Rich tributes paid to Jananeta Irawat
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, September 30 2026: As observed in different parts of the State and beyond, the 130th birth anniversary of Jananeta Hijam Irawat was observed today at Iboyaima Shumang Leela Shanglen, Palace Compound.

The birth anniversary function organised by the Irawat Celebration Committee started with a procession from Irawat Bhavan to Iboyaima Shumang Leela Shanglen which brought a life size portrait of Lamyanba Irawat, and offering of floral tributes to the portrait of Jananeta Irawat.

The celebration also featured a march past competition of school students and band parties.

Rich tributes paid to Jananeta Irawat

Irawat Celebration Committee Manipur chairman Dr M Nara, CPI State Control Commission former chairman Langol Iboyaima, CPI Manipur State Council secretary A Nabachandra, Manipur State Shumang Leela Council president Hawaibam Budhi, Irabot Celebration Committee vice chairman L Sotinkumar and All Manipur Nupi Marup chief patron Maibam Kadambini graced the function as presidium members.

Speaking on the occasion, Irabot Celebration Committee secretary M Joykumar said that the Irawat Celebration Committee has been organising Irawat commemorative functions for one full month every year in September since 1959 .

As more and more people have come to know of the life and works of Hijam Irawat, commemorative functions in honour of the late leader are now observed across the State and beyond, he said.

Joykumar said that Hijam Irawat took momentous roles in safeguarding the integrity of Manipur and protecting its territorial integrity.

Jananeta Irawat is a God-like figure and the Government too has started commemorating the birth anniversary of Irawat after declaring September 30, the birthday of the late leader, as a State holiday, he said.

The Government of India too produced a stamp of Jananeta Irawat in 1997, he said.

Irawat Celebration Committee vice chairman L Sotinkumar said that a leader like Hijam Irawat is urgently needed in order to save Manipur.

If Jananeta Irawat was not there, several States of the North East including Manipur might have merged and formed Purvanchal Pradesh, Sotinkumar said.

It was the mass movement led by Hijam Irawat which prevented the formation of Purvanchal Pradesh and thus saved Manipur.

Irawat Ningshing Mana was also distributed as a part of the function.

Hijam Irawat Ningshing Mana 2026 for Exceptional Personality was awarded to Dronacharya Awardee Leishangthem Ibomcha, Thiyam Meghachandra Journalist Award to SK TV chief editor Raj Nongthombam, Ngangom Mahendra Dedicated Law Practitioner award to retired Session Judge Aribam Noutuneshwari and Thokchom Achouba Integrity Award to Kabui Union Manipur president Lanbunlung Kabui.