Ways to promote Manipuri language discussed; Short film with Myanmarese subtitle re-released
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, June 14 2025: A discussion on promotion of Manipuri language and culture through films and Shumang Leela in South East Asia was held at Hotel Classic Grande, Imphal today.

The discourse, focused on promotion of Manipuri language through films and Shumang Leela by adding subtitles in them, was organised by Manipur Chamber of Commerce and Industry (MCCI) and Meitei Mission (Charitable trust) .

During the discussion on "Manipur language learning through subtitle and promotion of Manipuri films and Shumang Leelas in South East Asia", a Manipuri short film with Burmese subtitle titled "Class @ 6 PM" was re-released.

Babina Group of Companies chairman and managing director, Dr Thangjam Dhabali; Mission Meitei Trustee Dr RK Nimai, International Federation of Film Critics, India Chapter executive member Meghachandra Kongbam; and MCCI president Dr Basudev Singh attended the event as dignitaries.

Speaking at the discussion, MCCI secretary, Haorokcham Anil said the necessity to promote Manipur language through films was felt in the wake of the March 28 Myanmar earthquake.

The earthquake devastated many parts of Myanmar and affected people including the Meitei residents.

To provide assistance to the Meiteis in Myanmar, MCCI and Mission Meitei raised around Rs 11.50 lakh from the public.

While the aids were given to the Meitei brethrens in Myanmar, there language barriers which affected successful communication, he said.

"The Meiteis in Myanmar couldn't speak Manipuri and communicating with them was very difficult.

This was when we felt the need for promoting Manipuri language through subtitled films," Anil said.

The short film, Class @ 6 PM has been re-released with Myanmar subtitle with the intention to familiarise and promote the language among Meiteis in Myanmar, he added.

Anil said the 14-minute short film is based on true incidents which happened during the second wave of Covid in 2019-2020 .

The film has been shown in 5 international film festivals.

It got 3 official selections and received 2 awards.

Mission Meitei Trustee RK Nimai, echoed the same and stated that adding subtitles to Manipuri films is an efficient way to promote and reintroduce the Manipuri language and culture to the Meiteis, who are called Kathe in Myanmar.

Dubbing Manipur films in foreign languages and adding subtitles would help promote the language and culture, he added.

A project was previously envisioned to teach and promote Manipuri dance to the Meiteis in Myanmar, but it couldn't be realised due to the Covid pandemic and unrest in the country, he said.

Dr Nimai expressed concern that the Meitei population in Myanmar has drastically declined from around 3 lakh some decades ago to around 30,000 at present.

Filmmaker Romi Meitei and motivational speaker Dr Dhanabir Laishram spoke at the discussion.

Artists of the Class @ 6 PM were appreciated by presenting simple gifts.

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