Rich tribute paid to Lamyanba Irabot
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, September 30 2011: A colourful march-past, cultural extravaganza, felicitation of meritorious students, cleaning of localities (social service), entertainment programmes, quiz, song and recitation competitions marked the 115th birth anniversary celebration of Lamyanba Hijam Irabot at different places today.

The State level celebration was organised by Irabot Celebration Committee, Manipur at the historic Mapal Kangjeibung where floral tributes were paid at the portrait of the pioneering figure in addition to march-past in five categories by a total of 89 contingents comprising students and cultural troupes.

The Thiyam Meghachandra Journalist Award 2011 was conferred on the editor of The Sangai Express (Manipuri edition) Khogendra Khomdram on the occasion.

Prizes to position winners of the march-past and various other competitions organised earlier to commemorate the birth anniversary were also presented by the dignitaries present at the occasion.

A cultural show underway and Kh Khogen of TSE (Manipuri edition) with the award

Among others CPI Manipur State Council Control Commission chairman M Ibohal, CPI state Secretary Dr M Nara, Agriculture Minister Ph Parijat, CPI MLA N Mangi, MLA Dr H Borajao, Khollao bi-monthly editor B Sharma, National Federation of Indian Women's vice president S Sakhi, All Manipur Nupi Marup president S Sorojini, Bangladesh Manipuri Sahitya Parishad president Anantkumar Seram and former Manipur University Vice Chancellor Prof IS Khaidem graced the event.

Various speakers addressing the impressive gathering recounted contribution of Hijam Irabot in the movement of the working class citizens and stressed on the need to follow the principle and activities of the pioneer in attaining economic emancipation.

At Pishumthong Oinam Leikai, Manipur Legislative Assembly Speaker I Hemochandra and Health Minister L Jayanta Kumar led the people in paying obeisance to Lamyanba Irabot.

The other highlight of the anniversary celebration held at Pishumthong oinam Leikai was the conferring of Hijam Irabot Memorial International Award to Anantkumar Seram in recognition of his relentless endeavour and promotion of Manipuri language.

Hosted by different organisations and attended by both politicians and the general public the 115th birth anniversary of the revered leader was also held at Wangjing Bazar, Jiribam and Manipur Dramatic Union hall.

In connection with the celebration organised by Wide Angle Social Development Organisation a bust (statue) of Lamyanba Irabot was unveiled at Sagolband Moirang Hanuba complex of the Organisation by the chief guest (Retd) Wing Commander Ahanthem Hemchand in the presence of O Mangilal, general secretary of Moirang Hanuba Youth Development Organisation and senior journalist Yambem Laba.

Organisations which hosted the event at their respective areas include Jiribam Jananeta Irawat Memorial Trust, All Thoubal District United Clubs' Organisation, AKUKO, Khonghampat branch of All Manipur Students' Union, Samaj Tengbang Lup (Uripok Achom Leikai), Hijam Irabot Memorial Charitable Trust (Pishumthong Oinam Leikai), Youths' Club Keishamthong Top Leirak, Churachandpur United Clubs' Organisation, Pangal Students' Organisation (Mayang Imphal), Naoriya Pakhanglakpa Kendra Clubs' Co-ordinating Committee, Irabot Foundation Manipur (Singjamei Bazar), Pa-Akhangba Cultural Club (Kwakeithel Mayaikoibi), Ningthoukhong theatre Centre, The Patriotic Committee (Keishamthong Elangbam Leikai), Nongmaiching Area Komrem Development Committee (Tuisemphai village), Local Youth Development Association (Kwakeithel Leimakhujam Leikai), Irabot Research and Commemoration Committee Manipur (RIMS Road), Uripok Tourangbam Leikai Women's Welfare Organisation, Uripok Tourangbam Leikai Welfare Organisation, Singjamei to Lilong United Clubs' Organisation, Minuthong Hatta Social Welfare Union, IEUCO, SUCO, NIUCAMO, SEUCO, Ekou Youth Club and Social Development Organisation (Brahmapur Mange Makhong Leirak) .