IMPHAL, November 9: Editor of Huiyen Lanpao (Manipuri edition) Hemantakumar Ningomba received the ‘Editor Award for development of Manipuri Language and Script’ with a cash award of Rs. 20,000 and ‘Reporter Award for promotion of Integration and Communal harmony in Manipur’ went to Sapam Aruna, staff reporter of the Sangai Express, with a cash prize of Rs. 15,000 of the ‘Luchingpurel Chingsubam Akaba Ningsing Journalist Award 2013-2014’.
The award function was in commemoration of the 70th birth anniversary of Chingsubam Akaba held today at Hongmanh Tangkhul village, Saikul, Senapati District by Luchingpurel Chingsubam Akaba Ningshing Lup, LUCANIL in association with the management board of ‘Pandam’.
The function was attended by Manipur titular king Leisemba Sanajaoba, former minister RV Mingthing, president Tangkhul Nagalong (TNL) Ayo Kazingmei, president of Tangkhul Naga Wungnaolong Sweeten Rahing, president of Editors Guild Manipur A Mobi, chairman R Suisa Trust Dr Ngohor Sai Luithui, executive editor Pandam Namoijam Tomba and village chief of Hongmahn Tangkhul Village Akhui Zimik as chief guest, president and guests of honour respectively.
The presidium members paid floral tribute to the portrait of Chingsubam Akaba as a mark of respect.
During the occasion, ‘Pandam’ calendar for the year 2015 along with the special edition of ‘Pandam’ bilingual evening daily was released today. It may be mentioned that 35 years ago, Akaba had published the same paper, which was revived today.
Manipur Titular King Sanajaoba in his speech said that Chingsubam Akaba was a true leader, who dreamt to unite hill and valley people of Manipur. He said that we must fulfill the departed leader’s dream by following his path.
Sanajaoba also pointed out that word alone cannot bring unity, but action is the need of the hour, as action speaks louder than words. It is worthless to fret about the bitter past, which could jeopardize the ties among the brethren of hill and valley; we have to move forward united, he added.
He declared that he will donate Rs 25, 000 for the completion of Suisa’s tomb at the Memorial Complex of Leimaching, Wakha Nongmeiching. He also acknowledged that he had already donated Rs. 50, 000 for the sculpture of the same leader ‘Rungsung Suisa’.
He said that Rungsung Suisa and Chingsubam Akaba knew the best for the Meities and the Nagas and they respected the rights of each other.
President of Tangkhul Naga Wungnaolong, Sweeten Rahing maintained that the wisest thing is to unite and move forward by respecting each other.