharath Chandra Arroju stress the district's growth potential through better connectivity and resources.

He cited progress in health, education, tribal welfare and entrepreneurship.

A 26-con-tingent march past, release of the district magazine Noney Scroll, cultural dances and awards to top-performing schools marked the day.

In Jiribam, the celebration at Jiribam Higher Secondary School ground was led by DC Krishna Kumar, who focused on constitutional values, equitable development and infrastructure growth.

Certificates were awarded to 53 individuals, and a district magazine Jiribam Today was launched.

Kangpokpi's event at Brigadier M Thomas Ground was presided over by DC Mahesh Chaudhari, who announced a dedicated traffic unit, public parking measures and steps to prevent highway encroachment.

Appreciation certificates were distributed, followed by cultural items from Thangal Naga, Thadou-Kuki and Nepali troupes.

At Tengnoupal High School ground, DC Saurabh Yadav spoke of freedom as a gift and a responsibility, urging unity, environmental protection and better education for children.

Certificates were awarded, sports materials distributed to youth clubs and schools, and Tengnoupal Today was released.

Senapati's celebration at Sanyi Dahrii Complex, Khabung Karong, was led by DC Mamoni Doley, who called for safeguarding sovereignty through honesty and hard work.

She highlighted initiatives like PM JANMAN and PM DAJGUA and the Clean Senapati River Campaign.

A total of 118 certificates were presented, and the district magazine Senapati Calling was launched alongside cultural items, including a rendition of Vande Mataram by six-year-old Bikila Stella.

Kakching district's event at DSA Ground was led by DC Rohit Anand, who detailed progress in rehabilitation of displaced persons, infrastructure and welfare schemes.

Kakching Today was released, and the programme featured cultural performances, a Red Cross mock drill, yoga and Wushu demonstrations.

Pherzawl district, under DC Mannuamching, celebrated with the theme Aadi Karmayogi, calling it a bridge between policy and people.

The DC highlighted the district's zero poppy cultivation success and upcoming infrastructure projects.

Certificates of appreciation were given to 52 individuals, and cultural items rounded off the programme.

In Thoubal, DC Ahanthem Subhash unfurled the National Flag and lauded the role of police during recent ethnic unrest while urging unity.

Certificates were awarded to officials for their dedicated service.

Bishnupur's celebration at the Mini Secretariat Complex was led by DC Pooja Elangbam, who paid homage to freedom fighters and highlighted achievements of line departments.

She noted that 45 relief camps were housing nearly 9,750 internally displaced persons, with livelihood programmes supporting them.

Bishnupur Tidings was released, and cultural performances followed.

In Tamenglong, DC Dr L Angshim Dangshawa hoisted the national flag and took the Rashtriya Salute at the Mini Stadium before a large gathering.

Altogether 43 contingents, including 5th Manipur Rifles, state police, CRPF, VDF, school students and others participated in the march past parade, with Christian Grammar School (girls) winning first place.

CMO Dr Majachunglu Gang-mei received the best district level officer award while other top-performing employees were also honoured.

In Churachandpur, DC Dharun Kumar S unfurled the tricolour at Tuibuong Peace Ground, where 33 contingents including civil police, CRPF, IRB, BSF, ex-servicemen and schools participated.

JNV Tuinom Boys Contingent bagged the first prize, followed by KSO Community School and JNV Tuinom Girls.

Appreciation certificates were presented to over 40 employees, life savers and 14 philanthropic organisations for their service.

Brig S Prashan Subramaniam and other officials also attended the event.

Chandel District celebrated the occasion at Maha Union Government Higher Secondary School, Japhou, with DC Laishram Nandakumar hoisting the tricolour.

ASP (Ops) Dr Ts Chamna Anal served as parade commander, leading contingents from security forces, students and government departments.

The event featured cultural performances, distribution of appreciation certificates and gifts, and a public address by the DC highlighting Chan-del's strategic importance and its status as the state's only aspirational district.

Across the State, the celebrations reflected a common theme of honouring freedom fighters, reaffirming unity and showcasing achievements, with district administrations blending official ceremonies with local cultural traditions to mark the 79th Independence Day.