Seminar commemorates 80th anniversary of Battle of Imphal
Source: Chronicle News Service

Imphal, September 05 2024: The Sasakawa Peace Foundation recently hosted a seminar on the theme 'Reflections on Peace from Imphal, 80 Years Later', commemorating the 80th anniversary of Battle of Imphal, also known as Japan Lan in Manipur.

The seminar held in Tokyo with the participation of diplomats, historians and policymakers, including Indian ambassador to Japan Sibi George, highlighted the importance of Battle of Imphal and its legacy in fostering peace and reconciliation between Japan and India.

It served as a forum for discussions on how historical memory can be a vital tool in peacebuilding as the participants reflected on how lessons from the Battle of Imphal, one of the fiercest of World War II, could enhance contemporary efforts to promote peace and understanding between the two nations.

Speaking at the seminar, Imphal Peace Museum director Haobam Joyremba emphasised the role of the museum, located at the site of the historic battle, in preserving the memories of the battle, which saw intense fighting between Allied forces and the Japanese Army in 1944 .

He called the museum symbol of reconciliation and a bridge between the people of Japan and India.

Joyremba also highlighted challenges faced in the establishment and maintenance of the museum, while calling for sustained international support to ensure its longevity as a centre for peace education.

He underscored the importance of passing on lessons of history to future generations, particularly in a world increasingly in need of cross-cultural understanding and collaboration, with many attendees endorsing his call for the global community to support initiatives like the Imphal Peace Museum.

In their addresses, Manipur Tourism Forum president P Kunjabihari praised the increasing international interest in the museum and its role in promoting peace tourism in Manipur while Sasakawa Peace Foundation president Atsushi Sunami emphasised the importance of peace education starting from childhood.

He also advocated for incorporating lessons from historical conflicts like the Battle of Imphal into education systems to foster a global culture of peace, and highlighted how the Imphal Peace Museum has attracted over 70,000 visitors, testifying its growing influence as a place for reflection and reconciliation.

Meanwhile, Nippon Foundation chairman Yohei Sasakawa focused on the need for peace-building in Manipur and the world at large apart from stressing the importance of involving all stakeholders - governments, organisations, and citizens alike - in addressing the challenges of today, particularly in regions recovering from conflict.

He also emphasised the unfinished business of fostering peace, noting that the Imphal Peace Museum remains a beacon for this cause.

Both Haobam Joyremba and Yohei Sasakawa reflected on the unfulfilled visit of former Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi to the Imphal Peace Museum.

The two leaders had planned a symbolic visit, including a tree-planting ceremony and a "Chai Pe Charcha" (conversation over tea), which was intended to solidify the bonds between the two nations and pay tribute to the fallen soldiers of the Battle of Imphal.

Unfortunately, the visit was postponed due to unforeseen circumstances leaving this gesture of peace and friendship incomplete.

Joyremba and Sasakawa both advocated for this visit to be rescheduled as a tribute to late Shinzo Abe, emphasising how such a symbolic act would reaffirm the deep and enduring ties between Japan and India.

They stressed that completing this visit would not only honour Abe's memory but also reinforce the shared commitment to peace and reconciliation between the two countries.

The seminar underscored the growing relationship between Japan and India, framed by shared historical experiences and a mutual commitment to peace.

Discussions focused on how the two nations, through joint efforts in preserving historical memory and promoting peace education, can further strengthen their bonds in the future.

The event concluded with a renewed commitment to peace and collaboration between Japan and India, with a forward-looking agenda focused on addressing the challenges of today through the lessons of the past.

Attendees expressed hope that initiatives like the Imphal Peace Museum will continue to inspire future generations to work towards a more peaceful and cooperative world.

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