Gaan Ngai festival kicks off at different venues
Sawombung hosts Kabui Gaan Ngai fest
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, January 08 2020: Stressing on the importance of preserving one's culture and tradition, CAF&PD Minister Karam Shyam has assured that the State Government will do whatever it can to help the small communities of the State preserve their ancient traditions and cultures.

Speaking on the occasion of the State level Kabui Gaan-Ngai celebration at Sawombung Kabui Khunjao under the aegis of the State level Kabui Gaan-Ngai celebration committee today, Karam Shyam said that at a time when many small communities are facing threats to their identity and culture, it is laudable that the Kabui community is coming forth to try and preserve their language, religion and traditions.

Manipur is populated by many communities each having their own distinct culture.

Sawombung hosts Kabui Gaan Ngai fest

However, it is disappointing to see many other communities coming up under various names and this is an attempt to eradicate the genuine communities who have been residing in Manipur since the ancient times, the Minister opined.

The Minister continued that preserving one's culture and identity is a sign of development and stressed on the critical role played by the youth in ensuring the survival and continuation of such cultures.

He then advised the community leaders to refrain from using statements which can harm the sentiments of other communities or trying to create tension and divide among various communities.

Karam Shyam spoke about the close relation of the Kabuis with the Meiteis since time immemorial by reminding that Moirang Kangleirol mentions the story of Kabui Salang Maiba.

He also pointed out that the presence of many Meitei CSO leaders and exchange of gifts by the Meiteis during the Gaan-Ngai celebration today, shows the bond between the Kabuis and the Meiteis.

Apart from providing a platform for all the Kabuis in the State to unite in celebration, Gaan-Ngai also presents an opportunity for the Kabui community to work towards strengthening and safeguarding the integrity of Manipur, he added.

On the other hand, the Minister also assured that the staff of Sawombung SDO and SDC, who are attached at the DC office Porompat, will be shifted back to their original office within a short period of time.

Speaking at the event, Manipur Kabui Union president Dr K Heera Kabui alleged that a particular tribe/community is trying to ensure the disappearance of the Kabui from Manipur.

Informing that the Kabui community has been enlisted in the India Constitution since 1950, he clarified that the claim that the community was replaced by Inpui and Rongmei, is totally false.

Manipur Kabui Union and All Manipur Kabui Women Organisation are still standing strong to this day to protect the identity, language, culture and traditions of the Kabuis, he added.

Dr K Heera Kabui reminded the gathering about the story of Kabui Salang Maiba and Khamba-Thoibi and conveyed that as per Manipur Kabui Union, if the Kabui community ceases to exists, then Manipur is lost as well.

The situation is the same for the Meitei community as well, he added, pointing out the close relation of the Kabui with the Meitei.

Kabui language/dialect has been included in the Constitution since 1950.In 2014, the appointment of primary school teachers by the State Government also covered Kabui dialect.

However similar appointment for Graduate school teachers by the Government in 2018, changed Kabui dialect to Rongmei dialect, which is disappointing, he lamented.

Kabui community is one of the indigenous communities of Manipur and to sideline the Kabui dialect and instead recognise Rongmei which came up in 2013, is akin to daylight murder of the Kabui community, he alleged.

Dr K Heera Kabui further claimed that the Gaan-Ngai festival has always been organised by the Kabui community and appealed to the authority concerned to hand over the rights of organising the festival to the community in the future as well.

He also lamented that many upcoming scholars and writers have been claiming freedom fighters like Rani Gaidinliu and Haipou Jadonang as Rongmei and Zeliangrong, which will only lead to further confusion for the future generations, and appealed to the State Government to do the needful at the earliest.

Lamlai A/C MLA Ksh Biren Singh, Arun Enterprises proprietor Thangjam Arun and IPSA advisor Ibotombi Khuman as well as various CSO leaders were present during the event.

Cultural troupes from numerous Kabui villages showcased various cultural dance and songs as a part of the event today.