Puya Mei Thaba observance begins
Source: Hueiyen News Service

Imphal, January 02 2012: The Puya Mei Thaba observation as "Black Day" organised jointly by International Observation Committee on Puya Mei Thaba (ICOP), Meetei National Front (MNF) and All Manipur Recognised Private Schools Welfare Association commenced at Bethel English School, Nambol today.

The inaugural function of the observance, which is being organised under the theme "Remember, Review and Revive for Love, Peace and Integrity" was graced by Wangkheimayum Rajen, Director Education (S) as Chief Guest while Namoijam Tomba, Convenor, ICOP; M Memcha Chanu, President, All Manipur Recognised Private Schools Welfare Association; K Tomba, Secretary, Bethel English School and N Naokhomba Meetei, Convenor, Publicity Sub-Committee, ICOP as Presidium members.

Recalling the incident of burning of Puyas in front of Utra Sanglen on the 23rd day of Wakching, Thursday, 1729, the students and staffs of Bethel English School wore black badges and the seven coloured flag of the state was hoisted at half-mast .

Seven coloured flag being hoisted to mark the commencement of Puya Mei Thaba observance

Speaking on the occasion, Wangkheimayum Rajen said that the scholars and intellectuals of the state need to discuss the issue related to burning of Puyas way back in 1729 .

The story of Puya Mei Thaba should also be incorporated in the school syllabus for the generations to come to have a thorough knowledge of the incident.

He further stated that education means to develop both the mental and physical ability of an individual.

In Manipur the students hardly get the time to mingle with friends and play.

Their whole time is dedicated in learning only the syllabus of the school and top the class.

When asked about their aim, they would reply without any hesitation that they will become a doctor or engineer or a civil servant and serve the people.

But in reality these students don't even know their next door neighbour.

As such it is quite irrelevant when they say that they would serve the people in future, even if they become successful in life.

So it is quite necessary for them to have a deep knowledge about their forefathers and infused upon them the idea of nationalism.

Apart from incorporating the story of Puya Mei Thaba in school syllabus it also necessary to impart the knowledge of our indigenous games and sports to the students, he added.

The MNF on the occasion submitted a memorandum to the Education Director demanding inclusion of the story of Puya Mei Thaba in the school curriculum and syllabus.

Namoijam Tomba, speaking on the occasion, said that the incident of the burning of Puyas in front of Utra Sanglen on the 23rd day of Wakching, Thursday, 1729, was done by the King under the influence of one Santidas Gosai, who came to Manipur to preach Hinduism.

All those who were against the King were tortured in the most inhuman manner.

As a part of Puya Mei Thaba observation, students of various schools protested with wearing of black badges.

During the main observance function, writer Chana Lukhoi will be awarded the Maichou Ningshing Mana and Guru Rewben Mashangva will be feted with Chingmi Tammi Nungsi Lipun Mana for this year.