IMPHAL, August 12: The Patriots day was widely observed today at several places of the state. The Social Welfare Club, Mayang Imphal observed the day at the Mayang Imphal, Marriage Hall.
The club also organized a ‘Meira Khongchat’ which was attended by meira paibis and other locals of the area this early morning at 2:30am in connection with the day.
The meira rally started from Lakshmi Thongkhong bazar and ended at Mayang Imphal Makha Leikai.
Following the meira rally, the social club also observed the day at the Mayang Imphal Bazar, Marriage Hall.
The observation started with the lighting of the inaugural function by the state Works and Transport Minister, Dr Kh Ratankumar Singh and Agriculture, Fishery Minister Md Nashir Khan, followed by the offering of the floral tributes to the portraits of the martyrs Bir Tikendrajit and Thangal General.
Another major highlight of the observation was the 1st state level open debating competition with the theme of, “1891 gi Manipurgi Leingakpa sing aduna ngashigi Leingakpa singdagi mareibak nungshiba yamna helli”.
The observation was attended by state Works and Transport Minister, Dr Kh Ratankumar Singh and Agriculture, Fishery Minister Md Nashir Khan, Wangoi MLA Lukhoi Singh, MIMC, chairperson Th Rajmohon Meitei and SWC, mayang Imphal, Ksh Moirangthem Meiteias chief guest, special guest of honour, guests of honour and president, respectively.
Works Minister Dr Kh Ratankumar Singh in his speech elaborated on the importance of the day when Bir Tikendrajit and Thangal General were hanged to death by the Britishers.
He further put upon the younger generations of the state to understand why the day is being observed on such a large scale.
He continued the younger generations should also understand that even though there have been several historic moments in the state in the past 2000 years, however we are unable to remember all of them, nonetheless we never forget to observe August 13. This is because it is a special day for the state, which should be understood by the people of the state, he added.
The day was also observed at the Iboyaima Shanglen organized by the All Manipur Recognised Private Schools’ Welfare Association, Imphal and the All Manipur Students Guardians Organization.
State Education Minister M Okendra said he will try to incorporate the history of the state into the school curriculum, so that the history is not lost in oblivion.
He also expressed that the Patriots Day will be observed in a much larger scale from next year.
He said there is no difference between the government and the private schools in his effort to improve education system in the state.
He further urged the higher secondary schools to continue churning out meritorious students and added that the government will also continue providing all available help.
The observation was also attended by AMRPSWA president Memcha Chanu and AMSGA working president N Chaoba Singh as the president and guest of honour, respectively.
The Manipur Pradesh Congress Committee also observed the day at the Congress Bhavan with party president Gaikhangam presiding over the function.
Meanwhile, the Manipur Peoples’ Party also observed the Patriots’ Day under the banner ‘Athoibasingi numit’ at its conference hall.
Speaking on the occasion, the party’s vice president H Manisana and Advisor Dr L Chandramani Singh elaborated on the history of the day.
The day was presided over by the president of the outfit, Sanasam Umananda Singh.