Death anniversary of Maharaja Gambhir Singh held
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, January 09 2012: Offering of floral tribute by the participants and guard of honour, gun salute and sounding of last post by a contingent of Manipur Rifles marked the 178th death anniversary observance of Maharaja Gambhir Singh at the Langthabal memorial complex of the departed Manipur ruler.

The death anniversary of Gambhir Singh was also commemorated by United People's Front (UPF) at Manipur Press Club as 'Re-consolidation Day' with senior citizen Dr Arambam Lokendra and UPF president BM Yaima Shah gracing the observance as the chief guest and functional president respectively.

The anniversary observance organised by Department of Art & Culture, State Archaeology was attended by Manipur Public Service Commission Member P Bharat Singh, Commissioner (Art & Culture) RK Nimai Singh and former BOSEM Chairman N Kunjamohan Singh as the chief guest, president and guest of honour respectively.

Pointing out that Manipur had been a prosperous nation during different rulers, P Bharat in his address, said efforts are on to restore historical sites scattered at different locations of Langthabal, which was a capital when Manipur was ruled by Kings.

Floral tributes paid to the pictures of Maharaja Gambhir

Listing Gambhir singh as one of the most revered rulers of Manipur along with Maharaja Khagemba, Garibniwaj (Charairongba) and Chingthangkhomba (Bheigyachandra), the chief guest opined that dispute amongst princes and successive rulers emboldened the British empire to plot downfall of the Manipur kingdom.

Remembering Gambhir Singh as one of the most far sighted rulers during whose reign Manipur's territory extended upto the Ningthi river, P Bharat said Gambhir Singh always strived to protect and promote Manipur in the region.

In honour of Gambhir Singh's effort to transform Langthabal as a fortress of Manipur there is need for every section of the society to contribute their mite in the restoration of the historical sites presently lying in ruins in Langthabal, said the MPSC Member who also informed that as first phase provision the Union Ministry of Culture provided Rs 3 crores which followed by subsequent funding to the tune of Rs 1 crore each for development of the historical sites.

Bharat exuded confidence that on completion of the ongoing renovation works Langthabal would not only be a tourist hot-spot but souls of the departed forefathers would be able to rest in peace.

Speaking at the occasion, RK Nimai emphasised on planning with a clear-cut vision so that development works could be initiated in sync with retaining historical aspect of Manipur.

He also expressed confidence that restoration works at the historical sites could be accelerated in the coming days and months.

Meanwhile, the death anniversary observance of Gambhir Singh held at Manipur Press Club began with a two minutes silence in respect of the departed ruler of Manipur.

Speakers at the observance recalled contribution of Gambhir Singh (Nongdrenkhomba) for restoring normalcy in the Manipur kingdom consequent to the seven Years Devastation (Desertion) in between 1819-1826 following invasion by the Burmese invaders.