Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, December 14 2009:
The golden jubilee of Hoomi Joint Leaders, Union (HJLU), which has been established under the motto of 'Thangkhama Kathanabing Chiya Zimik, Kachang, Sira Thada Horra' (wise and knowledgeable people would remain shine like sun, moon and stars) has been celebrated at Hoomi village under Chingai Assembly Constituency in Ukhrul district.
The main highlights of the three-day long celebration which concluded today included appeasement of god for blessing through rites and rituals, presentation of cultural dances and songs and talks by resource persons on issues related to the development and improvement of existing education, health care and community facilities.
The celebration was formally inaugurated in a befitting function held at Hoomi Baptist Church on December 11.After the welcome song presented by the choir group of the local church, Rev KL James performed the religious rites and rituals to appease god for his blessing and guidance in ensuring the success of the celebration.
The second day of the celebration began with founder of the Union rev LR Lolly and incumbent Union president K Dharmasing Khangaz gracing the dais as chief guest and functional president respectively.
Ex-president of the Union Z Sh Stone, headman of Hoomi village HW Yaolei, president of United Committee Manipur (UCM) Yumnamcha Dilipkumar, District Manager of FCI KC Rangry and development chairman of Hoomi Vokngayar P Wilson were also present at the occasion as guests of honour.
After hoisting of the flag, headman of Hoomi village HW Yaolei unveiled the golden jubilee memorial stone.
In his address as chief guest, Rev LR Lolly observed HJLU has been established with the belief that there can be peace and development only when there is unity among the leaders.
Keeping this objective in mind, the Union has been trying to facilitate communication among the leaders and today it has been able to show light to the people of Hoomi and its surrounding areas.
To bring about development in the society, unity and sincerity among ourselves is a must.
Leaders should have the spirit of sacrifice and dedication if the position of the Union is to
be strengthened.
Then only public would support us, he noted.
Speaking as one of the guests of honour, UCM president Yumnamcha Dilipkumar also pointed out that there can be peace and development in Manipur only when there is equal development in the hills and the valley districts.
Such get-togethers with no room for parochial narrow outlook should be encouraged as this would help us in ringing out strong message against the divisive forces, Dilipkumar observed.
Furthermore, he assured that UCM would try its best in exerting pressures on the Government for implementation of development works in Hoomi and other remote villages.
The villagers should extend their support in this regard, he urged.
In his presidential address, Union president K Dharmasing Khangza noted proper education and transport facilities are essential for development of any State.
However, people in remote areas of the State specially those in the hill districts have been lagging behind on these two areas.
The Inter-Village Road connecting Ukhrul with Kachai via Hoomi has not been repaired for the over 50 years now.
As a consequent, villagers have been encountering lot of difficulties in travelling along this route, he lamented.
On the other hand, he went to pointed out that as there is no health care facilities in the area, there have been instances in which the patients passed away before reaching the hospital as a result of the deplorable road condition.
On the importance of education, Dharmasing said although education is considered to be the backbone of the society, there has no Government school worth its name in the area.
In continuation of the function, cultural troupes of Hoomi village presented dances and songs to enliven the celebration.
In the evening, Reverend Y Shangai and Pastor H Lungrei jointly led another round of rites and rituals.
On the last day of the celebration today, Reverend Y Shangai, Pastor of Lamlang Gate Baptist Church K Victor Riyang and Pastor of Hungpung Baptist Church Achung Zingkhai spoke as resource persons on the topic of 'The truth shall make you free', 'The golden rule' and 'The whole duty of man ' respectively.
Students of Alpha School, Kachai performed song and other entertainment programmes on the last day of the celebration during which UCM president also presented a Sintex water storage tank of 500 litre capacity to the village.