IMPHAL, Sept 30: The great revolutionary and communist leader of Manipur, Hijam Irawat, was fondly remembered on his 114th birth anniversary, an occasion celebrated today in Manipur, Assam, Tripura and Bangladesh.
The state level celebration of 114th birth anniversary of Jananeta Hijam Irawat organized by Irawat Celebration Committee, Manipur, was held at Mapal Kangjeibung, Imphal.
The celebration was attended by health and family welfare minister Ph. Parijat, L. Iboyaima, secretary of CPI Manipur State Unit, N. Binoy Singh, president of Senior Citizens for Society, N. Mangi Singh, chairman of MANIDCO, Padmashree A. Shyam Sharma, B. Sharma, editor of Khollao Thakhay, and Y. Ibeni Devi, president of All Manipur Nupi Marup.
Delivering the inaugural speech, health minister Ph. Parijat stated that Hijam Irawat was one of the greatest leaders of the state who had made commendable contributions in various fields including art and culture and sports. Irawat had been pivotal in bringing about hill-valley unity and safeguarding the territorial integrity of the state and he had even revolted against the then King of Manipur for the welfare of common people and farmer, he noted.
The state of Manipur which has been able to maintain its territorial integrity as well as unity amongst different communities could not have been in existence without the contributions of Hijam Irawat, Parijat asserted.
Hailing Irawat as a great communist leader of the state. MLA N. Mangi maintained that Irawat born at Pishumthong Oinam Leikai in 1896 was the pioneer of journalism and literary movement in the state who founded the journal “Meitei Chanu” and Manipur Dramatic Union (MDU).
He had worked as a crusader for untouchability in the state after the advent of Hinduism and also helped in the great women’s uprising popularly known as “Nupi Lal”, said Mangi.
Altogether 76 contingents belonging to different social organizations, schools, band parties and cultural troupes participated in the march past competition.
Padmashree A. Shyam Sharma, eminent film-maker, Dr. H. Naba and editor of Poknapham Daily (late) Sh. Gopal Sharma were also honoured during the celebration.
The 114th birth anniversary of Hijam Irawat organized by Jananeta Hijam Irabot Memorial Charity Trust was held at his birthplace Pishumthong Oinam Leikai, Irawat Road, with education minister L. Jayentakumar as the chief guest, AK Mirabai, chairperson of Manipur State Women’s Corporation as the president and DGP Y. Joykumar as the special guest of honour.
Addressing the gathering at the celebration function, education minister Jayentakumar lauded Hijam Irawat as the “symbol of unity” who had worked for the welfare and development of both hill and valley areas. He was the crusader of evil practices and had brought tremendous development and changes in the society, Jayentakumar noted.
He further stated that Irawat was a multi-faceted person who had worked in different fields including arts and culture, sports, literature and drama.
Owing to the contributions of Hijam Irawat in the society the youths of the state have well advanced in various fields of academics, sports and art and culture outshining the people of other states, education minister stated.
Jayentakumar also appealed to the people of the state to hand joins for realizing the dreams of Hijam Irawat who had worked dedicatedly for the welfare of the people.
The Manipur DGP, Y. Joykumar stated that a revolutionary change is very much the need of the hour and so the people should try to follow the footsteps of Hijam Irawat who had pioneered communist movement in the state.
He also said that education is necessary for human resource development which is very much essential for the growth and development of a society.
The celebration was also organized by Manipur Pradesh Trinamool Congress Committee, Senior Citizens’ for Society, Churachandpur United Clubs’ Organization (CUCO), Sagang Area United Clubs’ Association, and various other local clubs and organizations.
The uniqueness of the 114th birth anniversary of Hijam Irawat was marked by the participation of every local people in mass social service and cleanliness activities as well as lighting up the streets in their respective localities.