Memorial lecture held on PB's birth anniversary
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, February 17 2015: In commemoration of the 104th birth anniversary of the State's first Chief Minister (L) Maharajkumar Priyobrata Singh, Manipur Cultural Integration Conference, Imphal held a memorial lecture today at Lamyanba Shanglen, Palace Compound.

The session was graced by Chief Minister Okram Ibobi Singh and MCIC president Aribam Brajakumar Sharma as chief guest and president respectively.

The presidium members, led by renowned artist Thoidingjam Tombi Singh, offered floral tributes to the portrait of the late CM.

The welcome address of the sesion was delivered by RK Nimai Singh, nephew of late Maharajkumar Priyobrata Singh.

In continuation of the session, Chief Minister Okram Ibobi released a documentary film by Thiyam Devendra and Dr RK Somorjit titled 'Manipur Eminent Artists' .

Chief Minister O Ibobi and others at PB's birth anniversary

A memorial lecture titled 'Maharajkumar Priyobrata Singh gi Ayekpa Arts sing' (Maharajkumar's paintings) was delivered by Thoidingjam Tombi as part of the session held here today.

Speaking at the occasion, functional president Aribam Brajakumar said the late CM was not only an eminent political figure but was also a skilled artist.

The Minister also played an eminent role in the first and second women's war recorded in the State's history.

He acted as the main advisor to these women protestors during their times of need.

The Chief Minister, during his speech, recalled the devotion with which the late CM worked during his entire political career.

Maharajkumar Priyobrata worked for the integrity of the State.

The latter part of his life was spent attempting to resolve the differences between different communities in the State, said Ibobi.

A fine arts graduate from Rajkumar College, Raipur, Priyobrata brought to Manipur a fresh style and a new form of painting.

His contributions to the field however, passed unnoticed to the common people except for the few fine arts communities, the CM added.

Priyobrata, the CM recalled, was the first prince who, with the permission of the British, toured the hills regions of the State extensively.

Because of his extensive tours, Priyobrata came to be known in the hill areas, specially the Naga inhabited areas, as 'Sanayaima' and 'PB' in Churachandpur.

His stint with the British Indian Army during the second world war not only broadened his world view, but also brought in fresh ideas towards the administration of the State.

After the merger of the State with the Union of India, however, Priyobrata left State politics and devoted his life to social causes.

Meanwhile, Manipur Cultural Integration Conference (MCIC) in association with Arts Society, Manipur kick started the 1st Maharajkumar Priyobrata Singh Memorial Art Exhibition today at Manipur State Art Gallery, Palace Compound in commemoration of the 104th birth anniversary.

Chief Minister Okram Ibobi during his speech at the memorial lecture held at Lamyanba Shanglen today lauded the initiative of the organisers adding, "I am glad that an exhibition of art is also being held where a few of the works of Pabung (Priyobrata) is being exhibited along with the works of some of our leading young artists" .

The opening ceremony of the art exhibition was attended by MCIC president Aribam Brajakumar Sharma and Arts Society, Manipur president Kool Chandra M-Them as chief guest and president respectively.

Nineteen aspiring artists of Manipur showcased a total of 29 paintings, graphics and sculptures at the opening day of the exhibition today.

The first Maharajkumar Priyobrata Art award, instituted this year, was conferred on Imphal Art College graphics Lecturer Mangshatabam Samson Meitei.

The award comprised a shawl, a citation and a sum of Rs 20,000 which has been sponsored by Priyobrata's family.