KMA celebrates unity, excellence, cultural pride
Source: Chronicle News Service

Imphal, August 18 2025: Karnataka Meitei Association (KMA) on Sunday organised its flagship event, "In the Spirit of the Patriots: A Celebration of Unity & Excellence", bringing together Meetei community across Karnataka for a day of remembrance, recognition and cultural pride.

According to a KMA statement, the programme honoured the legacy of patriots, felicitated meritorious students, and strengthened community bonding through talks, performances and interactive sessions.

'Social scientist' Dr Dhanabir Laishram attended the event as chief guest, while Indian Institute of Science professor Dr Upendra Nongthomba, ISRO scientist Dr Raghu Ningthoujam, and activist Urmila Chanam were guests of honour, Actor-singer Hamom Sadananda, social activist Rohan Philem, and fashion entrepreneur Robert Naorem were also present on the occasion along with other prominent personalities.

KMA celebrates unity, excellence, cultural pride

In his welcome address, KMA president Subhas Takhellambam said that despite the rich culture and history of the community, Meeteis risk becoming endangered if the community continued to remain isolated.

He stressed the importance of unity, community spirit and patriotism wherever Meeteis live.

"Whoever wants to practice any religion can practice it, and whoever wants to join any organisation can join it.

Meetei is Meetei.

Let's never forget that we are one," he stressed.

The president further urged the community to come together not only for cultural festivals like Thabal Chong-ba and musical concerts but also in protests and solidarity movements on core issues.

"Our patriots, our ancestors, sacrificed for us.

We must continue to do our part for the future generations of our community," he exhorted.

Spelling out the association's vision, Subhas de scribed KMA as a youth-led, non-profit organisation formed by like-minded professionals in Bengaluru.

"We may not have enough funds, but our vision is big.

We firmly believe that if we serve our people with courage, humility, and integrity, hundreds will stand with us," he shared.

The event featured a felicitation and certificates of recognition ceremony for outstanding Meetei students in Bengaluru schools, colleges and universities, as well as youth achievers in sports.

The celebration also witnessed a Manipuri folk dance contest and patriotic songs, the statement added.