IMPHAL, September 30: The 115th birth anniversary of Hijam Irabot was celebrated today in various parts of the state and abroad.
The state level celebration was organized by the Irawat Celebration Committee at Mapal Kangjeibung .
The celebration was attended by agriculture minister Ph Parijat, N Ibohal, chairman of Control Commission MSC/CPI, Dr M Nara, state secretary MSC/CPI, Kumbi MLA N Mangi, Sekmai MLA H Borajao and Anantakumar Seram, president of Bangladesh Manipuri Sahitya Sansad as the presidium members.
Addressing the gathering at the celebration, agriculture minister Parijat stated that the present socio-political environment of the state is very much contrary to what Hijam Irawat had dreamt of his motherland.
“The capitalists are trying to ruin the social harmony in the state”.
A corruption-free government is the need of the hour for Manipur and so everyone in the state must strive to fulfill the dreams of Irawat who had worked for the cause of the farmers and downtrodden people of the society, he enjoined.
Recounting the valuable works and contributions of Hijam Irawat, Parijat stated that he was the first leader from the Northeast to stand boldly against the formation of Purvanchal Province in 1948.
CPI state secretary, Dr M Nara asserted that Irawat had fought valiantly against social injustice and oppression by the capitalists. He was the only leader who had safeguarded the territorial integrity of the state by defying the formation of Purvanchal Province.
The birth anniversary celebration is held every year to motivate and inspire the present generations towards fulfilling the goals and objectives of Hijam Irawat in the state.
Altogether 89 contingents from various schools, colleges and local organizations took part in the march past competition.
The first Thiyam Meghachandra Journalist Award was also presented to Khogendra Khomdram, editor of Sangai Express (Manipuri) during the celebration.
The 115th birth anniversary of Hijam Irawat was also held at Mayang Imphal Bengoon, THAU Ground, Keishamthong Elangbam Leikai, Pishumthong Oinam Leikai and various other places in the state.
The Hijam Irabot Memorial Trust also observed the 115th birth anniversary of Jananeta Hijam Irabot today at his birthplace, Pishumthong Oinam Lekai.
During the observation, attendees led by Manipur Legislative Assembly speaker I Hemochandra and health and family welfare minister L Jayentakumar and local populace paid floral tribute to a bust of the late leader Hijam Irabot.
Speaker Hemochandra speaking during the observation stated that the present generation of the state should follow in the footsteps of the late leader.
Further, during the observation, AK Sheram from Bangladesh was awarded with the Hijam Irabot Memorial award which carries a sum of Rs 25 thousand and citation.
According to the organizers of the observation, the HIM award was given to AK Sheram after considering his contribution towards the welfare of the Manipuri language.
Meanwhile, Wide Angle Social Development Organization, Sagolband Moirang Hanuba unveiled a bust of Hijam Irawat at its office complex while observing the 115th birth anniversary of Irawat today.
The inaugural function was graced by Retd. Wing Commander Ahanthem Hemchand, General Secretary of Moirang Hanuba Youth Development Organization (MYDC) Oinam Mangilal as the chief guest and president of the function respectively.
Senior journalist and founder member of Manipur Human Rights Commission Yambem Laba was the guest of honor.
After paying floral tributes to the memory of the martyr the chief guest Ahanthem Hemchand unveiled the bust of Hijam Irawat.
The occasion also saw participation from children from CRY in a cultural function held afterwards.
