IMPHAL, December 21: A set of three books written by Professor Gangmumei Kamei `A History of Modern Manipur (1826-2000 A.D): A Study of Feudalism, colonialism and Democracy` was released today by former Chief Minister Rishang Keishing at the auditorium of the Jawaharlal Nehru Institute of Medical Sciences, Porompat, Imphal.
The retired professor of History, Manipur University who is also a former National Fellow of Indian Institute of Advanced Study, Shimla said it was Padmashree (L) MK Binodini Devi, a member of the erstwhile royal family of Manipur who committed him to write a book on feudalism during a meeting and that he was waiting for the opportune time.
He said on getting the national fellowship at the Indian Institute of Advanced Studies, Shimla from 2010 to 2012, he chose to write on the subject.
If the (L) MK Binodini Devi was alive today, she did be pleased with the book, observed professor Gangmumei Kamei.
The three books have 199, 195 and 215 pages respectively and are published by MP Misra CMD Akansha Publishing House, New Delhi with the Indian Institute of Advanced Study, Shimla owning the coprights. The set of books is priced at Rs 6000.
Chief guest of the function Rishang Keishing said that Manipur is a small State comprising of many tribes and its population is divided into small groups of tribes and communities.
Today`™s politics is creating a chaotic environment rather than call for unity among the different tribes and communities which has only resulted in souring the relationship between the people and the State losing its history.
Prof Gangmumei Kamei with his books is reviving this lost history, he asserted.
Meanwhile, the former Chief Minister of the State while showing solidarity to Irom Chanu Sharmila said he has submitted his views to the government to repeal the Armed Forces Special Powers Act.
Later after the end of the book release function during an exclusive chat, Rishang Keishing said he has also submitted to the State government to implement the Inner Line Permit System or any other similar Act to safeguard the indigenous communities of the region and at the same time to repeal AFSPA.
Speaking at the book release function, director, Centre for Manipur Studies, Manipur University prof N Joykumar Singh stated that the prof Gangmumei Kamei is a social worker who contributes to the society through his pen.
He said prof Gangmumei Kamei`™s earlier book `A History of Manipur: Pre-colonial perid`™ is one of his remarkable contributions to the State.
Professor of Anthropology, Manipur University prof MC Arun said that prof Gangmumei Kamei is an eminent historian and writer of the State.
He said the set of books released today will also contribute a lot.
Prof MC Arun also wittily noted that he is lucky to witness the `birth`™ of new book in a hospital, referring to the release of the book in JNIMS.
PWD Minister Dr Kh Ratankumar Singh and Professor of History, Manipur University prof Lal Dena also attended the function.