Book on Komberei seeks to revive cultural treasure, boost conservation
Source: Chronicle News Service

Imphal, April 13 2025: A book titled 'Kum-Pubi Leirang Kombirei', authored by Prof (Dr) Huidrom Birkumar Singh, chief scientist at CSIR-North East Institute of Science and Technology (CSIR-NEIST), has been released on Sunday in an event organised at CSIR-NEIST, Lamphelpat by Apunba Imagi Machasing (AIMS), Manipur, and CSIR-NEIST.

The release function was attended by former MoS for external affairs and education of Dr Rajkumar Ranjan Singh as chief guest, AIMS president Mayanglambam Khelendro Singh as functional president, and former MLA Yengkhom Surchandra Singh, Health Services (retired) additional director Dr S Manikanta Singh and JNIMS associate professor Dr N Kumarjit Singh as the guests of honour.

Book on Komberei seeks to revive cultural treasure, boost conservation

Delivering the keynote address, AIMS director Dr Atom Sunil Singh, described the book launch as a moment of immense pride and joy for all as it was not merely a launch event but the revival of a cultural treasure and an urgent call for conservation.

Author Prof (Dr) H Birkumar Singh highlighted the cultural and botanical importance of the Kombirei flower, a symbol long revered in Manipur for its elegance and spiritual connotation.

He explained that the book seeks to clarify misconceptions surrounding the species and affirm its scientific classifi-cation as Iris laevigata Fisch.

In addition to taxonomy, the book explores the ecological, medicinal, and cultural significance of the flower, encapsulating the essence of Manipur's wetlands, oral traditions, and folk heritage.

In their speeches, Yengkhom Surchandra described the book launch as a moment of reconnecting with the land's stories and cultural legacy while Dr S Manikan-ta commended the work for capturing the environmental, medicinal, and cultural dimensions of Kombirei and Dr N Kumarjit Singh lauded the author's contribution to both science and heritage preservation, underlining the need to protect indigenous species.

Meanwhile, Dr Ranjan praised the book's timely relevance, noting that it evokes a symbol cherished by Manipuris and showcases the role of academia in sustaining ecological and cultural heritage.

He further expressed hope for future collaborative efforts, including potential partner-ships with Japan, to support preservation initiatives.

Mayanglambam Khelendro Singh reflected on the flower's deeper symbolism, stating that Kombirei blooms not only in the fields of Manipur but in the hearts of its people, representing a shared responsibility for its protection.

The event concluded with a vote of thanks delivered by Dr Paonam Priyobrata, director AIMS.

The book delves into the profound cultural and botanical significance of the Kom-birei (Iris laevigata fisch.), a flower deeply intertwined with the traditions and spiritual life of the Manipuri people.

It offers a comprehensive exploration of the Kombirei flower, a plant that transcends mere botanical interest to hold a revered position within Manipuri culture, and provides a dual perspective on this significant species.

Firstly, it meticulously examines the deep-seated cultural and spiritual importance of the Kombirei, tracing its presence through Manipuri traditions, religious rituals, vibrant folklore, and its influence on contemporary cultural expressions.

Secondly, the book presents a detailed botanical account of the Kombirei, emphasising Dr Birkumar's ground breaking work in correctly identifying it as Iris laevigata fisch.

This clarification is particularly important as it rectifies previous misclassifications and establishes the Kombirei as a distinct and significant species within the Indian flora.

Furthermore, the book is expected to address the alarming decline of the Kombirei in its natural habitats, thereby highlighting its endangered status and advocating for immediate and effective conservation measures.

Its significance is particularly evident during the Cheiraoba festival, the traditional Manipuri New Year, where it is indispensable.

Notably, a poignant legend associates the Kombirei with a tragic love story between individuals from different social strata, where the flower emerged from the site of a young woman's sacrifice, becoming a symbol of social harmony and a reminder to overcome caste-based discrimination during the Sajibu Cheiraoba festival.

This narrative, along with the flower's presence in popular Manipuri songs and even a feature film, illustrates its deep integration into the collective consciousness and artistic expressions of the region.

The Kombirei is a captivating species known for its striking blue or violet flowers and its preference for wetland and marshy environments, such as those found around Loktak Lake.

Growing to a height of 30-80 cm, the plant features slender, upright leaves, with its vibrant flowers typically blooming in the spring.

Dr Birkumar has played a crucial role in establishing this precise botanical identity, resolving previous confusion with Iris bakeri Wall, which is now understood to be a misnomer in this context.

His research has confirmed that Iris laevigata fisch is a new addition to the documented flora of India, with Manipur being its first reported location.

Alarmingly, the Kombirei has disappeared from its traditional habitats in Manipur, including the wetlands of Lamphelpat and Yaralpat, primarily due to habitat loss.