IMPHAL, January 9: Supreme sacrifices made by the Kings and leaders of Manipur in the past must be remembered so that people can learn from them, stated deputy Chief Minister Gaikhangam.
The dy Chief Minister was speaking as the chief guest at the observance of the 181st death anniversary of Maharaj Gambhir Singh today.
Reminding the people that the unity, integrity and boundary of the state have stood the test of time, he said: `We must also learn how disunity among Kings in the past led to the loss of their territories.`
History must be read and understood with depth to gain wisdom from it, he said, adding that Mahatma Gandhi always maintained that the British didn`™t conquer India but in fact it was handed over to them due to the disunity among the Kings of India of the past.
This lesson from history must always be learnt and shared among us, he opined.
The deputy CM said the seven years devastation and the British rule in Manipur were a direct result of palace intrigues and lack of integrity. `Drawing from the past, we must now unite and maintain peace and harmony among the hills and valley communities of the State`, he said, further warning that those who try to disintegrate the State won`™t be spared.
State Archaeology, Department of Art & Culture organised the observance of the 181st death anniversary of Maharaja Gambhir Singh at his Samadhi at Langthabal (Canchipur), Imphal.
Heavy rainfall caused a poor turnout of participants but the function was held in full swing. Floral tributes were paid to the portrait of Maharaja Gambhir Singh and Nara Singh.
Later a guard of honour and a gun salute were given by personnel of the Manipur Rifles.
Langthabal MLA Karam Shyam speaking as the president of the function said the death anniversary of Maharaja Gambir Singh should be observed in a larger scale and politicians and VIPs of the state should made it a point to participate in such functions.
The function was also attended by PHED minister I Hemochandra, Art & Culture director K Sobita Devi and secretary (Art & Culture) K Radhakumar.