Manipuris bow to Irawat
Source: Hueiyen News Service

Imphal, September 30 2009: The 113th birth anniversary of Manipur people's leader Hijam Irawat, was observed widely in various parts of state today with the main state level function held at Mapal Kangjeibung.

Offering of floral tributes to the portraits of Irawat and giving salutes to the portrait by march past contingents of civil organizations and student groups marked the observation functions.

The main state level function held at Imphal`s Mapal Kangjeibung was marked with a colourful march past, and paying of tribute to a life-size portrait of Irawat.

The contingents, consisting mainly of school students and volunteers of civil society organisations participated in the event, organised by the Irawat Celebration Committee.

Chairman of the CPI Manipur Control Committee, M Ibohal, health and family welfare minister, Ph Parijat, president of the Senior Citizen For Society, N Binoy, its vice-president L Lalit, professor Y Mohendro, professor L Sadananda, patron member of All Manipur Nupi Marup, M Kadambeni, chairperson of the Manipur Women Commission, Dr Ch Jamini, chairman of the MANIDCO, MLA N Mangi, MLA, Dr H Borajao and MLA Dr U Deben attended as members of the presidium of the function.

Speaking on the occasion, health and family welfare minister, Ph Parijat said if the underground groups are straggling for the cause of the people, the number is too much. Emergence of too many underground groups has compelled to raise question whether they are coming out for the cause of the people or to suck blood from the people to the mind of the people.

When Irawat was alive, he spread the message on the need of unity in waging war for certain purposes.

During his time, there were around 10 underground groups waging war against Burma government.

Irawat brought them under one platform through talks.

Manipur of today exist is because of Irawat.

When some hill based group started their movement for creating state separating slicing part of Manipur, he brought them under negotiating table.

A contingent of students salute the life size portrait of Irawat during march-past

At the time of effort of making a new state Purbanchal by amalgamating Manipur, Mizoram, Nagaland, Tripura and parts of Assam also Communist party in Manipur under the leadership of Irawat defeated it.

Manipur boundary cannot be alter in any way was the message of Irawat, Parijat observed.

In the context of formation of greater Nagaland demand by slicing parts of Manipur and Assam, there arose the need a leader like Irawat, he observed.

Recalling the life and struggle of Irawat, veteran CPI leader, Moirangthem Ibohal said, Irawat always stand against looking down women and poor farmers.

The present process of intimidating to women needs to be discussed and taken up appropriate action.

Thirty-seven contingents participated in the march past competition.

The result of the competition was also announced later.

The Jananeta Irawat Birthday Celebration Committee, Imphal also organized the 133rd birth anniversary of the iconic people's leader with a function at Manipur Dramatic Union (MDU) with former chief minister, Radhabinod Koijam as chief guest.

Chairman of the Jananeta Irawat Birthday Celebration Committee, Meitram Shamu presided over the function in which prof nongmaithem Tombi, president of Manipur Sahitya Parishad, prof Soyam Lokendrajit, department of philosophy, MU, prof, elangbam Bijoykumar, vice-president of I-Foundation, Manipur, Nungleppam Shyamkanhai, president of Manipur Library Association, Langpoklakpam Kunjo, president of Manipur Loumee Marup and Khomdram Gyneshwor, secretary of AIFB, Manipur also attended as dignitaries.

Radhabinod Koijam while speaking as chief guest expressed concern over the numerous books on Irawat which was not based on facts and suggested for formation of committees of scholars to sensor those factious books.

Prof Nongmaithem Tombi and prof S Lokedrojit talked on the life of Irawat and his works, Kshetrimayum Ibohal also shared a few golden moment with Irawat in his early life.

A drama called "Lamyanba Irawat (historical drama) staged by the artists of the MDU also presented on the occasion.

The day was also observed by the Irawat Foundation, Manipur in association with Manipur Thang-Ta Association, Irilbung and All Bamonkampu Development Association at the auditorium of the Thang-Ta association at Irilbung.

Speaking at the function, president of the Irawat foundation, Thounaojam Iboyaima said the only way to bring an end to the present violence incidents is to translate the ideology of Irawat into action.

He further said that the quality of being a leader of the people who scarified for the welfare of the people increase after his death.

Likewise, the quality of Irawat is increasing its popularity day by day.

Principal of the Manipur Thang-Ta Cultural Association, Irilbung, Padmashree G Gourakishore graced the function as chief guest, presided by Th Iboyaima.

Pradhan of the Keirao Gram Panchayat Asem Hemanta and pradhan of the Bamonkampu GP, Th Bubhon attended as guest of honoured.

The Naoriya Pakhanglakpa Kendra Club's Co-ordination Committee also observed the day with a function at Kondompokpi Community Hall.

Presentation of incentive award to the students marked the occasion.

The function was graced by additional director Hareshwor Goshami graced the function as chief guest which was presided over by Kangjam Budhi.