Hericoun celebrates 10th foundation day
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, May 16 2012:
The 10th foundation anniversary of Ethno Heritage Council (Hericoun) was celebrated at Hotel Imphal today along with the final of the 3rd Khangminnasi Eramdam Quiz competition.
The events were held with Commanding Officer of 7 Manipur Rifles (IPS) Sarangthem Manaobi (Khoiranthaba), Hericoun president Mutum Churamani Meetei and Manipur State Archives Deputy Director K Sushila Devi as the chief guest, president and guest of honour respectively.
As a part of the celebration, noted lyricist Laishram Birendrakumar was conferred with the 'Tomthin Khudol' for his contribution in the field of music.
Presenting the key-note address, Hericoun secretary general Islam Makakcha highlighted that the Council along with the cooperation and support from cross section of the society and the Government agencies had been taking up various measures whenever citizens are affected due to natural calamities and outbreak of epidemics.
Similarly relevant relief and re-consolidation steps have been initiated when there is incidents of the people's rights being violated, said Islam who also asserted that Hericoun is committed towards promoting peaceful co-existence amongst different ethnic groups through joint celebration of traditional as well as cultural events.
He further conveyed that Khangminnasi Eramdam Quiz competition is a concept of the Council to acquaint the younger generation with the traditional and customary practices of different ethnic groups settled in Manipur.
In his address as the chief guest, S Manaobi prevailed upon all concerned that need of the hour is for one to gain sufficient knowledge on diverse issues rather than stick and work on the parochial mindset of identifying oneself with his religious belief and community affiliation.
He asserted that Manipur need many more individuals with a broader mindset, compassionate enough to understand the aspiration of others with steely determination and courage to work for humankind so that Manipur attains the collective goal of overall progress and development.
Recounting Hericoun's contribution to the society in its decade long existence, Manaobi exuded confidence that NGOs working in diverse field in the State will continue to foster peace and harmony in the State.
Manipur State Archives' Deputy Director K Sushila, who also spoke on the occasion, suggested that for a sustainable and respectful livelihood for the educated youths every available option including revival of Meiteism should be explored.
Explaining on her contention, the guest of honour said with the majority community coming under the general category competing for jobs has become an arduous task for many.
Such a difficult situation could be adequately addressed if there is concerted effort to revive Sanamahism and demand for classifying the Meiteis as a minority group of people, said Sushila who also strongly advocated gathering of the Meiteis at social or religious events in order to arrive at a collective stand on the status of the Meiteis and to reap associated benefits of being a minority.
Meanwhile, final episode of the quiz competition with Associate Professor (Physics) of DMC Science Dr Md Raheijuddin Sheikh (Shamu) as the quiz master was still underway at the time of filing this report.
The final episode is being competed by students of Churachand (CC) Higher Secondary School representing Imphal East district, Johnstone Higher Secondary School representing Imphal West, Loyalam Public School from Bishnupur and Martin Grammar English School representing Thoubal district.
The four were selected out of the total of 41 teams that competed in the district level competitions.
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