IMPHAL, June 18: The annual general meeting and social gathering of the European Manipur Association, EMA was recently held from the June 2-4 at Heather sage, a picturesque village in Peak district, Derbyshire.
A release of the EMA said, “It’s one of the most scenic holiday sites in the midlands of England, United Kingdom, very popular for walkers and rock climbers. Members and friends of European Manipuri Association from different countries of Europe (Germany, Spain, Switzerland, Republic of Ireland, Scotland and England) attended this year’s annual social gathering, making it one of the most memorable one and once again it proves the importance of EMA platform which serves as the “Home Away From Home” for families of Manipur origin living in Europe”.
“Continuing EMA’s effort to bring a sense of togetherness and community involvement, congregation began with the formal introduction among the attending members and their families”.
It continued, “It is also a rare chance to get to know new members and share their views and ideas on various topics with special reference to Manipur and its Diaspora”.
“However, the main attraction of the first evening, June 2, was the screening of the much awaited National Award Winning Manipuri feature film “Phigigee Mani” in partner with “NE Brothers””.
“EMA would like to extend our sincere thanks to “NE Brothers” and “Phigigee Mani” team for taking all the troubles and arranging for the successful screening of the Manipuri feature film in Europe”.
“The annual general meeting of the association was inaugurated on the morning of June 3, with visiting guest Rtd.IPS, Th. Karunamaya Singh as the guest of honour sharing the dais with the executive committee members”.
“A patriotic Manipuri Song “Manipur Eigini Eigini” was presented as the inaugural song by an enthusiastic group of EMA youths”.
“The enthralled crowd was, then, moved by the charismatic speech from the chairperson, Okram Bishwajit with a strong message to spread the necessity of cultivating love and unity among the Global Manipuris”.
“This was followed by the organisational reporting from the general secretary, Khangembam Somorendro, to update members on the various projects, activities and achievements of EMA during the previous year”, the release said.
“As part of our aim to build a sense of belonging to our roots in Manipur especially among the young members, the gathering was presented with entertaining ethnic cultural dance and music by many EMA members as young as 5 years old, such as Sagolsem Yoihen’s patriotic Manipuri songs on Piano and Mayanglambam Marina Yaiphabi’s ‘Leima Jagoi’”.
“This was immediately followed by discussion on the topic ‘EMA the way forward – Your Vision’. Amongst the panellist were the senior and founding members of EMA”.
“The meeting progressed with discussions on various topics with special focus on the importance of larger participation of different communities on EMA platform which was welcome by members with enormous and constructive inputs”.
It has also said that after a well elaborated luncheon consisting of authentic and mouth-watering Manipuri dishes, members had a good time throughout the evening with various entertainment programmes of songs, music and other activities, viz comedy skid presented by members from Ireland, Thabal Chongba, an indoor sporting event of table tennis etc.
The social gathering came to an end on the morning of June 4, after a community breakfast and good bye message to each other, the release said.