MP Bimol reposes faith in Manipuri diaspora
Source: Chronicle News Service

Imphal, October 21 2024: nner Manipur Lok Sabha MP Dr Angomcha Bimol Akoijam has extolled the Manipuri diaspora, stating that they play a crucial role in shaping a new and prosperous Manipur.

Speaking as chief guest at the 13th annual general meeting cum cultural programme of Association of Manipuri Diaspora (AMAND) in Pune on Sunday, Dr Bimol, an alumnus of Poona University (Nowrosjee Wadia College), highlighted the significant involvement of diaspora from cities like Pune, Mumbai, Delhi, Hyderabad, and Bangalore and from abroad in the 2024 Lok Sabha election.

In an unprecedented move, he said, Manipuris settling outside Manipur came home just to vote in the Lok Sabha election, driven by a collective vision for change and a people-centric political leadership and movement.

The MP stressed that true peo-ple-centric political leadership must focus on the dignity and well-being of the people of the state, as well as on defending Manipur, rather than following the diktats of the bosses in Delhi.

The political awakening among the diaspora reflects a movement to ensure elections are driven by public issues, free from the influence of money and muscle power, he noted, and emphasised that the public's mandate in the 2024 Lok Sabha election should not be merely a "flash in the pan".

Further stating that the Manipuri diaspora's engagement in the recent political process signifies a crucial and hopeful shift for Manipur's future, Dr Bimol underscored that the essence of the diaspora refers to the psychology of home - where we come from and return to, added that that no matter where we are, our love for 'Poknapham Ima' - our motherland, Manipur-remains deeply rooted in our hearts.

This enduring connection defines the essence of the diaspora.

It is a sense of belonging that transcends borders, binding us through a shared identity that we carry with us wherever we go, the MP added.

The Association of Manipuri Diaspora (AMAND), Pune, founded on September 11, 2011, is a non-profit, non-governmental community organisation founded by like-minded people of Manipur residing in and around Pune, Maharashtra.

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