IMPHAL, May 2: Among the three recipients of the title “General” in the history of the state, General Sougaijamba Balaram , an unsung hero has been remembered in culmination with his 123rd Death Anniversary today at Moirangkhom, Sougaijam Lampak.
The observance was graced by MLA Elangbam Chand and Sougaijam Saraju Devi (granddaughter of the general) as the chief guest and president respectively. Among the members of the dais included Prof Arambam Lokendra, former editor of IS Tv, K Madhumangol, director of Mutua Museum, Mutua Bahadur and, B Kulachandra Sharma, historian and author of the book “ The Life Story of General Balaram Sougaijamba”.
The dignitaries, family members and other invitees offered a floral tribute to the photo of the general at the outset of the function.
Cultural historian , Prof Arambam Lokendra in his speech mentioned that Sougaijamba Balaram was an administrator, a warrior, a visionary and one among the unsung heroes of the state. He continued that Longjamba Roma, Sougaijamba Balaram and Thangal are the only three persons to have held the rank of general during the monarchial rule of the state.
Further, he stated that the General played an important role in shaping the destiny of the state beginning from 1824 to 1889 and will be forever etched in the annals of history. He however claimed that proper recognition is not tendered by the state government as deserved.
“The contribution of General Balram is not given credit by the state as compared with other historical figures”, he said before adding that mention of the general is left void in state held observations of Khongjom Day and Patriots’ Day.
Lokendra emphasized on the need to give due recognition by the state and the public to the memory of such unsung heroes of the state.
B Kulachandra, author of the book “The Life Story of General Balaram Sougaijamba” also gave a detailed speech on the endeavors and achievements of the general. He highlighted that the date of birth of Sougaijamba is still unclear and needs further research. He stated that the birth date should be 1805 and not 1816.
“I am not saying that the earlier date is wrong ,but the record is based on the British journals, he would have been eight years old when inducted in the Manipur Levy”, he said.
Sougaijam Saraju Devi in her presidential address mentioned the need to institute a research centre so that those interested in proper analysis of the history of the state and the other unsung patriots can be better facilitated. “We need to have a research centre so clear records can be maintained and that historical doubts can be cleared”, she said.
The chief guest , MLA E Chand Singh also voiced the function was a revelation to him about the historical facts of the state.
It may be mentioned that General Balaram Sougaijamba was awarded the ‘Kendet Medal’ by the chief commissioner of Assam on behalf of the Government of India for his services in 1885.
Captain E.W. Dun in his book “Gazetter of Manipur”, written in 1886 also describes “ The only two important and powerful subjects are the two ministers- Thangal Singh and Balaram Singh. Thangal Singh is the most forward and active and readiest of the two,Balaram Singh is the most astute. They may be fairly described as representing in Manipur the Liberal and Conservative parties.”
Political agent, James Johnstone in his book “Manipur and Naga Hills” mentions, “The practical ministers were Balaram Singh or Sawaijamba Major and Thangal Major. They were both faithful adherents of the Maharaja”.
During the reign of Chandrakriti Maharaj in the 19th century, General Balaram was in charge of administration of the Kuki at the southern end of the valley and the whole of the hills west of the valley. The north eastern corner including the Somrah basin and Kabow valley.
In the book “A Tribute to Balaram General (Bolai Singh) , it was mentioned that “General Balaram Singh was an able,dynamic and competent leader as well as an expert war strategist. As the ‘Tulihal Major’, he commanded one of the seven regiments that composed the Manipur Army and occupied an important place in this state administration. He was also called ‘Bolai Major’. As the Chief Major, he was also known as ‘Sougaijamba Poila Major’. He subdued many rebellious tribes in the southern hills and brought them under control. He also took part in many expeditions against the Awas. He faced and fought the riotous Kuki tribes inhabiting the hills in the south. Through his tireless efforts, he earned the confidence of the tribal chiefs and brought truce with them, he made tribal chiefs and their people loyal subjects of the king.He always remained a trusted minister of Maharaj Chandra Kriti Singh”, it said.
The observation held today was organized by members of General Balaram Foundation.